Voter ID
A requirement under the Elections Act 2022 for voters at polling stations in Great Britain to show an approved form of photographic identification before being issued a ballot paper.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Since the requirement took effect, voters need to show photo ID when voting in person in some UK elections or referendums. The photo ID shown must be the original — not a photograph, an image on a phone, or a photocopy — although it can still be used even if it has expired, provided the photo looks like the voter.
A wide range of documents are accepted, including a UK or Northern Ireland photocard driving licence, a UK passport, a passport issued by an EU country, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or a Commonwealth country, a PASS card, a Blue Badge, and free travel passes such as an Older Person's Bus Pass or a Freedom Pass. Anyone without an accepted form of ID can apply free of charge for a Voter Authority Certificate.
Related terms
Official sources
This explanation is drawn from the official sources below; every substantive statement is verified against them. For advice on a specific matter, see our find help page.