Voter ID
In 2022, the UK Government introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station.
You will only need to show one form of photo ID, but it needs to be the original version and not a photocopy or picture on a smartphone.
Acceptable forms of ID include:
- passport
- driving licence (including provisional license)
- blue badge
- certain concessionary travel cards
- identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- biometric immigration document
- defence identity card
- certain national identity cards
A full list of the different types of acceptable photo ID are available on the Electoral Commission website.
Voters can use expired ID, as long as it looks like you and the name is the same as on the Electoral Register.
The Electoral Commission have created some video guides on:
If you have no form of acceptable photo ID
Anyone who does not have one of the acceptable forms of ID can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You can make an application on the GOV.UK website, or by completing a paper form and sending it to West Berkshire Council's Electoral Services team. The Electoral Commission have created on video guide on how to apply for free voter ID.
If you need any help with applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact the Electoral Services team by calling 01635 519464 or emailing vote@westberks.gov.uk.
Anyone who wants to have their say in elections must also be registered to vote. It only takes five minutes to register to vote on the GOV.UK website. Voters wishing to apply to their council for free ID should first make sure they are registered to vote.
You can find out more about registering to vote by visiting our About the Electoral Register and registering to vote web page .
More information
You can find out more about voter ID on our Frequently Asked Questions page and by visiting The Electoral Commission - Voter ID page.
If you can't find what you're looking for you can contact our Electoral Services team on 01635 519464 or emailing vote@westberks.gov.uk.
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