Changes to how we vote in the UK, acceptable forms of photo ID, what to do if you don't have photo ID, or you vote by post or proxy.
The Elections Act 2022 made changes to the way we vote in the UK at polling stations.
You must now show photographic identification (photo ID) at the polling station, before being given ballot papers for the following elections:
- UK Parliamentary General Elections
- local elections and referendums in England
- Police and Crime Commissioner elections in England and Wales
- UK recall petitions (a process that allows voters to recall MPs)
Read about voter identification Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/voter-identification-faqs (opens new window) on GOV.UK.
Acceptable forms of photo ID
You may already have an accepted form of photo ID such as a passport or driving licence. These do not need to be valid or in date, but the photo must still be a good likeness of you.
You will need to show the original version at the polling station, not a photocopy or image on your phone.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue Badge
- Identity card with PASS mark
- Biometric immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Older or Disabled person's bus pass
- EEA national identity card
- Voter Authority Certificate: see below
Find the full list of accepted forms of photo ID in the polling stations on GOV.UK.
You do not have photo ID: apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
If you do not have a valid form of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate.
You can apply online.
Or download the application form and post it to:
Voter ID, Electoral Services, Bristol City Council
5th Floor, B Bond
Smeaton Road
Bristol
BS1 6XN
If you would like us to post you an application form:
- call us on 0117 92 23400 or
- email voterid@bristol.gov.uk with your full name and address
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to use at the local election in May 2024, is Wednesday 24 April 2024.
Alternative formats
- pdf Authority Certificate application form, Easy Read (1.79 MB)
- pdf Authority Certificate application form, large print (622 KB)
If you are unable to use this form, require another format or need it posted to you please email us at electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk or call us on 0117 92 23400.
If you need this information in Braille:
- call us on 0117 92 23400
- email voterid@bristol.gov.uk
Your photo does not look like you
Your photo ID does not need to be valid or in date, but the photo must still be a good likeness of you. If your photo ID no longer looks like you, you can apply for Voter ID.
You vote by post
If you vote by post, you do not need to provide voter ID.
You vote by proxy
If your proxy votes on your behalf at the polling station, they will be asked to show their photo ID. They will not be asked to show any ID for you.