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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:

Alternative formats

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:

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.