Voter ID - Bring photo ID to vote
On this page:
Voters are now required to show a form of photographic identification at polling stations before they are able to cast their vote*.
Watch a short explainer video:
Types of photographic identification
A full list of accepted forms of ID will be included on your poll card.
Your poll card will arrive shortly before any forthcoming elections in your area and will be in an envelope addressed to you.
You will likely already have one of the following:
- a UK issued Passport
- a photographic driver's licence (including provisional)
- a European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
- a UK Biometric Residence Permit
- an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- a Blue Badge
- a concessionary travel pass - for example Hampshire County Council Bus Pass
You must bring the original document. We cannot accept scanned images, copies, or photos of your ID shown on your smartphone.
Out of date identification will be accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.
When you show us your ID at the polling station we will check your likeness with the photo before giving you your ballot paper and directing you to the voting booth. We do not copy your ID, or keep it, and the details are not recorded.
You can view a full list of accepted ID on the GOV.UK website.
What to do if you do not have any photo ID
If you do not have any of the accepted types of photo identification and you want to vote at the polling station, you will need to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate on the gov.uk website.
You must be registered to vote to use this service.
This will be an A4 photographic identification document specifically designed to allow you to cast your vote.
Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate
Paper application forms are available to download and print below and should be returned by email to
or by post to
Electoral Services
Appletree Court
Beaulieu Road
Lyndhurst
SO43 7PA
Voter Authority Certificate Application Form (PDF) [718KB]
Voter Authority Certificate Application Form - Large print (PDF) [147KB]
Alternatively forms can be collected from one of our information offices..
If you need help with this process please call 023 8028 5445.
Voting by post or by proxy
You will not need ID to vote by post, you will be issued with a postal ballot as usual.
If you choose to nominate a proxy to vote on your behalf they will need to have their own ID to be issued with a ballot paper. They will not need your photographic ID.
Guidance in other formats
Resources have been produced by the Electoral Commission to support electors with visual impairments or users of British Sign Language (BSL), to understand the new requirements.
Download resources for blind and partially sighted people
More information
You can find out more about the Elections Act 2022 on the GOV.UK website.
Voter ID Statistics
You can view statistical data about Voter ID gathered at the New Forest local and town/parish elections in May 2023.
*Please note that this requirement is only in force for local elections and by-elections, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections and recall petitions. From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.
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