Voter ID Page

In 2023, rules were introduced requiring voters to produce a photo ID to vote in a polling station.

Commonly used ID

• Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country
• Photographic driver’s licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional)
• European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID Card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit
• An identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram  (PASS card)*
• A Blue Badge
• Oyster 60+ Card
• A concessionary travel pass funded by HM Government or local authority (Kent County Council Bus Pass; Disabled Person's Bus Pass, Welsh or Northern Ireland travel card)

PLEASE NOTE: Only original documents are accepted; scanned images, electronic versions or copies will not be accepted - however, expired documents are accepted if the photo is still a current likeness.

Please visit the Electoral Commission’s website for further information.

Voter Authority Certificate

If you're registered to vote but do not have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photo ID that you can use to vote in person.

Easy Read guide: How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate 

Voter ID FAQs

What if my appearance has changed on my photo ID?

If you look totally different on your ID, we recommend that you apply for Voter Authority Certificate before the deadline (see above) to prevent you from not being able to vote.

Can I use a poll card as ID?

No, it must be an approved form of photographic ID.

What happens if I forget or lose my ID on the day?

Apart from Voter Authority Certificate holders, all other electors will have to leave the polling station to find their ID or get another form of ID. If you do not have anything else to prove your identity you will be unable to vote.

My name is different on my photo ID to the electoral register, what should I do?

If in any doubt about whether your identification will be accepted, please talk to a member of the elections team for clarification on 01322 343501.

I don’t want to risk losing my ID, can I bring a photocopy?

Whatever form of ID you bring must be the original, no copies or electronic versions will be accepted.

What if I lose my Voter Authority Certificate?

We recommend you keep your Voter Authority Certificate as safe as you would any other form of official identification. However, if this happens please call us on 01322 343501.

Can I use an expired driving licence or passport?

Yes, as long as the photo is still a good likeness.

My passport and driving licence show the wrong address, is this ok?

Yes, as long as the photo is still a good likeness. The photo ID is to check your identity not your address.

I would like my identity checked in private, is this possible?

Yes, all polling stations will have procedures in place for electors who wish to have their identity checked in private.

Voter ID Data

Voter ID requirements apply to the 4 May 2023 election and set out the publishable data relating to Voter ID.

This data is taken from the Voter Identification Evaluation Form (VIDEF) which records information relating to the voter identification of electors who requested a ballot paper.