Voter photo ID

The UK Government now require voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station. 

Forms of ID you can use to vote

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable.  You'll need to bring the original version of any of the following: 

• 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
• driving licence (including provisional licence) issued by the UK, Northern Island, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
• blue badge
• older person's bus pass, disabled person's bus pass, Oyster 60+ card, Freedom Pass
• identity card with PASS hologram (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• biometric immigration document
• defence identity card
• national identity cards issued by an EEA state
• electoral identity document such as Voter Authority Certificate, Anonymous Elector's Document or Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

For a full list of accepted documents and more information about voter photo ID, see Electoral Commission: Voter ID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on GOV.UK. 

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to Electoral Services at Elmbridge Borough Council.

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact us on the details below.

If on election day your photo ID is no longer available, or your Voter Authority Certificate has not arrived, please contact us for further guidance.

Voting by post

You will not need to provide photo ID to vote by post.  This is because there are other identification checks, including verification of your signature and date of birth, both when you apply for a postal vote and when you submit your ballot paper.

What to expect at the polling station

Voters will be required to present ID and for it to be checked by polling station staff.  A private area will be available at the polling station so a voter can choose to have their photo ID viewed in private. Staff will handle requests for ID to be checked in private discreetly and with courtesy.

If you forget to bring photo ID when you visit the polling station, you will be given the opportunity to collect it and return to vote before 10pm.

Contact us

You can contact electoral services at Elmbridge Borough Council by: 

• phone on 01372 474183/2/1
• email: electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk
• post or in person at Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9SD

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, see the Electoral Commission: Voter ID, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

You can watch the Voter ID animation (You Tube) from the Local Government Association for more information. There are also British Sign Language information videos available on the process, see voter ID requirement for more details.