Voter ID

The UK Government is implementing significant changes to the current electoral system. The Elections Act 2022 outlines several measures which will affect the way that we vote and how we conduct elections. You can find out more about the Elections Act 2022 by visiting the UK Government website. 

One of the biggest changes is the requirement for individuals to show photographic identification (such as a passport or drivers licence) when they vote at a polling station. This will be required from May 2023 onwards, including for District and Town/Parish elections taking place on 4 May 2023. 

A list of accepted photographic ID is included below. If you own an accepted form of photographic ID but it has expired it can still be used, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you. 

Accepted forms of ID: 

• a 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
• a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
• a biometric immigration document
• an identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
• Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
• a Blue Badge
• a national identity card issued by an EEA state
• an Older Person’s Bus Pass
• a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass
• an Oyster 60+ Card
• a Freedom Pass
• a Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland
• a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• a Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales
• a Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• a Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• a War Disablement SmartPass or War Disabled SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• a 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• a Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
• an Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

Your name on the register must match your name on your identity document. If you have changed your name, you can update your details online by visiting www.gov.uk/registertovote

I do not have one of the accepted forms of ID - what can I do? 

If you do not have any of the accepted forms of ID you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate – this is a photographic identity document specifically for the purpose of voting.

You must be registered to vote in order to apply. If you need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, make sure you do so in good time ahead of it being required at the polling station. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for local elections taking place on 4 May 2023 is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.  

How to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Apply online 

The application service for a Voter Authority Certificate can be accessed online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate. You will be required to upload a photograph of yourself (similar to a passport photo) as part of the application. 

Apply in person 

Applications can also be made in person at our council offices. You can visit the following locations where our staff can assist with your application and take the required photograph: 

• Thorpe Lodge, 1 Yarmouth Road, Norwich NR7 0DU - normal office hours are 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (Closed weekends and Bank Holidays)
• The Octagon, Mere Street, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4AH - normal office hours are 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (Closed weekends and Bank Holidays) 
• Horizon Centre (annex), Peachman Way, Norwich, NR7 0WF normal office hours are 8:30am to 5pm Monday to Friday (Closed weekends and Bank Holidays).

Apply by post 

Applications can also be made by post, to download an application form please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-voter-authority-certificate-by-post-if-youre-living-in-the-uk. A passport style photograph is required along with the application form.