The requirement for voters to show photo ID at polling stations now applies to local elections and by-elections, recall petitions and UK parliamentary by-elections.
It will also apply to general elections (excluding by-elections) from Thursday 5 October 2023.
What forms of identification will be accepted?
Many types of photographic identification will be accepted, such as:
- passports
- driving licences issued by the UK, EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Isle of Man or any of the Channel Islands
- eligible travel passes
- blue badges
- PASS cards
View the full list of acceptable documents
Any ID you use must bear a likeness to you in order to be eligible. Expired IDs are acceptable as long as the photo still looks like you.
Please note that the only acceptable form of identification for anonymous electors is the Anonymous Elector Document.
Only original documents are accepted; photos of your ID or copies are not acceptable.
What if I don't have photo ID?
If you don't have any form of photo ID from the accepted list, or your ID no longer looks like you, you are eligible to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a completely free document issued by the council.
If you are unable to submit an application using the above link and have no access to a printer, please contact us at electoralservices@hillingdon.gov.uk or 01895 250251 and we can post a paper application form to you.
What if I vote by post or proxy?
Postal voters will not be affected by the legislation and will be issued with their postal ballot papers as usual.
If you vote by proxy, your proxy must have an approved form of photo ID to be issued with a ballot paper.
What if I've changed my name?
The name on your ID must match your name on the electoral register. If it does not, you'll need to either:
- register to vote again with your new details
- take a document with you to vote that proves you've changed your name (for example, a marriage certificate).
Small differences do not matter. For example, if your ID says 'Jim Smith' instead of 'James Smith'.