From May 2023, electors will be required to show an acceptable form of photographic identification to receive a ballot paper to cast a vote in a polling station. This is a new requirement under the Elections Act 2022.
Which polls require photographic ID
The requirements to show photographic ID in the polling station will apply at the following polls:
- UK Parliamentary General Elections
- Local Elections
- Local Referendums
- Police and Crime Commissioner Elections
- Combined Authority Mayor Elections
- Recall Petitions
What happens if you don't provide acceptable photographic ID at the polling station
If you don't provide acceptable photographic ID at the polling station, we can't provide you with a ballot paper for you to cast your vote. We will advise you to leave the polling station and return with one of the acceptable types of photographic ID.
Types of photographic ID accepted in polling stations
- 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)
- A 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 Persons SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- A War Disablement 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
You can use expired photographic ID documents as acceptable photographic ID at the polling station or signing place. This is as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.
Photocopies or copies of images on mobile phones or other electronic devices will not be accepted. This is because photo-editing software could be used to edit the documents and therefore could be subject to fraudulent alteration.
If you don't have an acceptable form of photographic ID
If you don't already have any of the above acceptable forms of photographic ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC).
A Voter Authority Certificate (VAC) is a free photographic identification document used and issued for the specific purpose to allow an elector to vote in the polling station.
The VAC cannot be used or accepted as proof of identity for any other purpose other than voting.
How to get a Voter Authority Certificate (VAC)
To get a free Voter Authority Certificate (VAC), you can apply:
- Online on the GOV.UK website (link to follow once portal launches)
- Complete and post a paper application with a photo enclosed (link to follow once available)
- In person at council offices (please book an appointment using contact details at the end of this page)
We will verify your identity before issuing the VAC.
We expect that the Voter Authority Certificate Service will launch in January 2023.
The deadline for applying for a Voter Authority Certificate in Peterborough is 5pm on Tuesday 25 April 2023.
After verifying your identity, we will print your Voter Authority Certificate within one to two working days. We send your VAC to you via Royal Mail First Class post.
Further information
Contact Electoral Services
Telephone: 01733 452 249 (office hours)
Email: electoralservices@peterborough.gov.uk