FAQs

What elections do I need a photo Voter ID for?

You’ll now need photo Voter ID to vote in person for:

Do I need a photo ID to vote by post?

No, you won’t need a photo ID to vote by post. Postal voting still requires other identification checks, including verification of your signature and date of birth.

After three years, you will need to re-apply if you want to continue to vote by post.

To find out how to vote by post here.

Can I use any photo ID?

No, to see which forms of ID are accepted for in-person voting, click here.

When is the next election?

The next local elections will be held on Thursday 7 May 2026. You can find more key dates for voters in 2026 via the Electoral Commission.

I cannot afford any photo Voter ID, what can I do?

Free options:

Free Voter Authority Certificate – zero cost photo ID which you can apply for online and is valid for 10 years.

Disabled and older person’s travel cards – Only available to those who are over a certain age or are disabled.