New Rule: Show Photo ID to Vote from 4 May
The Government has slapped in a new rule for voters. From 4 May, everyone heading to polling stations must show photo ID to cast their ballot. No ID, no vote.
What You’ll Need at the Polling Station
When you arrive, officials will check your name and address against the electoral register. Then, you must prove who you are with an accepted photo ID. Luckily, plenty of options qualify, including:
- Passports from the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, British Overseas Territories, EEA states, or Commonwealth countries
- UK or EEA Driving Licence (including provisional licences)
- Blue Badge parking permits
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity cards with the PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration documents
- Defence identity cards
- National identity cards (including those issued by EEA states)
- Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
Your ID Can Be Expired—But Must Look Like You
Important: Your photo ID doesn’t have to be current, but it must clearly resemble you. Don’t risk being turned away on polling day!
For the full, official list of acceptable ID types, visit the Electoral Commission website.
