Which forms of ID can I use to vote at a polling station?
You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:
- Passport
- Driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue badge
- Certain concessionary travel cards
- Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- Biometric Immigration document
- Defence identity card
- Certain national identity cards
For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit the Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you have a form of accepted ID that is out of date but still looks like you, you can still use it to vote.
You must show the original version of your photo ID when voting and not a photocopy.
What if I don’t have an accepted form of photo ID?
If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
You need to be registered to vote before you apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. If you are not registered to vote already, you can register online .
You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to the Electoral Services team. If you need any help applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact the Electoral Services team by emailing
What information do I need to give when I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
When applying for a Voter Authority Certificate, you will need to provide your:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
If you don’t know your National Insurance number, or don’t have one, you can still apply. However, we will contact you to request alternative proof of your identity.
You will also need to submit a passport type photograph with your application.
What will happen at the polling station?
When you arrive at the polling station, a member of staff will:
- Ask you for your name and address so they can find you on the electoral register
- Ask for your photo ID or Voter Authority Certificate and check it is acceptable
- If your ID is acceptable, they will give you your ballot paper and direct you to vote in a polling booth as usual
A private area will be available at the polling station, so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private if you like. This might be a separate room, or an area separated by a privacy screen, depending on the polling station.
Staff at the station are there to help. If you need assistance at any point, just ask.
How do I register to vote?
If you’ve never registered, have recently moved to a different address, or changed your name, register to vote online. You can also apply by completing a paper application form.
If you need help registering to vote, or want to request a paper application form, please contact the Electoral Services team by emailing
Are there other ways to vote?
You can apply to vote by post or by proxy (where you appoint someone to vote on your behalf).
In order to vote by post, you’ll need to complete a postal vote application form.
You can now apply for a postal vote online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a paper application form from the Government website. You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by post.
In order to vote by proxy, you’ll need to complete a proxy vote application form.
In some circumstances, you can now apply for a proxy vote online. If you are not able to complete the online application, you can download a proxy vote application form from the Government website. You will need your National Insurance number to hand when applying to vote by proxy.
If you appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf, it is important to stress that the proxy will then need to vote at your allocated polling station in the Derbyshire Dales area. If they would prefer to vote by post then the proxy needs to fill in a postal proxy application form as well.
For more information about postal and proxy voting, visit The Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.
Do you need support accessing your polling station?
If you have any accessibility needs when you visit your polling station, please let us know by emailing
