Voter ID

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England where local elections are taking place from Thursday 4 May 2023 and for any UK Parliament general election which may take place from October 2023.

There are currently no elections scheduled to take place in the Westminster City Council electoral area this year. It is important that residents are aware of the requirements which will be in force from 4 May 2023 for any local by-elections in our area. A local by-election or a general election can be called at any time.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

• passport
• driving licence, this includes provisional licenses
• 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's voter ID webpage or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you 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 can apply for this through the GOV.UK Voter Authority Certificate service from Monday 16 January.

Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to us at:

• Post: Electoral Services, Westminster City Council, 14th Floor City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP
• Freepost (UK only): Freepost RTJY-BJSY-HULU, Electoral Registration Officer, Westminster City Council, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP

If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, please contact Electoral Services.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to the Electoral Commission's voter ID webpage, or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.