Local elections 2023: What ID you can bring as new rules kick in

Voters will be asked to present an approved photo identification at the ballot. Credit: PA

Voters in England will need to take photo ID to the polling stations for the first time as local elections polls open today.

The government said it is introducing voter ID as a legal requirement in order to "protect the integrity of elections." However critics say there is little evidence of electoral fraud at UK polling stations.

Voters heading to the polls on Thursday, May 4, will be asked to present a passport, driving licence or another form of approved photo identification at the ballot.

The 2023 local elections in England mark the first time ID has been mandatory in Great Britain, with the requirement already in place in Northern Ireland.

Which forms of ID will be accepted at polling stations?

Various forms of photographic ID in different categories will be accepted. Anyone without eligible ID can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, here or by contacting their local council.

You will only need to show one of the following forms of photo ID. You must present the original version and not a photocopy.

Local elections 2023: Voters head to the polls in England

  • 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

  • Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)

  • A Blue Badge

  • Older Person’s Bus Pass

  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass

  • Oyster 60+ Card

  • Freedom Pass

  • Scottish National Entitlement Card

  • 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

  • Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

  • Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

  • Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

  • Biometric immigration document

  • Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)

  • National identity card issued by an EEA state

  • Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland

  • Voter Authority Certificate

  • Anonymous Elector's Document

There is little evidence of electoral fraud at polling stations. Credit: PA

When will voters need to have voter ID cards by?

The ID scheme will be introduced at this year's local elections, from Thursday, May 4.

From October, the requirement will be extended to UK general elections as well.

How many people have registered for the free Voter Authority Certificate?

Around 2 million people are estimated to not have an eligible form of photo ID. However, just under 22,600 people have so far registered for a Voter Authority Certificate.