What forms of ID are acceptable as Voter ID?
You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.
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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)
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Driving licence (issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state)
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A Blue Badge
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Older Person's Bus Pass
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Disabled Person's Bus Pass
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Oyster 60+ Card
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Freedom Pass
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Scottish National Entitlement Card
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60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
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Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
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Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
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Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person's SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
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War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
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60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
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Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
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Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
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Biometric immigration document
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Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
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National identity card issued by an EEA state
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Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
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Voter Authority Certificate
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Anonymous Elector's Document
Can I use out of date ID?
You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
Can I use a photocopy of my ID, or a photo of my ID on my phone?
No - you must bring the original ID with you to vote at the polling station. We cannot accept copies, or photographs of ID.
What if I haven't got an acceptable form of ID?
You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:
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you don't have an accepted form of photo ID
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you're not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
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you're worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason
You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.
What if you can't produce photo ID and don't want to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid photo ID will not be allowed to vote at a polling station.
Voters who vote by post will not have to provide photo ID to vote.
What is the deadline to apply for a free voter ID?
If you need to apply for a voter ID, you need to make the application by 5.00pm six working days before an election.
What happens on polling day?
Elections will take place as usual.
Your Poll Card will advise you which Polling Station you should go to cast your vote, on polling day, between 7am and 10pm.
Because of the need to check ID, you should anticipate the process of receiving your ballot paper taking a little longer than usual and the possibility of short queues forming at busy times.
No personal details will be taken from the ID you use.
What if a voter is transgender or non-binary and hasn't got ID with the correct name or photo?
You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. For this document, you provide an up to date photograph.
Your name on the electoral register can be updated by providing evidence of a name change - such as a deed poll. To do this, you should contact us.
My photo ID is in an old name - what do I do?
Your ID in your former name is still acceptable (as long as it still looks like you) but you'll need to bring evidence of your name change (e.g. marriage certificate or deed poll) to the polling station as well.
If you've changed name recently, you should update your name on the electoral register by emailing us evidence of your name change.
I'm registered to vote anonymously - how does voter ID work for me?
If you're registered to vote anonymously and want to vote in person, you'll need to apply for an Anonymous Electors Document.
Find out more about registering to vote anonymously and how to vote anonymously.
What if I can't get online or need support with my application?
If you can't get online and want to request a paper application form, please contact us.
If you need assistance to apply, you can make an appointment to get help at the Council Offices in Grantham - contact the elections team on 01476 406080.
I'm a postal voter - do I need ID now?
No - you won't need to present any ID as your identification is verified by your signature and date of birth
If you want to apply to vote by post, download a form or you can request a form by emailing the elections team or calling on 01476 406080.
I'm not registered to vote, what do I do?
If you're not registered, you can apply online. if you also need to apply for a voter ID, register first and then make a voter ID application. You can do these at the same time, as long as you register to vote first.
How can I check if I'm registered to vote?
If you recieve a poll card then you are registered to vote. If you are not sure if you are registered (especially if you have changed address recently) then you can email us (including your current address) or call the elections team on 01476 406080 .
I have lost my photo ID and the deadline to apply for a voter ID has now passed. What do I do?
If you have lost your ID and it is after the deadline for applying for a voter authority certificate (which is 5pm six working days before an election) you can apply for an emergency proxy vote. In order to do this, you should email us or phone the elections team on 01476 406080 and we will discuss this option with you and get the correct forms to you.
When will my voter ID expire? Do I need to re-apply if I change address?
The free voter ID (also known as a voter authority certificate) dosen't have an expiry date - but we expect them to last roughly 10 years, as you will need to continue to look like the photograph. You don't need to re-apply for a voter ID if you change address - you can still use the ID you have. You will just need to register to vote if you have changed address.
