Voter ID 

From 4 May 2023, voters in Wales will need to show photo ID to vote in person, at polling stations in some elections.

This follows new requirements introduced by the Elections Act.

Acceptable Voter Identification

Photographic identification that can be used to vote include passport, driving license, immigration document, a PASS card, Ministry of Defence Form 90, concessionary travel pass (excluding railcards) and national ID card.

Work/student passes, railcards and photocopies of identification documents or pictures on mobile phones will not be acceptable.

The photographic identification does not need to be in date to be used – it just needs to bear a likeness to the voter. 

If you cannot provide one of the required forms of identification as set out in legislation, you will be able to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by going to:

Gov.uk 

The Voter Authority Certificate will be an A4 paper-based document with inherent security features. It will display the elector’s name and photograph, the date of issue and the issuing local authority.

There will be three varieties of “Voter Authority Certificate” - the Voter Authority Certificate, the temporary Voter Authority Certificate, and the Anonymous Electors Document (AED).

Electors will have a range of options to choose from when applying for a Voter Authority Certificate - in person, by post or online, ensuring accessibility for all electors. Our office will be able to provide a paper application on request. Regardless of the way a person applies, there will be a check as to the person’s electoral registration status, and their identity will need to be confirmed.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Want to know more about Voter ID?

   

  The Electoral Commission

• What Identification will be accepted at the polling station on poll day?

   

   Acceptable ID 

• How do I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?

   More information about how to apply can be found here:

   

  Applying for a Voter ID certificate

  
  Online Voter ID Certificate

• At which elections will there be a requirement to show photo ID?

  From May, voters will need to show photo ID before voting in local council elections in England, police and crime commissioner elections in England and Wales, and in any parliamentary by-elections.

   

  From 5 October 2023, voters will need photo ID at UK parliamentary general elections. It will not be required at local elections in Scotland or Wales, or elections to Scottish Parliament or Senedd. The requirement already exists in Northern Ireland. 

   

• What do I do if I can’t find or don’t have my National Insurance Number?

  Even if you’re unable to provide your National Insurance Number, you are still able to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate by using other acceptable documentary evidence. 

   

  Accepted forms of photo ID

   

• I am an anonymous elector; do I still need to supply ID?

  Yes, you will need to apply for an Anonymous Elector Document to show at your polling station.  Do not worry as your Identification will still be kept private and this is not shared with anyone else.  

   

   

  Register to vote anonymously / Electoral Commission

• Why aren’t other forms of ID accepted?

  The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of ID. These have been decided by the UK Government. The UK Government has provided more information about which forms of ID are accepted and which are not, along with the criteria considered. You can find that on

   

  Acceptable Voter ID
  

• What will happen if a voter goes to the polling station with no accepted identification?
  If a voter turns up at a polling station with no accepted photo identification, they will not be issued with a ballot paper and will need to return with an accepted form of photo identification.

• What are you doing about those without ID? 

  We are working to ensure that anyone without an accepted form of ID is aware of the free ID available and understands how to apply for it. 

• What if a voter doesn’t want to show ID to vote?

  If a voter would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, they can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, their proxy will be required to show their photo ID at the polling station.

• What will the Voter Authority Certificate/ free ID application process look like? 

  Voters can apply for free voter ID online at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk/ or by completing and posting a paper form to their local council’s electoral services team. Some local authorities may accept applications in person. Voters will need to provide a photograph, their date of birth and National Insurance number as part of the application.

• What information is included on the Voter Authority Certificate/ free ID?

  The free ID will show a voter’s full name and photograph, the issuing local council, an appropriate identifier (reference including numbers and letters allocated by the council), the date of issue and a recommended renewal date. 

• How does this impact voting by post or proxy?

  Voters will not need to show photo ID to apply by post or proxy. Although the proxy will need to show their photo ID at the polling station. 

• Will voter ID disenfranchise people? 

  We are working to ensure people are aware of the change, understand which forms of ID are accepted, and for those without, how and when to apply for free ID. Our aim is to support those who wish to vote to do so successfully and with confidence.

Contact Electoral Services