Do you need a voter authority certificate to vote? | Tenant news

From 4 May 2023, voters in England will be required to show photo identification (ID) if they want to vote in local elections.

But want do you do if you don’t have photo ID, your name has changed or your photo on your ID has expired?

You can apply for a voter authority certificate.

What is it?

A voter authority certificate is a form of photo ID with your current name and photo.

You can apply for this if:

• Your ID photo is no longer valid
• Your name has changed and that isn’t reflected on your current photo ID
• Your face has changed and the photo on your photo ID doesn’t look like you.

Applying for the voter authority certificate is free and you can apply for it online.

Help is available

Local authorities and charities are working together to help anyone who’s experiencing any barriers to accessing the free voters authority certificate using partner packs that have been put together by The Electoral Commission.

To find out more about the free voter authority certificate, details about polling stations, how voting will take place this year or if you need further help with registering to vote, please speak to your local Electoral Registration Office or take a look at the easy read guide.