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Voter ID

Since May 2023, voters have been required to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper.

You must bring a suitable form of photographic ID to the polling station. Common forms of accepted photo ID include:

  • a 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 - including an Irish Passport Card
  • a driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
  • a biometric immigration document (the law changed in 2025 to also include eVisas)
  • a national identity card issued by an EEA state
  • ID bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
  • Blue Badge
  • Oyster 60+ Card
  • Freedom Pass
  • an older person’s bus pass
  • a disabled person’s bus pass

See the full list of accepted ID on GOV.UK

Expired photo ID can still be used, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of the elector.

If you do not have or do not wish to use one of the accepted forms of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate by following the instructions below.

Postal voters are not required to show ID.

Apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate

You can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate which you can use as photo ID when you vote at a polling station. You must be registered to vote to apply.

You can apply if:

  • you do not have accepted photo ID
  • you no longer look like the photo on your ID
  • the name on your photo ID is different from your name on the electoral register

If the name on your photo ID is different, you can register to vote again or take a document with you to vote that proves that you have changed your name.

Apply online

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Apply by post/email

Completed paper application forms can be sent to the Electoral Services Team, Council Offices, White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield, Dover CT16 3PJ, delivered by hand or sent by email to vote@dover.gov.uk

Download a Voter Authority Certificate form

In-person applications

If you need help completing a Voter Authority Certificate application, you can make an appointment with a member of the elections team. You must be registered to vote (or have applied to register), have all the required information available and provide a suitable photograph with the application.

Telephone applications

The legislation does not allow for applications to be made by telephone, only in writing.

However, should you experience problems completing the form, you can call the electoral services team for help on 01304 872344

Further information

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