Voter IDs for future UK General Elections
Find out about The UK Government's new voter ID requirements and which valid IDs you can use to vote.
Voters in Scotland now need to show photo ID to vote at polling places in some elections. The UK Government has introduced a new rule that requires voters to show photo ID for all UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
You'll not need to show photo ID to vote at Scottish Parliament elections or at council elections.
Most people already have a valid photo ID. To ensure you can vote in the next UK General Election check if your photo ID is valid or apply for a free voter ID.
Valid photo IDs
You may already have a valid form of photo ID that can be used for voting in the next UK General Election.
Acceptable documents include
- Passport
issued by: UK, any Channel Islands, Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, EEA state or Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) - Driving licence (including provisional licence)
issued by: UK. any of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EEA state - Blue badge
- National Entitlement Card (concessionary travel card)
- identity card with PASS mark for example Young Scot Card
- biometric immigration document
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (defence identity card)
You can see the full list of accepted forms of photo IDs on the Electoral Commission's website.
You can still use some photo IDs even if they are out-of-date, as long as the photo still looks like you. You can get more information
- on the Electoral Commission's Voter ID webpage or
- phone 0333 103 1928.
How to get a free Voter ID
If you do not have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter ID online, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. You can also apply for this by post if you live in the UK.
View the following websites for help and advise:
Some people may be concerned about the introduction of photo Voter ID and what it means for them.
If your name, appearance, or gender expression appear different to the photo ID you're using, there are some helpful resources to offer support around this.
In addition to the accepted forms of ID listed above, young people under the age of 22 can also use their free bus travel pass as photo ID when they vote.
More information is available on the Young Scot website and the Electoral Commission's Voter ID webpage
Only British, Irish or qualifying Commonwealth citizens, aged 18 or over on polling day are eligible to vote in the UK Parliament election.
Refugees with leave to remain living in Scotland who are 16 or over are eligible to vote in Scottish Parliament and council elections. Read more about eligibility to vote in Scotland on the Electoral Commission website. Make sure the location is set to 'Scotland' at the top of the page.
If you require any further assistance with any of these issues please contact listening@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk
