About voter ID

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

This will apply to:

• Local elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections
• UK parliamentary by-elections
• Recall petitions

From October 2023 it will also apply to UK General elections.

If you don't have accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, which is known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Visit the Electoral Commission's website to find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.

Commonly accepted forms of ID

You may already have a form of ID that can be accepted for this election. Some common ID types that you can use as your voter ID include: 

• Passport 
• Driving licence (including provisional license)  
• Blue badge 
• Specific travel cards (such as an Older Person’s Bus Pass or Disabled Person’s Bus Pass)  

Whichever form of ID you provide, it will need to be an original and not a copy. For more information on what can be accepted as photo ID, please visit the Electoral Commission's website.  

If you are planning to request a Voter Authority Certificate, please bear in mind that this can be done online, by post, or in person at the Lichfield District Council building (by appointment only).  

Your Voter Authority Certificate will be posted to you in time for the 4 May 2023 election. However, if you apply after less than 28 days before the election date, you will need to collect your certificate in person from the Lichfield District Council building:

Lichfield District Council, District Council House, Frog Lane, Lichfield, Staffs WS13 6YU