What happens next?

If your register to vote application is successful, your electoral registration office (ERO) will let you know when your details should appear on the electoral register.

Registration deadlines

You must submit your application before midnight 12 working days before an election. If you miss this, you cannot vote at that election, but your application will still be processed.

If successful, your application will apply to all future elections you’re eligible for. You only need to re-register if you move house, change name or nationality.

Your ERO will contact you once a year, to confirm your details are still correct.

Photo ID to vote in person

From 4 May 2023, you must show photo ID at the polling station when voting in person (for some elections and referendums).

Check which elections this applies to, and if you already have accepted photo ID. If you do not have this, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a document specially for voting in person.

Verifying your identity

Your name, date of birth and National Insurance number are matched against various government records. If they match, and there are no other concerns, your application will be successful.

If your ERO cannot verify your identity this way, they will ask for supporting documents like a passport or driving licence. If you cannot provide these, they may allow someone you know (not in your immediate family) to sign a declaration confirming your identity. This is known as an attestation.

Your application will only be confirmed once you provide documents or an attestation.

Find out more about voting (opens in new tab).