The UK Government now require voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station.
Forms of ID you can use to vote
You can use the original version of any of the following forms of ID when you vote:
- 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
- driving licence (including provisional licence) issued by the UK, Northern Island, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state
- blue badge
- older person's bus pass, disabled person's bus pass, Oyster 60+ card, Freedom Pass
- identity card with PASS hologram (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
- biometric immigration document
- defence identity card
- national identity cards issued by an EEA state
- electoral identity document such as Voter Authority Certificate, Anonymous Elector's Document or Electoral Identity Card issued in Northern Ireland
For a full list of accepted documents and more information about voter photo ID, see Electoral Commission: Voter ID or call the Electoral Commission's helpline on 0800 328 0280.
If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID
If you do not already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you are not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.
The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for voting in the East Surrey Council elections is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate on GOV.UK.
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application form and send this to Electoral Services at Elmbridge Borough Council.
If you need any help with applying for a Voter Authority Certificate or want to request an application form, contact electoral services.
If on election day your photo ID is no longer available, or your Voter Authority Certificate has not arrived, contact electoral services for further guidance.
Voting by post
You will not need to provide photo ID to vote by post. This is because there are other identification checks, including checking of your signature and date of birth.
What to expect at the polling station
You will need to present ID so it can be checked by polling station staff. A private area will be available at the polling station so you can choose to have your photo ID viewed in private. Staff will handle requests for ID to be checked in private discreetly and with courtesy.
If you forget to bring photo ID when you visit the polling station, you can collect it and return to vote before 10pm.
Find out more
If you have any questions or would like to find out more, see the Electoral Commission: Voter ID, or call the Electoral Commission's helpline on 0800 328 0280.
You can also watch the Voter ID animation (You Tube) from the Local Government Association for more information. There are British Sign Language information videos available on the process, see voter ID requirement for more details.