You can register to vote in the UK if you are:
- resident (usually live) in the UK and
- aged 16 or over (but you will not be able to vote until you are 18)
You must also be either:
- a British, Irish or European Union citizen or
- a Commonwealth citizen who has leave to remain in the UK or who does not require such leave
How to register to vote
You can register online:
Register to vote on GOV.UK
You will need to:
- fill in your name, address, date of birth and a few other details
- provide your national insurance number (if you have one), which can be found on your national insurance card, or in official paperwork such as payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits
If you don't have a national insurance number you can still apply, but may be contacted later for further documentation
Look out for a confirmation letter to say you are registered.
Council tax
Registering to vote does not automatically register you for council tax. The electoral and council tax records are separate. The information included on each is different and they are compiled separately. When you register for council tax you are not automatically registered to vote. Find out more about council tax.
Change your details on the electoral register
You can change your details if you have a change of address, nationality or name.
Change of address/change of nationality
If you have moved address or you have changed nationality, you will need to complete a new application to register to vote to update your details on the electoral register.
Change of name
If you have changed your name, for example, through marriage or deed poll, you can either complete a new application to register to vote or email: electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk for a change of name form to complete.
Living abroad
If you are a British citizen living abroad you can register to vote in UK parliamentary elections for up to 15 years from the time you were last registered to vote in the UK. If you are working for the British government, British Council or British armed forces overseas you can register to vote in all UK elections.
Contact electoral services
No fixed address
If you are living in temporary accommodation, or are homeless, or you are in prison on remand or living at a mental health institution, you can register using a Declaration of Local Connection form.
Contact electoral services
Contact us
If you are unsure whether you are registered to vote or you need any help or guidance, please contact electoral services by email electoral@elmbridge.gov.uk or telephone 01372 474474.
Your personal information
For information on how we use your data, please read our privacy notice.
Our electoral register information has information on who has access to the full and open registers.
