From 4 May 2023 onwards, the Elections Act 2022 requires voters to show photographic identification at polling stations before they are given a ballot paper.

Local elections will be held in Wolverhampton on Thursday 4 May 2023. To find out more about these elections, visit Local Elections 2023.

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable. You can use any of the following:

International travel

  • 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 and Parking

  • Driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
  • A Blue Badge

Local travel

  • Older Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
  • Disabled Person’s Bus Pass funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
  • Oyster 60+ Card funded by the Government of the United Kingdom
  • Freedom Pass
  • Scottish National Entitlement Card
  • 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • Disabled Person’s Welsh Concessionary Travel Card
  • Senior SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person’s SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • War Disablement SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
  • Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland

Proof of age

  • Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)

Other government issued documents

You will only need to show one form of photo ID. It needs to be the original version and not a photocopy.

For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit The Electoral Commission website or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re 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.

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

You can visit the Civic Centre if you are unable to

  • apply online
  • provide a valid photograph with your application. This must meet the photo guidelines and requirements
  • would prefer someone to support you to complete the Voter Authority Certificate application

If you visit the Civic Centre we can complete your application with you. This includes taking a photograph which meets the guidelines and requirements. The Civic Centre is open between 10am and 3pm, Monday to Friday (there is no need to book an appointment).

    To help make this process easier for you, please make sure:

    • you are already registered to vote. You cannot apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if you are not registered to vote.
    • you have your National Insurance Number with you. You can still complete the process if you don't know your National Insurance Number

    Other Drop-in Sessions

    • Wednesday 15 March, WV Active Bilston, 5pm – 8pm
    • Wednesday 22 March, WV Active Aldersley, 5pm – 8pm
    • Wednesday 29 March, Civic Centre, 4pm – 7pm
    • Monday 3 April, Tettenhall Library, 2pm – 7pm
    • Tuesday 4 April, Finchfield Library, 2pm – 7pm
    • Wednesday 5 April, Spring Vale Library, 2pm – 6pm
    • Thursday 13 April, Penn Library, 10am – 1pm
    • Thursday 13 April, East Park Library, 2pm – 5pm
    • Friday 14 April, Low Hill Library, 2pm – 5pm
    • Monday 17 April, Wednesfield Library, 12pm – 7pm
    Find out more

    If you need support with applying for a voter authority certificate, call customer services on 01902 55 1177.

    19094