Voter ID
What is voter ID?
If you’re planning to vote in the 2023 Local Elections, you’ll need to bring your voter ID with you to the polling station.
In April 2022, the Government passed the Elections Act 2022 which requires all voters in Great Britain to show a voter ID at polling stations in Parliamentary, local and Police and Crime Commissioner elections and all referendums in England.
Most forms of photo ID can be used as your voter ID.
Proxy voters who are voting on another person’s behalf will also have to show a voter ID.
Your ID proves that you are who you say you are when voting and prevents someone else from stealing your vote.
What types of ID can I use?
Most voters will already have an accepted form of photo ID that they can use.
ID documents must be suitably secure and include your photo, such as a passport or driving licence and include:
- UK passport
- British Overseas Territory, EEA, or Commonwealth country passport
- UK or EEA driving licence (including provisional licence)
- Blue badge
- Older person’s bus pass (known in Derby and Derbyshire as the Gold Card)
- Disabled person’s bus pass
- PASS card
- EEA national identity card
- Biometric immigration document
The full list of accepted ID can be found on the Government website.
Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
If you don’t have any of the forms of ID which are on the Government list, you can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a temporary form of ID that is used by the voter authority (Derby City Council) which will allow you to vote in the 2023 Local Elections.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
You can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate on the Government website or by contacting our helpline on 01332 640837.
Will I have to pay for a Voter Authority Certificate?
No. Voter Authority Certificates are free of charge.
When can I apply for a Voter Authority Certificate?
You can apply any time from 16 January 2023. The deadline to apply for a certificate in time for the 2023 Local Elections is 5pm on Tuesday 25th April.
How long will it take to get a Voter Authority Certificate?
It will take at least three working days for your Voter Authority Certificate to arrive and may take longer at peak times. You will get your certificate more quickly if you apply early – you don’t have to wait until you receive your poll card.
I have an ID that is on the list but it’s out of date, can I still use it as voter ID?
Yes - expired forms of ID will be accepted if the photograph is a good enough likeness.
If you have a Blue Badge which has expired or a disabled bus pass issued by Derby City Council, you can update them on our website.
What happens if I don’t bring my voter ID on election day?
If you don’t bring your voter ID with you to the polling station, you won’t be able to vote.
Do I need my ID if I use a postal vote?
No, you do not need ID to vote by post, or to deliver a postal vote to a polling station.
If I vote by proxy, whose ID should they bring?
Your proxy will only need to bring their own ID to the polling station.
Why aren't other forms of ID accepted?
The law specifies the types of documents that are accepted forms of ID. These have been decided by the UK Government. The UK Government has provided more information about which forms of ID are accepted and which are not, along with the criteria considered.
What if I don’t want to show ID to vote?
If you would prefer not to show ID at a polling station, you can apply to vote by post or proxy. Photo ID isn’t required to apply or vote by post or proxy. Though, your proxy will be required to show their photo ID at the polling station.
For the May 2023 elections, the deadline for applying for a postal vote is 18 April 2023, and the deadline for proxy is 25 April 2023.
What information is included on the Voter Authority Certificate / free ID?
The free ID will show a voter’s full name and photograph, the issuing local council, an appropriate identifier (reference including numbers and letters allocated by the council), the date of issue and a recommended renewal date.