No, you must present an original form of photo ID. A photograph, photocopy or copies of images on mobile phones or other electronic devices will not be accepted as photo-editing software could be used to edit them, making them susceptible to fraudulent alteration.
Voter ID requirements
As part of the Elections Act 2022, if you want to vote in person, including those acting as a proxy on behalf of another individual, you will need to bring an accepted form of identification (ID) to the polling station to get your ballot papers. Voters who do not produce a Voter Authority Certificate, or valid photo identification will not be allowed to vote on the day.
Acceptable forms of photographic ID
Some examples of acceptable ID:
- Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or Commonwealth country
- Photographic driving licence issued by the UK, Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (including provisional driving licence)
- European Economic Area (EEA) photographic ID card
- UK biometric residence permit (the law changed in 2025 to also include eVisas)
- Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (PASS card)
- Blue badge
- Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- Ministry of Defence Form 100 (HM Armed Forces Veteran Card) - accepted as of 1 May 2025
View the full list of acceptable photographic ID on the government website.
You will still be able to use ID that has expired provided the photograph still shows likeness.
Only original documents are accepted. Documents need to be the original version and not a photocopy or a digital version, with the exception of e-Visas.
No suitable photo ID?
If you do not have one of the accepted forms of photo ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a free photographic identification document specifically for voting. The deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate for the Gloucestershire County Council elections and Charlton Kings by election is 5pm on Wednesday 23 April.
To get a Voter Authority Certificate you can:
- Apply online at GOV.UK
- Download and complete a paper application; alternatively, please contact us on 01242 264132 or email elections@cheltenham.gov.uk and we will post an application to you
- You can apply in person at the Municipal Offices, located at:
Cheltenham Borough Council
Municipal Offices
Promenade
Cheltenham
GL50 9SA
Cheltenham Borough Council is open Monday to Friday* from 9am to 5pm. *Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm. We are closed during bank holidays.
We will accept scanned copies of the paper applications for Voter Authority Certificates sent via email to elections@cheltenham.gov.uk. Paper applications may also be posted or handed in to the council offices. Please note that you need to have your National Insurance Number to apply.
Postal votes
If you have a postal vote, you will not be required to supply photo ID and you will be issued with your postal ballot papers as usual. If you would prefer to vote by post, you can apply for a postal vote.
More information
For more information please visit our voter ID frequently asked questions below, or go to the Electoral Commission voter ID pages.
See our animation on Voter ID requirements on YouTubeVoter ID frequently asked questions
Our frequently asked questions may help if you need any further information.
Expired photo ID is still accepted, as long as the photograph is still a good likeness of you.
No, it is not necessary as the Voter Authority Certificate does not show your address. Applicants who are applying for the Voter Authority Certificate will not need to reapply for a new Voter Authority Certificate if they have changed address.
Anonymous applicants will have to reapply for a Anonymous Elector Document if they change address (either within the same Local Authority or a different Local Authority) because their elector number will be different at their new address.
The decision on whether an identification document bearing a different name or an alternative spelling of a name from the one on the register can be accepted but will be at the discretion of the polling station staff, who must be satisfied that the identification provided is acceptable.
For example, if your name has changed through marriage, you may be required to provide evidence of a name change such as a marriage certificate.
If you have changed your name and need to update it on the electoral register, you can submit an online form or contact electoral services team.
Yes, anyone who has appointed a proxy or emergency proxy to vote on your behalf, the proxy must bring their own photographic ID to present at the polling station. They do not need to bring photographic ID of you (the elector they are voting on behalf of) they only need to bring their own ID.
The deadline is 5pm on the sixth working day before the relevant election. Any applications received after the deadline will not be processed until after the relevant election.
If this happens before the deadline for applications for a Voter Authority Certificate, you may apply for one.
If this happens after the deadline, you may apply for an emergency proxy up until 5pm on polling day. An emergency proxy is when you will nominate someone that you trust to go to the polling station to vote on your behalf.
If you are unable to provide a digital photo, you can contact the electoral services office and you can arrange for them to take a photograph for you. Alternatively, can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate via a paper application form and provide a physical photograph with that application. An online application cannot be made if you do not have (or cannot take) a digital photo.
Anyone wanting to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate must provide a suitable colour photograph when applying for a Voter Authority Certificate online or submitting a paper application. The photo must meet the following requirements:
- A close-up photograph of the head and shoulders
- No other items or persons in the background
- No covering of the head unless worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Your face must not be covered for any reason
- In focus and clear (not blurry)
- In colour and taken against a light and plain background
- Free from red eye, shadows and not in the reflection of windows or mirrors
- Resembles a true likeness of the applicant without alteration
The applicant photo must show them:
- Facing forwards
- Without covering your face
- Looking straight at the camera
- With a plain facial expression
- Eyes open and visible (e.g. no sunglasses or eyes being covered by hair). Please note this does not apply if you are unable to provide a photograph which complies with either or both of those requirements owing to any disability. If you are unable to meet the requirements, please call our electoral services team on 01242 264132.
If if you have not received your Voter Authority Certificate within 28 days of application please contact the electoral services office on 01242 264132.
If you have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate by the deadline but you have not received it on this date, then you should contact the electoral services office. We may be able to issue you with a temporary Voter Authority Certificate, valid only for the specific polling day, which you will need to collect in person from the Municipal Offices.
No. Temporary certificates will only be issued if there is an issue with you receiving your permanent certificate. If your permanent certificate is late in the post, it should arrive after polling day and so no further action is needed. However, if the temporary certificate was issued because the permanent certificate was damaged on arrival, we will arrange for a new one to be printed.