Voter ID
To vote in Scotland, you now need to show photo ID to vote in person in some elections.
This applies at UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions.
Voters in Scotland do not need to show photo ID at Scottish Parliament elections or at council elections.
If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID
You can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate, if:
- you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID
- you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you
- you’re worried about using an existing form of ID for any other reason, such as the use of a gender marker
You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate.
To apply for a Voter Authority Certificate please visit
https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate
Accepted forms of Photo ID
To find out what photo ID is accepted when voting in person, please visit the Electoral Commission’s website, linked below.
Out of Date photo ID
You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you.
The address on your ID does not need to match your current address.
The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
If you’ve changed your name
The name on your ID must match the name on the electoral register.
If it doesn’t, you need to register to vote again.
If the deadline to register to vote in an upcoming election has passed, you will need to bring a document with you to the polling station that proves you’ve changed your name. For example, a marriage certificate.
Small differences don’t matter. For example, if your ID says ‘Jim Smith’ instead of ‘James Smith’.
Showing ID as an anonymous elector
If you require to apply for an Anonymous Elector’s Document please contact this office.
