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  3. Photo ID for voting
  4. Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate

If you don't have an accepted form of photo ID to show when you vote at the polling station, you'll need get a Voter Authority Certificate. Use this page to find out how you can apply.

Before you apply

You'll need to have the following ready:

  • A recent digital photo of yourself
  • Your National Insurance number 

You can still apply if you don't have a National Insurance number. You’ll need to provide other documents to prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, bank statement or utility bill.

If you don't have a digital photo of yourself, see our instructions for how to apply in person, below.

How to apply

It's free to get a Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply in the following ways.

Online

This is the easiest and quickest way to apply, via the service on the GOV.UK website. 

Apply online

By post

You can only apply by post if you're living in the UK.

You'll need to download, print and complete a form. Easy read and large print versions of the form are available. You must return your completed form to The Electoral Registration Officer, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Guildhall, High Street, Bath BA1 5AW.

Apply by post

In person

If you would like help to apply, a member of our staff can guide you through the online application process. You can use this service at any of the following centres:

A staff member can take a digital photo of you as part of the application process, if you don't have one.