Registering to Vote
How to register to vote in parliamentary and local elections in England & Wales.
Overview
To vote in UK elections, you must be registered on the electoral register. Registration is individual — each person must register separately. You can register online, by post, or through your local Electoral Registration Office. You must be a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, aged 16 or over (to vote at 18), and resident at a UK address.
Who Can Use This Process
- You are a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen
- You are aged 16 or over (you can register at 16 but cannot vote until 18 in most elections)
- You are resident at an address in the UK (or a British citizen living abroad for less than 15 years)
Step-by-Step Process
Check if you're already registered
Contact your local Electoral Registration Office to check if you are on the electoral register. You cannot check online.
- Your local council's website will have contact details for the ERO
Register online
Go to gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will need your National Insurance number and date of birth. The process takes about 5 minutes.
- You can also register by post using a paper form from your local council
- Students can register at both their home and university addresses but can only vote once in each election
Confirm your registration
You may receive an annual canvass form from your council — respond to confirm your registration. If you don't respond, you may be removed from the register.
- Check your registration before each election
Get voter ID
Since the Elections Act 2022, you must show approved photographic ID at the polling station. If you don't have any, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate from your local council.
- Accepted ID includes passport, driving licence, bus pass with photo, and many other documents
- Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at least 6 working days before the election
Costs
Important Warnings
You must bring approved photo ID to vote at a polling station.
It is an offence to register to vote when you are not entitled to do so.
Failing to respond to the annual canvass may result in a fine of up to £1,000.