Voter ID

The UK Government has introduced a requirement for voters to show photo ID when voting at a polling station at some elections. This new requirement will apply for the first time in England at the local elections on Thursday, 4 May 2023.

Which forms of ID can I use to vote?

You may already have a form of photo ID that is acceptable.  You can use any of the following:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence (including provisional licence)
  • Blue badge
  • Certain concessionary travel cards
  • Identity card with PASS mark (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
  • Biometric Immigration document
  • Defence identity card
  • Certain national identity cards

For more information on which forms of photo ID will be accepted, visit electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID or call their helpline on 0800 328 0280.

If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID

If you don’t already have an accepted form of photo ID, or you’re not sure whether your photo ID still looks like you, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate.

Apply online

You can apply for this at voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk.

Apply by post

Alternatively, you can download and complete a paper application form and send this to the Electoral Services team at the council.

If you would like a paper application form to be posted out then please contact:

Electoral Services, City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council, City Hall, Bradford BD1 1HY. 

Email: electoralservices@bradford.gov.uk

Telephone: 01274 432287

Apply in person

You can get help to complete your application and have your photograph taken at the following locations.  You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth and National Insurance number.

A member of staff will help you to complete the application process at following venues:

Electoral Services, City Hall, Bradford, BD1 1HY

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
  • Friday, 8.30am to 4pm

Keighley Town Hall, Bow Street, Keighley, BD21 3PA

  • Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 4.30pm
  • Friday, 8.30am to 4.00pm

Keighley Library, North Street, Keighley, BD21 3SX

  • Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm
  • Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Ilkley Library, Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HA

  • Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm
  • Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Shipley Library, 2 Well Croft, Shipley, BD18 3QH

  • Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm
  • Saturday, 9am to 5pm

City Library, Centenary Square, 9 Aldermanbury, Bradford, BD1 1SD

  • Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Eccleshill Library, Bolton Road, Bradford, BD2 4SR

  • Monday to Thursday, 9am to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Manningham Library, Carlisle Road, Manningham, Bradford, BD8 8BB

  • Monday to Thursday, 9.30am to 7pm
  • Friday and Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm
  • Sunday, 12 noon to 4pm

Wibsey Library, North Road, Wibsey, Bradford, BD6 1TR

  • Monday, 9.30am to 7pm
  • Tuesday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
  • Wednesday, 9.30am to 1pm
  • Thursday, 9.30am to 7pm
  • Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm
  • Saturday, 9.30am to 4pm

Information in alternative languages 

The Electoral Commission have translated their Voter ID booklet to help people whose main language is not English, and the people who support them, to meet the new voter ID requirement.

Find out more

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, go to electoralcommission.org.uk/voterID, or call the Electoral Commission helpline on 0800 328 0280.

Voter ID statistics - 4 May 2023 elections

Stay connected Image of an envelope

Sign up for email updates about elections and voting

Other pages in this section