How to Register to Vote in the UK
Registering to vote takes about 5 minutes online at gov.uk. You need your National Insurance numberNINO — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ and address, and you must re-register every time you move. Since 2023, you also need photo ID to vote in person at UK-wide elections.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(2025-Latest).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Check you are eligible
You can register if you are 16 or over (14 in Scotland and Wales for some elections) and a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, or an EU citizen with settled/pre-settled status. You can only vote at 18 (16 in Scottish and Welsh elections).
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare 5 min
Fill in the online form
Go to gov.uk/register-to-vote. You will be asked for your name, address, National Insurance numberNINO — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗, nationality, and date of birth. The NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗ lets electoral services verify who you are — without it, you may be asked for a passport scan instead.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay
Submit and wait for confirmation
Your local electoral registration office checks the details and adds you to the electoral register. You usually get written confirmation within a week. You can register at two addresses (e.g. home and university) but may only vote once per election.
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- Follow Up
Re-register whenever you move
Registration does not follow you automatically — every time you change address, name, or nationality, submit the form again. Students can register at both term-time and home addresses.
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- Before You Go 10 min
Get photo ID ready for polling day
Voters in Great Britain must show photo ID at the polling station: passport, driving licence, PASS card, or a free Voter Authority Certificate if you have none of these. Apply for the certificate at least 6 working days before the election.
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- Receive
Vote
Polls are open 7am to 10pm on election day. You can also apply for a postal vote (no photo ID needed) or a proxy vote (someone votes for you). Register at least 12 working days before an election to vote in it.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an EU citizen living in the UK. Can I vote?
Yes, if you have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme you can vote in local, devolved, and London elections, and in police and crime commissioner elections. You cannot vote in UK general elections unless you are a Commonwealth or Irish citizen.
Do I have to register? Will it affect my credit score?
Registration is not legally mandatory, but the electoral register is checked by credit reference agencies — being on it makes opening bank accounts, contracts, and mortgages easier. You can opt out of the "open register" version that is sold commercially.
I missed the registration deadline. Can I still vote?
No — the deadline is 12 working days before a general election (11 days for local elections). If you are already registered but lost your poll card, you can still vote with photo ID at your assigned polling station.
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