How to Register to Vote in the UK
It takes about 5 minutes to register to vote 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 your address. You must register again every time you move. Since 2023, you also need photo ID to vote in person at UK-wide elections.
At a glance
- Cost:
- Free
- Total time:
- 5 minutes online
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 5 min
Check you are eligible
You can register if you are 16 or over. The age is 14 in Scotland and Wales. You must be a British, Irish, or qualifying Commonwealth citizen. EU citizens can also register in England and Northern Ireland in some cases. This includes citizens of Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain. It also includes other EU citizens who had permission to enter or stay on or before 31 December 2020 without a break. You can only vote at 18 in most elections. At 16 you can vote 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. The form asks for your name and address. It also asks for your National Insurance number, your nationality, and your 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 ↗ helps electoral services check who you are. If you do not have one, 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 your details. It then adds you to the electoral register. You will usually get a letter to confirm this within a week. You can register at two addresses, for example home and university. But you can only vote once in each election.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up
Re-register whenever you move
Your registration does not move with you. Every time you change your address, name, or nationality, fill in the form again. Students can register at both their term-time address and their home address.
Click to mark as done
- Before You Go 10 min
Get photo ID ready for polling day
Voters in Great Britain must show photo ID at the polling station. You can use a passport, a driving licence, or a PASS card. If you have none of these, you can use a free Voter Authority Certificate. Apply for the certificate at least 6 working days before the election.
Click to mark as done
- Receive
Vote
Polls are open from 7am to 10pm on election day. You can also apply for a postal vote. You do not need photo ID for a postal vote. Or you can apply for a proxy vote, where someone votes for you. Register at least 12 working days before an election if you want to vote in it.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Assuming your registration moves with you. Your registration does not move with you. Every time you change your address, name, or nationality, fill in the form again, or you will not be on the register at your new address.
Missing the 12 working day deadline. The deadline is midnight, 12 working days before polling day. If you miss it, you cannot vote in that election, even if you registered before at an old address.
Turning up without photo ID. Voters in Great Britain must show photo ID at the polling station. If you have no passport, driving licence, or PASS card, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at least 6 working days before the election.
Voting at both addresses. Students can register at both a term-time address and a home address, but you can only vote once in each election. Voting twice is not allowed.
Assuming EU citizens can vote in general elections. EU citizens cannot vote in UK general elections, unless they are also a Commonwealth or Irish citizen. Depending on nationality and arrival date, they can vote in local elections in some cases, so check which elections you are actually eligible for.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
I am an EU citizen living in the UK. Can I vote?
It depends on your nationality and when you arrived. EU citizens from Denmark, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal or Spain can vote in local elections. Other EU citizens can vote in local elections only if they had permission to enter or stay on or before 31 December 2020 without a break. EU citizens cannot vote in UK general elections. The only exception is if they are also a Commonwealth or Irish citizen. The rules are broader in Scotland and Wales. Check with the Electoral Commission for your nation.
Do I have to register? Will it affect my credit score?
Voting itself is voluntary, but registration can be required: after invitations to register and a personal visit, the Electoral Registration Officer can issue a written requirement to register. Ignoring it can lead to an £80 civil penalty. But credit reference agencies check the electoral register. Being on it makes it easier to open bank accounts, get contracts, and get a mortgage. You can opt out of the "open register" version. This version is sold to other people and businesses.
I missed the registration deadline. Can I still vote?
No. The deadline is midnight, 12 working days before polling day. If you are already registered but you lost your poll card, you can still vote. Just take photo ID to your assigned polling station.
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