How to register to vote
Registering takes about 5 minutes online and you only need to do it again if you move, change your name or change nationality. Remember you need photo ID to vote in person at many elections.
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 6
- Checked
What you’ll need
- Your National Insurance number (you can still register without it)
- Your current address, and previous address if you've moved in the last year
- Your date of birth
Safety first
- Only use GOV.UK to register. Be wary of messages asking for payment to register; it's free.
Step by step
-
Step 1: Check you can register
You can register if you're a British or Irish citizen, or a qualifying Commonwealth or EU citizen in some cases. You can register from age 16 in England and Northern Ireland, and from 14 in Scotland and Wales, ahead of being old enough to vote.
Next: step 2 -
Step 2: Register online
Go to Register to vote on GOV.UK. It takes about 5 minutes. Enter your details and National Insurance number.
Next: step 3 -
Step 3: Do it in good time
There's a registration deadline before each election, so don't leave it until the last minute. Your council's electoral services team can tell you if you're registered.
Next: step 4 -
Step 4: Decide about the open register
You'll be asked whether to be on the open register, which anyone can buy. Opting out doesn't affect your right to vote.
Next: step 5 -
Step 5: Get photo ID ready
You need accepted photo ID to vote in person at UK Parliament elections and many other elections, such as a passport, driving licence or older person's bus pass. If you don't have any, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate.
Next: step 6 -
Step 6: Choose how to vote
Once registered, you can vote in person, by post or by proxy (someone votes for you). Postal and proxy votes need separate applications.
Tips
- Register again as soon as you move house.
Questions people ask
Do I need to register for every election?
No, only if your name, address or nationality changes.
How do I check if I'm registered?
Contact your local council's electoral registration office; GOV.UK can't tell you.
Sources
Checked 9 October 2026. We wrote this guide in our own words, using:
- GOV.UK: Register to vote (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Photo ID you'll need to vote (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK: Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate (gov.uk)
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