How to register to vote (and what you'll need on the day)
Five minutes at gov.uk/register-to-vote with your National Insurance number. The catches are the deadline — 12 working days before polling day — and the photo ID rule at the ballot box.
The three steps
- Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote — five minutes, needs your National Insurance number and address. Deadline: 12 working days before any polling day. You must re-register when you move house; students can legally register at both home and term-time addresses (but vote once).
- Have photo ID for polling stations: passport, driving licence (including provisional), or an older person's/disabled bus pass all count. No ID? A free Voter Authority Certificate from gov.uk fixes it — apply before the pre-election deadline.
- Can't attend? Apply for a postal vote (11 working days before) or proxy vote (6 working days) — both via gov.uk.
Who can vote — and who soon might
General elections: British, Irish and qualifying Commonwealth citizens aged 18+ on polling day (16+ can pre-register). The government has legislated plans to lower the voting age to 16 across the UK before the next general election — around 1.5 million new voters, the largest franchise expansion since 1969. EU citizens (except Irish, Maltese and Cypriot) can vote in some local elections but not general elections.
Why bother now
Registration surges always jam the system in the final fortnight before an election — registering early costs nothing and guarantees your vote in what polling suggests could be the closest, strangest election in modern history. Then figure out how you'd actually vote: the 2-minute party-match quiz and the personal impact calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do I register to vote in the UK?
At gov.uk/register-to-vote — it takes about five minutes with your National Insurance number. The deadline is 12 working days before polling day, and you must re-register whenever you move house.
Do I need ID to vote?
At polling stations in Great Britain, yes — a passport, driving licence (full or provisional) or certain travel passes. If you have none, apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at gov.uk before the deadline. Postal votes need no ID.
Can 16-year-olds vote in the UK?
Not yet in general elections (16–17-year-olds already vote in Scottish and Welsh devolved elections). The government has set out legislation to lower the UK-wide voting age to 16 before the next general election.