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Laws around voter ID changed in May last year and it’s vital you know what to take with you to the polling station on 4 July in order to vote. 

To cast your vote in the General Election on 4 July 2024, you must take an accepted form of photographic ID with you to the polling station. However, veterans should be aware that their Veterans ID Cards are not currently accepted as a valid form of voter ID.  

This means that, despite being a form of identification for veterans, it will not be sufficient for voting purposes in this election. Veterans will need to ensure they have an alternative form of accepted ID. 

However, the government has confirmed that it intends to add Veterans ID Cards to the official list of accepted voter IDs for future elections. 

Photo of polling station sign

Accepted Forms of ID

  • Passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state or a Commonwealth country (including an Irish Passport Card) 
  • Driving licenses (full or provisional) - Issued by the UK, Crown Dependencies, British Overseas Territories, or European Economic Area countries.   
  • Blue Badge Parking Permits 
  • Various Local Travel cards (e.g. Older Person’s Bus Pass) 

For the full list of accepted ID and to check yours is valid, please visit the Electoral Commission webpage.  

If you do not own an accepted form of ID, you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate. This is a form of photo ID only for the purpose of voting.  

You can apply online or by contacting your local electoral commission. If you live in Northern Ireland and don’t already have an accepted form of photographic ID, you can apply for the Electoral Identity card. The deadline for applications for both cards is 26 June 2024.

Voter Registration

You will also need to make sure you are registered to vote, and that the electoral roll has your up-to-date details. If you haven’t already done so, you must register to vote by 18 June 2024. 

Help for Heroes are campaigning to ensure veterans' voices are heard in this election, and in the next government. You can show support by joining us in telling the party leaders to sign the Veterans Pledge to ensure a better future for veterans and their families.  

SIGN THE VETERANS PLEDGE