Voters in Scotland will need to show photographic ID at the polling station when voting in the next UK Parliament general election, due to take place before the end of January 2025. This new requirement follows the introduction of new legislation by the UK Government.
Accepted forms of ID include a passport, driving licence, older persons or disabled persons bus pass and Young Scot card. Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at www.voter-authority-certificate.service.gov.uk or by completing a paper form.
The full list of accepted ID, along with more information about the new requirement and details of how to apply for the free ID, is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.
The need for photo identification applies to UK general elections only and not for local or Scottish Government elections.
