Remember you now need accepted photo ID to vote in elections

Londoners will head to the polls on Thursday, 2 May, to participate in the Greater London Authority elections, voting for the Mayor of London, London Assembly Member for Havering, Redbridge, and London Members of the London Assembly. 

To vote in this election, you must show an accepted photo ID. Photo ID applies to:

• UK parliamentary elections, including general elections, by-elections and recall petitions
• Local elections and by-elections
• Police and Crime Commissioner elections

You can use any of the following accepted forms of photo ID when voting at a polling station.

• 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 licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, or an EEA state (this includes a provisional driving licence)
• A Blue Badge
• Older Person's Bus Pass funded by the UK Government
• Disabled Person's Bus Pass funded by the UK Government

Find out more about accepted forms of Photo ID.

If you don't have an accepted photo ID, you can apply for a free voter ID document, known as a Voter Authority Certificate. The deadline to apply for free voter ID for the elections on Thursday, 2 May, is 5pm on Wednesday, April 24.

You need to register to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate. You must be on the electoral register by 11:59pm on Tuesday, 16 April, to vote.

Anyone over 16 can register online, although you must be 18 to vote in elections. You will need your National Insurance number to register.

It is particularly important that people who have recently moved home check they are registered. Registering to vote allows people to exercise their democratic rights and shape policies locally and nationally. Registering to vote can also improve your credit score, making securing loans or a home easier. Students are also reminded to register at both their home and term-time addresses. 

Please see below other important deadlines to remember.

• The deadline for applying for a postal vote is 5pm on Wednesday, 17 April
• The deadline to apply for a proxy to vote on your behalf is 5pm on Wednesday, 24 April