What is the Electoral Identity Card?
The law requires you produce one of nine forms of photographic identification when you vote at a polling station.
These are:
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UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photo part) (provisional accepted)
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UK, Irish or EU passport (incl. Irish Passport Card) (EU passports are not accepted at UK Parliamentary elections)
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Translink Half Fare SmartPass
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Translink Senior SmartPass
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Translink 60+ SmartPass
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Translink War Disablement SmartPass
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Translink Registered Blind SmartPass
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Biometric Immigration Document OR
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Electoral Identity Card
The last option - the Electoral Identity Card - is solely for electors who have not got one of the other means (see list above) of photographic voter identification.
Do I need an Electoral Identity Card?
Most people do not need an Electoral Identity Card.
Only electors who have not got one of the other means of photographic identity (see list above) for voting need an Electoral Identity Card.
My passport/driving licence etc… is out of date do I need an Electoral Identity Card?
For voting your photographic ID document does not need to be current, but the photograph must be of a good enough likeness to allow polling station staff to confirm the identity of the holder.
Can the Electoral Identity Card be used for anything other than voting?
The Electoral Identity Card has a single purpose which is to provide photographic identity for voting purposes.
The Electoral Office will not provide Electoral Identity Cards for purposes other than voter identification.
How do I apply for an Electoral Identity Card?
You must be listed on the Electoral Register to get a card. To check if you are registered visit the Am I Registered page.
If you are not accurately registered to vote, then go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote and as part of your online registration you can ask for an Electoral Identity Card application form to be sent to you.
If you are accurately registered to vote, then you can get an Electoral Identity Card application form by using our Contact Us page www.eoni.org.uk/contact-us
You should complete the Electoral Identity Card application form and, along with the other information required, post the documents to the Electoral Office.
Where do I post my completed Electoral Identity Card application back to?
Once you have your Electoral Identity Card application form completed, along with your photograph and photo validation you should post it back to us at:
Electoral Office for Northern Ireland
FREEPOST
BE 617
BT1 1ER
I live outside Northern Ireland, can I get an Electoral Identity Card?
No. The Electoral Identity Card is only available to electors who are registered to vote in Northern Ireland.
Can I wear a hat/head covering when I get my photo taken for the card?
Hats or head coverings are not permitted in Electoral ID Card photos except when worn for religious or medical reasons and only if the full facial features are visible.
When will I receive my card?
It takes time to process your application. If your application is successful you should allow up to six weeks to receive your Electoral Identity Card.
My card has expired - do I need to get a new one?
Expired cards are accepted to vote however your Electoral Identity Card or any other photographic ID used at Polling Stations must be of a good enough likeness to allow polling station staff to confirm the identity of the holder.
I've changed address, do I need to get a new card?
No. The Electoral Identity Card is proof of your identity for voting and not proof of your address. Your address is not printed on the Electoral Identity Card. You only need to update your Electoral Identity Card if you change your name or if your appearance changes significantly from the photo on the Electoral Identity Card.