You must be 18 years or over on polling day to vote in elections or referendums. However, everyone over the age of 16 and eligible to be registered is required by law to be on the electoral register. You must register even if you don’t want to vote.
Once you are registered you will be able to vote if you choose. Your name and address will also appear on the electoral register.
The Electoral Commission has information about which elections you can vote in and how to vote.
How to register
You can register to vote on GOV.UK. You will need to provide your:
- name
- address
- date of birth
- National Insurance number
Your National Insurance number can be found on your payslip, a P45 or P60 or on letters about tax or benefits. You can also find a lost National Insurance number on GOV.UK.
Moving house
If you are already on the electoral register but want to tell us that you have moved, you should also use the register to vote form. Include both your new address and, where requested, your previous address.
When moving between addresses, make sure that everyone in the household completes a new registration. This includes children over the age of 16. This makes sure that details aren’t left showing at the old address.
We will action your request to move on the next working day. Once your new registration has taken effect you will be removed from the register at your old address.
If you're unable to register online, you can download paper voter registration forms on GOV.UK.
Check if you are registered to vote
Make an enquiry to find out if you are registered.
Find out if you are registered to vote
We aim to respond within 5 working days.
Deadline for registering to vote in an election
To be registered to vote in an election, you must make your application by the end of the 12th working day before polling day.