ID Card
Electoral Identity Card
A PDF reader is required to view and print the documents on this page. Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the electoral identity card?
- What are the other acceptable forms of photographic identification?
- Do I need a card If I have a postal or proxy vote?
- How do I apply for a card?
- How long will it take for the card to be issued?
- Can the card be used for anything other than voting?
- Do you provide cards with Braille?
- Will I have to get a new card when this one expires?
- I've changed address, do I need to get a new card?
- What should I do if I lose my card?
- I applied for a card but have not received it. What should I do?
In Northern Ireland the law requires that you produce one of seven forms of photographic identification when you vote at elections in person. The electoral identity card is produced by the Electoral Office and is one of the acceptable forms of identification. You must be listed on the Electoral Register, or have applied to be registered, in order to obtain a card.
The other acceptable identification documents are:
- A UK, Irish or EEA driving licence (photographic part)
- A UK, Irish or EU passport
- An Electoral Identity Card
- A Translink Senior SmartPass
- A Translink 60+ SmartPass
- A Translink War Disabled SmartPass
- A Translink Blind Person’s SmartPass
No. Photographic identification is only required if you intend to vote at a polling station.
You can apply for a card by post or in person.
APPLICATIONS BY POST
The application form can be downloaded from the Forms and Leaflets page.
All postal applications for an Electoral Identity Card must be accompanied by a colour, passport-sized photograph (write your name and date of birth on the back of the photo) and appropriate photographic identification or a declaration completed by an MP, MEP, MLA or Councillor. The identification document must be original - copies cannot be accepted. Examples of acceptable documents are:
- Passport
- Driving licence (photographic part)
- Translink SmartPass
- Citizen Card
- Works pass
- Sports club pass
- National Identity Card
- Student Card
This list is not definitive and other forms of photographic identification may be accepted. We will return your identification document using the same method of postage used to send it to us.
If you do not have photographic identification to send in with your application, you can ask your local MP, MEP, MLA or Councillor to complete the declaration below and send it in with your form.
APPLICATIONS IN PERSON
Applications may be made in person at any Area Electoral Office where your photograph will be taken for the card free of charge (you will not need to provide identification if you apply in this way, provided you are listed on the electoral register).
The card will normally be issued within 10 working days of the application date, provided you are listed on the Electoral Register. Otherwise, your card will be issued within 10 working days of the date you are added to the Register.
Note: applications taken at schools take 2-3 months to be processed due to the volume of applications received.
The purpose of the card is to identify you for voting purposes. However, it is also accepted by some UK airlines and banks/building societies as proof of identity and age.
Yes, if you have a visual impairment you can apply for a card with a Braille overlay. If you require a card with Braille please make a note on your postal application or inform the Area Office staff when making your application in person.
No, as long as you still look like the photograph you can continue to use your card to prove your identity.
No, the card is proof of your identity rather than your address. Your address is not printed on the card.
You only need to update your card if you change your name or if your appearance changes significantly from the photo on the card.
If you lose your card you can apply for a new one. If you lose your card again within 12 months you will not be able to apply for another one until the 12 month period expires or, if an election is scheduled, until the month before the election.
If you are listed on the current Electoral Register and it is more than ten working days since you applied for a card you should contact us and we will trace your application.
Note: applications taken at schools take 2-3 months to be processed.
