How to Register to Vote or Update Your Address on the UK Electoral Register

Register again after moving or changing your details

You normally register only once, but you must register again if you change your address, name or nationality. Moving house does not automatically transfer your electoral registration to the new address. Submit a fresh registration using the new details.

If you are unsure whether you are already registered, contact your local electoral registration office in England, Scotland or Wales. In Northern Ireland, use the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland's official registration-check service.

What information you need

The official online service asks for basic identity and address information. You will be asked for your National Insurance number, but GOV.UK confirms that you can still register if you do not have one. The electoral registration authority can carry out additional identity checks if necessary.

• Full name and date of birth.
• Current address and postcode.
• Nationality.
• National Insurance number, if available.
• Previous address or previous details where the form asks for them.

Eligibility differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Registration ages and nationality rules are not identical throughout the UK. In England and Northern Ireland, people can register from age 16. In Scotland and Wales, people can register from age 14. British and Irish citizens can register, while some Commonwealth, EU and other foreign citizens may also qualify depending on the rules that apply where they live and their immigration status.

Being on the electoral register does not itself guarantee a vote in every election. Eligibility for a particular poll depends on the election type as well as your age, nationality, residence and registration status.

Apply online or use the correct paper form

The GOV.UK online service is available for registering and for updating your details by registering again. The online form usually takes about 5 minutes.

Paper registration is also available. If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, print and send the relevant form to your electoral registration office. Northern Ireland has a separate paper form that must be returned to the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI).

Register before the election deadline

You can register at any time for future elections, but to vote in a particular election your complete application must arrive by the registration deadline. Electoral Commission guidance states that, under the current rules, a complete registration application must be made by midnight, 12 working days before the poll. Check the published dates for the specific election because election timetables are date-specific.

What happens after you apply

Your electoral registration authority checks the application and your identity. If the information can be verified and you meet the eligibility rules, you are added at the next available register update. If identity matching is unsuccessful, the authority can ask for additional evidence before deciding the application.

Once registered, your name and UK address normally appear on the full electoral register. You can choose to opt out of the separate open register without affecting your right to vote. The full register cannot normally be opted out of unless you qualify for anonymous registration.

Use anonymous registration if publication could put you at risk

Do not use ordinary registration if having your name and address published on the electoral register could put you or someone in your household at risk. There is a separate anonymous registration process. In England, Scotland and Wales this uses a paper form and supporting evidence; Northern Ireland has different rules and a separate route.

Avoid these common problems

• Do not assume your registration automatically follows you when you move house; register again at the new address.
• Do not wait until polling day. Registration closes before the election.
• Do not assume being registered means you can vote in every type of election; eligibility varies.
• Do not confuse opting out of the open register with anonymous registration. Opting out leaves your details on the full electoral register.
• If safety is a concern, use the anonymous-registration process rather than ordinary registration.