Register to vote

How to register, special arrangements for registering to vote and what happens after you've registered.

The quickest and easiest way to register to vote is online.

You'll just need your:

• National Insurance number
• date of birth
• address

If you need help to register online you can visit:

• your local library
• our Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street

If you can't register online you can print paper forms from the GOV.UK website.

You can also call us on 0117 922 3400 and we'll send you a registration form. You can't register over the phone.

You can only register yourself to vote. You can't register a family member, even if they live in the same property.

What you need to know

You'll need your National Insurance number, if you have one.

You can find this on your National Insurance card, or in paperwork like payslips, or letters about benefits or tax credits. You can find a lost National Insurance number on the GOV.UK website.

To register you must be:

• aged 16 or over, but you won't be able to vote until you are 18
• a citizen of Britain, the Commonwealth, Irish Republic or a European Union member state
• living at an address in Bristol

Check who can register to vote at Your Vote Matters Go to https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/can-i-vote/who-can-register-to-vote (opens new window).

You need to register because:

• to vote in elections and referendums you must be on the electoral register
• you can be fined up to £80 if you don't register to vote
• if you're not on the register, you may find it difficult getting credit for a loan, mortgage or other financial agreement

Alternative formats

• pdf Register to vote, Easy Read (1.77 MB)

If you are unable to use this form, require another format or need it posted to you please email us at electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk or call us on 0117 92 23400.

Special arrangements for registering to vote

You can register to vote:

• if you're a student and you have two addresses
• if you live or work abroad
• as a Crown servant or as a British Council employee
• if you're in the armed forces
• if you have no fixed address
• if you're a prisoner on remand
• anonymously if you're in danger

After you've registered

You'll get a letter from us within seven to ten days confirming that you're registered, or asking you for more information.

You can find out about the electoral register and check when your name will appear on the register.

Privacy Notice

Read our privacy statement and our pdf Electoral Services privacy notice (179 KB) to see what we do with your personal information.