Moving to a new home involves a mountain of paperwork, from redirecting mail to updating your utility bills. However, one of the most critical—yet often overlooked—tasks is updating your status on the electoral register. In the UK, you cannot simply “update” your existing record with a new address; you must essentially re-register to move your voting eligibility to your new location.
Keeping your details current is not just about the right to vote; it is a fundamental pillar of your financial identity and legal standing in the UK. This guide will walk you through the process of changing your address on the electoral roll, why it matters for your credit score, and what to do if you don’t have all the required documents.
How to Change Your Address on the Electoral Roll: The Quick Answer
To change your address on the UK electoral roll, you must re-register to vote at your new address. There is no separate “address change” form.
- Where: Visit the official GOV.UK Register to Vote portal.
- Time: The online application takes approximately 5 minutes.
- What you need: Your National Insurance (NI) number and your new postcode.
1. Step-by-Step Guide to Updating Your Address Online
The UK uses a system called Individual Electoral Registration (IER). This means every adult in a household must register themselves; the “head of the household” can no longer do it for everyone.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before starting, ensure you have:
- Your full legal name.
- Your date of birth.
- Your National Insurance number (found on payslips, P60s, or the NI card).
- Your new address and the date you moved in.
- Your previous address (this is crucial so the system can remove you from your old council’s list).
Step 2: Complete the GOV.UK Application
The online portal is the primary method for registration in England, Scotland, and Wales. During the process, you will be asked if you have moved recently. Answering “Yes” and providing your previous address ensures that the “rolling registration” system works correctly, preventing duplicate entries which can cause administrative delays.
Step 3: Choose the “Open Register” Preference
You will be asked if you want to be on the Open Register.
- The Full Register: Used for elections, credit checks, and jury service. You cannot opt-out of this.
- The Open Register: An extract that can be bought by businesses and marketing firms. You can choose to “opt-out” of this version without affecting your right to vote or your credit score.
2. Why an Updated Electoral Roll is Vital for Your Credit Score
One of the biggest reasons to update your address immediately after essential moving house tasks is your financial health.
Lenders, including banks and mobile phone providers, use the electoral roll as a primary tool to verify your identity. If you apply for a loan and your address on the application doesn’t match the electoral register, you may be flagged for fraud or simply rejected due to a lack of “stability.”
Ensuring your records are accurate is a proactive step in protecting your financial standing and avoiding unnecessary credit denials. It can take up to three months for a change in the electoral roll to reflect on reports from agencies like Experian or Equifax, so the sooner you register, the better.
3. Other Ways to Register (Offline & Regional)
By Post
If you prefer not to use the internet, you can download and print a paper registration form from the GOV.UK website or contact your local Electoral Registration Office (ERO). They can mail a form to your new home.
Northern Ireland
The process in Northern Ireland is slightly different. While you can still register online, the system is managed by the Electoral Office for Northern Ireland (EONI). They do not participate in the “Annual Canvass” in the same way Great Britain does, so manual updates are even more important there.
4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I check if I am already registered?
There is no national online database where you can check your status. To find out if you are registered at your current or previous address, you must contact your local council’s Electoral Registration Office. You can find their contact details by entering your postcode into the GOV.UK “Find your local council” tool.
Can I be registered at two addresses?
In some cases, yes. Students who live away from home during term time or individuals with a second home can be registered at two addresses. However, it is a criminal offense to vote twice in the same national election (such as a General Election).
What if I don’t have a National Insurance (NI) number?
If you don’t have an NI number, you can still register. The portal will ask you for the reason, and your local council will follow up via post to ask for alternative evidence, such as a copy of your passport or utility bills, to verify your identity.
Is there a deadline?
While you can register at any time, if an election is called, there is usually a “cutoff point” (often 12 working days before the poll). If you haven’t updated your address by then, you will have to vote at your old polling station or via a previously arranged postal vote.
5. Summary Checklist for Movers
- [ ] Complete the GOV.UK registration within 48 hours of moving.
- [ ] Provide your previous address to avoid “double registration.”
- [ ] Opt-out of the “Open Register” if you want to avoid junk mail.
- [ ] Check your credit report 2–3 months later to ensure the update has been processed.
