Moving home means a fresh start — new neighbourhood, new bills, new routines. But one task often gets pushed down the to-do list: how to change an address on the the electoral roll in the UK.
It may seem small, but it matters. The electoral roll tells your council where to send polling cards, assigns you to the right voting station, and helps lenders verify your identity when you apply for credit. If your details are outdated, you could miss elections, have applications rejected, or face delays in credit checks.
The good news? Changing your address on the electoral roll in 2025 is simple. This guide walks you through the process step by step — including timelines, documents you’ll need, common mistakes, and what to do in special situations.
Let’s get you updated.
Why Updating Your Electoral Roll Address Matters
Before we go into the steps, here’s why it’s important to update your electoral registration right after moving:
1. It determines your right to vote
Your local council assigns you to a polling station based on your address. If it isn’t updated, you may not receive your poll card — or your name may not appear on the voting list when you turn up.
2. It affects your credit score
Many lenders (banks, credit card companies, car finance, phone contracts) use the electoral roll for identity checks.
An outdated address can trigger:
- Rejected applications
- Identity verification delays
- Lower creditworthiness
Sometimes, just being correctly registered at your new address can raise your score.
3. Councils use the data to keep the register clean
If you don’t update your address, councils might remove you after annual canvassing — leaving you unregistered without realising it.
4. Some benefits and jury service selection rely on accurate registration
It’s a civic responsibility and is legally encouraged.
What You Need Before Updating Your Electoral Roll Address
The process is online and straightforward, but having the following ready will save you time:
- Your National Insurance number
- Your new address details (including postcode)
- Your previous address
- Full name and date of birth
- Proof of address (rarely required upfront, but keep on hand: utility bill, bank statement, tenancy agreement)
Once you’ve got these, you’re ready to update.
How to Change Address on the UK Electoral Roll (Step-by-Step)
Here is the exact, up-to-date method for 2025:
Step 1 — Go to the official GOV.UK “Register to Vote” page
This is the only secure, official portal for updating your voter details.
Step 2 — Choose “Update your registration”
In the UK, you don’t “edit” your old address — you register again with your new one.
This automatically updates (and replaces) your previous details.
Step 3 — Enter your personal information
You’ll be asked for:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- National Insurance number
- Nationality
This helps confirm your identity with your local Electoral Registration Office (ERO).
Step 4 — Enter your new address
Type your postcode and select your new home from the database.
Make sure it matches how your address appears on utility bills and banking documents.
Step 5 — Provide your previous address
This helps the system link both registrations and ensures the old one is closed.
Step 6 — Choose whether to join or opt out of the ‘Open Register’
The open register is a public version of the electoral roll that can be bought by organisations.
Opting out does not affect your right to vote.
Most people choose to opt out of privacy.
Step 7 — Submit your application
Your local council receives your form instantly.
Step 8 — Wait for confirmation by email or post
Most councils will send you a confirmation stating:
- You have been added
- Your old address has been removed
- Your voter details are now up to date
That’s it — you’re done.
How Long Does It Take to Update Your Electoral Roll Address?
The exact timeline depends on your local council, but here’s the general process:
Typical processing time: 2–4 weeks
This includes:
- Identity checks
- Adding you to the next monthly update of the register
- Removing your old entry
If you apply close to an election
Councils may fast-track your addition to ensure you can vote.
When it updates on credit reports
This typically takes:
-
1–8 weeks, depending on the credit agency (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion)
If you need it to update faster for a credit application, contact your council’s ERO for confirmation letters.
If it’s been longer than 30 days
You can contact your local electoral office and ask for a status update.
Special Situations: What If…
1. You have no fixed address
You can still register to vote.
There’s a form specifically for people who are:
- Homeless
- Staying in temporary accommodation
- Living in hostels or shelters
- Sleeping rough
You simply name a place you spend a lot of time (e.g., a day centre, café, or street location) as your “address for registration purposes.”
2. You moved to a new council area
No problem — your new council will handle the switch.
Your old registration will be removed automatically.
3. You’re a student with two addresses
Students often have:
- A term-time address
- A home/permanent address
You can register at both, but you can only vote once per election.
(Some elections, like local ones, allow voting in both places if they’re different areas.)
4. You changed your name as well
You can update both:
- Name
- Address
in the same registration application.
5. You previously had postal or proxy voting set up
Moving home cancels these arrangements.
You must reapply for:
- Postal voting
- Proxy voting
if you want them at your new address.
6. You’re not a British citizen
You can still register if you’re:
- An Irish citizen
- An EU citizen (for some elections)
- A qualifying Commonwealth citizen
Eligibility depends on nationality, not just residence.
Common Mistakes People Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1 — Searching “change electoral roll address” and ending up on unofficial sites
Only use GOV.UK.
Avoid third-party services.
Mistake 2 — Assuming your address updates automatically with council tax
It doesn’t.
Electoral registration is separate.
Mistake 3 — Forgetting to provide full previous address details
Leaving this out can delay the process or cause duplicate entries.
Mistake 4 — Believing you can “edit” your old entry
In the UK, the only method is:
➡️ Register again with your new address.
Mistake 5 — Not opting out of the open register
If you value privacy, opt out.
You can opt out now and again anytime later.
Mistake 6 — Not checking credit reports afterwards
Your credit file does not update instantly.
If you’re applying for a mortgage, loan, or credit card soon, check your report after 4–6 weeks.
After Updating Your Address — What Happens Next?
Once your new registration is approved:
1. You’ll get a confirmation from your council
This may arrive:
- By email
- By post
2. You’ll receive future polling cards at your new address
This ensures you’re voting at the right polling station.
3. Your credit reports will update
Once the agencies refresh their data, you’ll see:
- Your updated address
- A potential improvement in your score
4. If an election is coming, check deadlines
If it’s close to election day, make sure your name appears on the register in time.
Quick Checklist: Changing Address on Electoral Roll
Here’s everything in one place:
✔ Go to the official GOV.UK “Register to Vote” page
✔ Select “Update your registration”
✔ Enter new and old addresses
✔ Provide NI number and identity details
✔ Decide whether to join/opt out of the open register
✔ Submit form
✔ Wait for confirmation from your council
✔ Check credit reports after 2–8 weeks
FAQs
Q1. Do I need to re-register if I move within the same council area?
Yes. Even if your move is just down the street, you must update your address on the electoral roll to ensure you receive polling cards and can vote at the correct location. Updating your registration also helps lenders verify your identity accurately.
Q2. Can I update my name and address together?
Absolutely. You can submit a combined update for both your name and address on the same electoral registration form. This ensures your voter record stays accurate and avoids delays in future correspondence or credit checks.
Q3. How long does it take for my new address to appear on the electoral register?
Typically, it takes 2–4 weeks for your new address to appear, depending on your local council. Applying close to an election may result in faster processing so you can vote without issues.
Q4. Will changing my address affect my credit score?
Yes — usually in a positive way. Lenders often use the electoral roll for identity verification. Keeping your registration updated helps prevent rejected applications or delays when applying for loans, credit cards, or mortgages.
Q5. Can I register at two addresses?
In some cases, yes. For example, students can register at both a term-time address and a home address. However, for most voters, you should only have one registered address per household and can only vote once in each election.
Q6. What if I don’t have a fixed address?
You can still register to vote in the UK. There is a special form for people without a permanent address, allowing you to use a location you spend time at (such as a day centre, hostel, or street area) as your registration address.
Q7. Does updating the electoral roll automatically update my council tax?
No. The electoral register and council tax records are separate systems. You must inform your local council separately to update your council tax address.
Q8. Is it mandatory to join the open register?
No. Opting out of the open register does not affect your right to vote. The open register is a publicly available version of the electoral roll, which organisations can purchase. For privacy reasons, many voters choose to opt out.
Final Words
Updating your address on the UK electoral roll is one of the simplest and most important tasks after moving home. It protects your right to vote, supports your credit profile, and ensures your identity is verified smoothly when applying for financial products.
The process only takes a few minutes — and once it’s done, you can cross it off your moving checklist with peace of mind.
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