Register to vote (Crown servants and British Council employees)
Use this service to get on the electoral register or update your details if you’re posted abroad as:
- a Crown servant (for example diplomatic or overseas civil service)
- a British Council employee
- the spouse or civil partner of a Crown servant or British Council employee
You can do this before you leave or if you’re already abroad.
You can no longer register to vote or apply for a postal or proxy vote in the 2 May 2024 elections. You can still register for future elections and referendums.
Register online
Registering takes around 5 minutes.
You only need to register once - you do not need to register separately for every election.
You’ll need your National Insurance number, if you have one. You’ll also need your payroll or staff ID number (usually found on your payslip).
Other ways to apply
You can also register by post (England, Scotland and Wales).
There’s a different form for registering by post in Northern Ireland.
Children of Crown servants or British Council employees
How you register to vote depends on where you’re from.
If you’re from England, Wales or Northern Ireland
You can register when you turn 16.
Register to vote as an overseas voter if you’re from England or Wales.
If you’re from Scotland
Register by post if you’re from Scotland. Both of the following must apply:
- you’re either 14 or 15 years old
- you live with your parent or guardian overseas
Send the form to your local Electoral Registration Office.
If you’re not a Crown servant or British Council employee
There’s a different way to register to vote if you’re in the armed forces.