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Registration concierge

Let’s get you registered

It takes about five minutes. Around 191,000 of the 3.4 million eligible were registered at the 2024 general election — most people who are missing simply never found the starting point.

Before you start — what this is

Registration itself happens on gov.uk. BOVF cannot register you, does not submit anything on your behalf, and never sees your application. What we do is work out which council handles you, explain the choices in plain terms, and remind you before your registration lapses. The official service is free and always will be: gov.uk/register-to-vote.

Find who handles your registration

Overseas registration is handled by the council covering the last UK address you lived at or were registered at — not by an embassy, and not by where your family lives now.

Can’t remember it exactly? An approximate postcode from the right area is usually enough to identify the council. The lookup happens in your browser — BOVF does not see your postcode unless you complete step 3.

Register, and choose how you will vote

Register as an overseas voter on gov.uk

You will need your National Insurance number if you have it, your last UK address, and your passport details. It takes about five minutes.

Register on gov.uk

Opens gov.uk in a new tab. BOVF cannot register you and does not see your application.

Then choose a voting method — honestly

Both have real drawbacks. We would rather tell you now than after an election.

Choose a voting method to see guidance for it

If you choose postal — apply as early as you possibly can

Deadlines for postal vote applications fall well before polling day, and the ballot itself cannot reach you until after nominations close. Apply the moment an election is called, and return the ballot the day it arrives.

If you choose proxy — arrange it now, not at the election

A proxy arrangement can be set up in advance and left in place, which is exactly why it survives a snap election. Your proxy must be registered and eligible to vote in the UK, and must be someone you trust to follow your instruction. They do not have to live in your constituency: they either vote at your polling station or apply to vote by post on your behalf.

Apply for either through your electoral registration office — the council named in step 1.

Confirm, and diarise your renewal

Overseas registration lapses after 3 years and must be renewed. Most people only discover a lapse when they try to vote, by which point it is too late for that election.