Having up to date electoral role information on your credit report, helps lenders confirm your name and address quickly. This provides lenders with confidence in the fact that you are, in fact, who you say you are. Fraud and money laundering is an issue lenders are concerned about, and correct electoral roll information on your credit file, helps them validate your details.

The electoral roll, will show times when you have been registrered to vote in elections. The date's showing when you lived at a certain address will not be exact. Within your credit report, the information contained on the electoral roll entry will show the name of your local authority, the address they hold for you (Including any previous addresses) and the dates you were registered to vote.

What to do if your Credit Report shows you as not being on the Electoral Roll

Lenders usually consider any current or previous addresses held for you on the electoral roll when making a decision on your application for credit. Monthly updates made by your council to your electoral roll information will usually be updated on your report by the three credit agencies.

So you need to make sure you are on your local electoral roll. The credit agencies will see this and update your credit report.

How Do I Get On The Electoral Roll?

In order to add your details to the electoral roll at your current address you should contact your local council authority. They will send you a registration form which you are to complete and return to them.

To register you need to be a British, or other Commonwealth, Irish or European citizen and be 18 or over (although if you will be 18 soon you may be eligible to register). You can also register by visiting www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.

Can I be added to the electoral roll if I have recently moved?

Yes. If you have moved home recently then contact your local authority asking to add your name to the electoral roll at your new address. During the course of each year the local authority will inform the credit agencies of the updated details.

Is There a Way to Get the Electoral Roll Information Changed Immediately?

Yes. Contact your local authority and ask them to send you a letter confirming that your details have been added to the electoral roll at the new address. Send a copy of this letter to the three credit agencies and ask them to update their records and your credit report.

Could I Be Turned Down For Credit Because My Name Is Not On The Electoral Roll?

Yes. It is up to the individual lender. If there is any other evidence on your credit report to prove that you are living at your current address, they may use that. However, it is best to be registered at your current address if you are entitled to vote.