Two years ago the lay members of the General Synod had blocked the move by just six votes despite its support among bishops and clergy. But at a meeting in York, all three sections of the Church voted in favour.
The bishops supported the proposal by 37 to two with one abstention, the clergy voted 162 clergy to 25 against with four abstentions and the laity backed the motion by 152 to 45 with five abstentions.
The result ends decades of debate within the Church and comes more than 20 years after women were allowed to become priests.
Politicians rushed to praise the Church, with Deputy PM Nick Clegg saying it was a “watershed” moment.
He said: “This is a watershed moment for the Church of England and a huge step forward in making our society fairer.
"I would like to congratulate the strong leadership that Archbishop Welby has shown on this issue.
“Allowing women to become bishops is another long overdue step towards gender equality in senior positions.
"I welcome the Church of England’s decision which means that women can now play a full and equal role in the important work of the Church.”
David Cameron tweeted: “I warmly welcome today’s vote formally approving women bishops – a great day for the Church and for equality.”
Ed Miliband added: “Wonderful news from York where the Church of England has just voted to allow women bishops for the first time.”
In spite of an appeal from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, for the result to be heard in silence there was some clapping and shouts of “brill” from within the hall when the outcome was announced.
The Most Rev Justin Welby, who had staked his authority on the issue, said he hoped the first women bishops could be ordained by the end of the year.
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