Last chance to get free voter ID

22 Apr 2025 02:30 PM

Voters without ID have just one day left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate to use at the elections in May.

The Electoral Commission is calling on anyone that needs free ID to apply now (Opens in new window) before the deadline of 5pm tomorrow.  

Over 10,000 people have already applied for a Voter Authority Certificate ahead of the local elections, however research from the Commission shows that 46% of people were not aware that they could get a free ID from their local authority.  

The certificate is a free form of ID available to anyone who doesn’t have another accepted form of voter ID, such as a passport, driving licence or an older person’s or disabled person’s bus pass.

Jackie Killeen, Director of Electoral Administration and Regulation at the Electoral Commission, said:  

“Voters will be required to show photo ID at polling stations next month. Our research shows that the vast majority of voters already have an accepted form of ID, but for those that do not, the free ID is an important option.  

“It’s crucial that those who need the free ID, apply before the deadline so that they can cast their vote at the polling station. That deadline is fast approaching so don’t delay.”  

Applications can be made online (Opens in new window) or by completing a paper form, which can be obtained from your local council. Voters will need to provide a photo, their full name, date of birth, the address at which they are registered to vote and their national insurance number.  

The Commission has spokespeople available to discuss the Voter Authority Certificate and the ID requirement.  

For more information contact the Electoral Commission press office on 020 7271 0704, out of office hours 07789 920 414 or press@electoralcommission.org.uk  

• The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity by:
  • enabling the delivery of free and fair elections and referendums, focusing on the needs of electors and addressing the changing environment to ensure every vote remains secure and accessible
  • regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches
  • using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency
• Research relating to Voter Authority Certificate awareness levels taken from a survey of 6,382 people living in England (excluding London) during between 17 and 31 January 2025.
• Elections are taking place across England on 1 May 2025 in 11 local authorities and 14 county councils. There will also be four combined authority mayoral elections, and two local authority mayoral elections.  
• Information on the elections and a postcode look-up tool to help voters find their polling station is available on the Electoral Commission website.
• Applicants must be registered to vote before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate. The registration deadline for the local elections has now closed. The deadline to apply for a proxy vote is 5pm tomorrow.
• A list of accepted forms of ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website. From 1 May, HM Armed Forces Veteran Cards can also be used as voter ID.
• Between 17 February and 21 April 2025, 10,374 applications were made for a Voter Authority Certificate. More information is available via the Apply for photo ID to vote performance dashboard (Opens in new window).