A service declaration for members of HM forces or their spouse or civil partner is valid for five years.1
Registrations can be removed earlier in the following circumstances:2
cancellation by the elector
you determine the person is not entitled to be registered
you determine the person was registered, or their entry was altered, as a result of an application made by another person (i.e. not the individual whose details are provided on the application and who has declared that the information provided is true)
if another entry is made in respect of the elector in any register of electors
For guidance on removing an elector from the register, see our guidance on deletions.
A service declaration received later than three months after it is dated must be rejected.3
The applicant should be informed and invited to submit a fresh declaration.
A service voter may cancel their declaration at any time.4
The cancellation of a service declaration will cancel any absent voting arrangement made in connection with that declaration even if the elector registers as an ordinary elector at the same qualifying address.
Service voters aged under 18
A person who is under 18 years old who is registered as a service voter because they live with a parent for guardian who is a member of HM forces must renew their registration every year.5
They will cease to be registered as a service voter when they are 18 years old. Our guidance on renewal of service declarations cover renewal process for those aged under 18.