Voters without ID have just three weeks left to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the elections in May. 

The Commission is calling on anyone that needs free ID to apply now, before the deadline of 5pm on Wednesday 23 April. 

Over 225,000 people have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate since applications opened in January 2023, however new research from the Commission shows that 46% of people were not aware that they could get a free ID from their local authority. 

The ID is available to anyone who doesn’t have another accepted form, 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 in May. 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 a really important option. 

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

Applications can be made online or by completing a paper form and sending this to 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. 

Applicants must be registered to vote before applying. The registration deadline is 11.59pm on Friday 11 April, and applications can be made online.  

Ends

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 [email protected]. 
 

Notes to editors

  • 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:

    o 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

    o regulating political finance – taking proactive steps to increase transparency, ensure compliance and pursue breaches

    o using our expertise to make and advocate for changes to our democracy, aiming to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency

  • The Commission was set up in 2000 and reports to the UK, Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
  • The Commission has produced a media guide on the 2025 local elections.
  • Research relating to Voter Authority Certificate awareness levels is taken from a survey of 6,382 people living in England (excluding London) during between 17 and 31 January 2025.
  • Elections are taking place on 1 May 2025 in 11 local authorities and 14 county councils across England. There will also be 4 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 also available on the Electoral Commission website.  

  • The deadlines for the local elections are:  

    o 11.59pm Friday 11 April to register to vote 
    o 5pm Monday 14 April to apply for a postal vote  
    o 5pm Wednesday 23 April to apply for a proxy vote  
    o 5pm Wednesday 23 April to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate 

  • Information about the number of certificate applications is available via the GOV.UK Apply for photo ID Performance dashboard.
  • 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.