If you don't have valid photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate
Residents will need to show photographic ID to vote in the Cornwall Council and town and parish council elections May 1, 2025.
The deadline to register to vote is midnight on April 11, and if you want to cast your ballot at a polling station you must take your photo ID with you.
Accepted forms of ID include:
• Passport
• Driving licence
• Government issued older or disabled person’s bus pass
• Blue Badge
• Defence Identity Card
• Identity card bearing the Proof of Age Standards Scheme hologram (a PASS card)
The full list of accepted ID is available on the Electoral Commission’s website.
You can still use your photo ID if it's out of date, as long as it looks like you. The name on your ID should be the same name you used to register to vote.
Anyone who does not have one of the accepted forms of ID will be able to apply for free ID online at or by completing a paper form. Applications must be submitted before the deadline at 5pm on 23 April.
Kate Kennally, Returning Officer at Cornwall Council, said: “With elections taking place in Cornwall on May 1, it is important that those who want to vote make sure they have an accepted form of ID. It may seem early but checking now means you will be ready to vote in May.
“Residents who do not have one of the accepted forms of ID can apply for free ID either online or by completing a paper application form and sending this to Cornwall Council electoral services team.”
If you need help applying for the free ID or want to request an application form, contact Cornwall Council’s elections team on 01872 324 196 or email voter-registration@cornwall.gov.uk.
Press release issued on March 19, 2025