To apply for a Voter Authority Certificate to vote at a polling station at the local elections on 2 May 2024, you must apply for your certificate by 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.
You can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate online via the Government website:
Apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate
To apply, you need:
- a photograph - photos must be passport style, in colour, on a plain background and only containing your head/shoulders. Your eyes must be open (unless unable due to a disability), your face must not be covered in any way and the photo must not be filtered or manipulated in any way. You must be facing forward, looking at the camera, with a plain expression and mouth closed (unless unable due to a disability)
- your date of birth
- your National Insurance number
You can also download and print out an application form:
Download a Voter Authority Certificate application form
Download the easy read Voter Authority Certificate application form
Download the easy read information on the introduction of voter ID
Download the service voters and overseas voters Voter Authority Certificate application form
Download the large print Voter Authority Certificate application form
Support with your application
If you need any help with your application or would like an application form posted to you, please contact our electoral services team - call (01788) 533595 or email voterID@rugby.gov.uk
You can also speak to a member of the meet and greet team at the Town Hall during office hours.
Frequent asked questions (FAQs)
When do I receive my Voter Authority Certificate after making an application?
Once your application has been successfully processed, we send the data to a Government-appointed supplier who produces your certificate and delivers it to you directly via Royal Mail.
Your certificate should be printed within two working days of your application being successfully processed.
You can request to collect your certificate in person from the Town Hall.
I'm not registered to vote - what do I need to do?
You can register to vote online.
I'm not registered to vote - do I need to wait until I'm registered before applying for a Voter Authority Certificate?
You can register to vote and apply for a Voter Authority Certificate at the same time. However, the certificate cannot be issued before you have registered.
I have lost my photo ID and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed - what can I do?
If you have lost your ID and the deadline to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate has passed, you need to apply for an emergency proxy vote. Your proxy must produce valid photo ID when voting on your behalf at a polling station.
I have applied for a Voter Authority Certificate but have not received it in the post - can I apply for another certificate?
If you have successfully applied for a Voter Authority Certificate but have not received it, you can request a reprint within a month of making your application.
After a month, you'll need to submit a new application.
If you request a reprint very close to polling day, you may be able to have a temporary certificate or you can apply for a proxy vote.
Can I use my Voter Authority Certificate as ID elsewhere?
You cannot use your Voter Authority Certificate for any other purpose than for voting.
When does a Voter Authority Certificate expire?
The Voter Authority Certificate does not have a specified validity period, but it has been recommended to renew your certificate ten years from the date of issue.