Time to apply for free voter ID ahead of the general election is running out. The deadline is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.

For the first time at a general election, voters will need to show photo ID to receive their ballot paper in polling stations. Those without an accepted type of ID can apply online for a Voter Authority Certificate or at any of Sandwell’s libraries and at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury.

Applicants must be registered to vote and will need to provide their date of birth, National Insurance number and a photograph.

Those that have an accepted form of ID already do not need to apply.

Accepted forms of ID include

• a UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Commonwealth passport;
• a UK or EEA drivers’ licence; and some concessionary travel passes, such as an older person’s bus pass or an Oyster 60+ card.

Voters will be able to use expired ID if they are still recognisable from the photo.

The general election is taking place Thursday 4 July.

Shokat Lal, Acting Returning Officer at Sandwell Council, said: “As the deadline to apply for free ID fast approaches, it is important that Sandwell residents make sure they’re election ready. If you need any help with applying for free ID or want to request an application form, the details are on Sandwell’s website or call the elections team on 0121 569 3244. “

Residents can also visit any of Sandwell’s libraries and at Sandwell Council House in Oldbury during opening hours where a member of staff will be pleased to support them with Voter ID.”

Craig Westwood, Director of Communications, Policy and Research, said: “Photo ID is now a requirement to vote at polling stations at the general election. If you do not have accepted ID, you can still apply for a Voter Authority Certificate, which is a free form of identification.

“The availability of free ID helps ensure elections remain accessible to all eligible voters. But it is crucial that anyone who needs one applies before the deadline. That date is fast approaching so don’t delay.”

Voters also have the option to vote byproxy. The deadline for a proxy vote is 5pm Wednesday 26 June.

Uptake of postal votes and general registration to vote have increased rapidly locally.

Since 22 May when the parliamentary election was announced, across Dudley, 16,247 applications to register to vote and 4,815 applications to vote by post were received in time for the deadline. This is a 364% increase in the number of overall applications since the May council elections and a 290% increase in postal vote applications. Poll cards and postal votes packs are currently being sent out.

Kevin O’Keefe, chief executive at Dudley Council, said: “We’ve seen a huge increase in people registering to vote and people opting for a postal vote and it’s great to see so many people interested in the democratic process.

“But remember, if you’re voting in person you need to bring your ID to the polling station or you’ll be turned away. Similarly you must return your postal vote in time for it to count.

If you miss the postal vote deadline you can still take your postal vote to a polling station and hand it in there. It’s your vote, make sure you use it.”