Photo ID you'll need to vote
Photo ID you'll need to vote
Since 4 May 2023, all polling stations for voters must show photo ID before voting in person.
You will not need photo ID if you vote by post or have appointed a proxy, however your proxy will need to use their own photo ID if they vote for you in a polling station.
If you are registered to vote but don't hold one of the acceptable forms of photo ID, you can apply for a voter authority certificate free of charge following verification of your identity.
The voter authority certificate can only be used for the purposes of voting in a polling station. It cannot be used as proof of age or identity for any other reason.
Which polls require photo ID
The requirement to show photo ID in the polling station applies at the following polls:
- Sheffield City Council and parish council elections and by-elections
- Police and Crime Commissioner Election
- Combined Authority Mayoral Election
- Local or national referenda (if held)
- Member of Parliament recall petition (if held)
- UK Parliamentary General Elections and by-elections
What you will need to include with your application
When you apply for a voter authority certificate, you must provide a suitable photograph, either through the online application process or submitted with a paper application. It will need to meet the following requirements:
- a close-up photograph of your head and shoulders, without any other items or people in the background and without any covering of the head, unless worn for religious beliefs or medical reasons
- in sharp focus and clear without blur
- in colour and taken against a plain, light background,
- free from redeye, shadows and not in the reflection of windows or mirrors
- resembles a true likeness without alteration
Your photo must show you:
- facing forwards
- with nothing covering your face
- looking straight at the camera
- with a plain facial expression
- with eyes open and visible (no sunglasses or being covered by hair)
If you are unable to meet the above criteria, you will be able to explain why, such as with a medical condition.
How to apply
The deadline to apply for a voter authority certificate will be 5pm, six working days before polling day.
For the elections on 2 May 2024, the deadline for applications will be 5pm on Wednesday 24 April 2024.
You can apply for a voter authority certificate online or by completing a paper application with a photo enclosed. Easy read and large print versions of the form are also available.
What happens next
Once verified by the Electoral Registration Officer, it is expected that the voter authority certificate will be printed within one to two working days and delivered by Royal Mail.
You can request to collect your voter authority certificate from the Town Hall, but you will need to provide a reason for this, and it may be rejected.
If collection is agreed, you must collect the voter authority certificate in person. You cannot send anyone else to collect it.