Requirement to show ID at polling station
You will have to show an official form of photographic ID when you attend a polling station to vote.
If you are voting in a polling station, you will have to show an official form of photographic ID before you can be given a ballot paper.
This applies to all local elections, referendums, Police and Crime Commissioner elections, Combined Authority Mayoral elections and Parliamentary General and by-elections.
The following list includes the photographic identification that can be presented at the polling station:
- A passport issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man, a British Overseas Territory, an EEA state, or a Commonwealth country
- A driving licence issued by the UK, any of the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man or an EEA state
- A biometric immigration document
- An identity card bearing Proof of Age Standard Scheme hologram (a pass card)
- A Ministry of Defence Form 90 (Defence Identity Card)
- A Blue Badge
- A national identity card issued by an EEA state
- An Older Persons Bus Pass
- A Disabled Persons Bus Pass
- An Oyster 60+ Card
- A Freedom pass
- A Scottish National Entitlement Card issued in Scotland.
- A 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card issued in Wales.
- A Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel card issued in Wales
- A Senior SmartPass issued in Norther Ireland
- A Registered Blind SmartPass or Blind Person's Smart Pass issued in Northern Ireland
- A 60+ SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- A Half Fare SmartPass issued in Northern Ireland
- An Electoral Identity card issued in Northern Ireland.
Expired documents can be used, provided the photograph is still a good likeness to you.
If you are voting as a proxy on behalf of somebody else, you will need to bring your own photo ID.
Apply for Photo ID to vote
You only need to apply for a Voter Authority Certificate if:
- You do not have accepted photo ID
- you no longer look like the photo on your ID
- the name on your photo ID is different to your name on the electoral register.
It's free to apply and you'll need
- a recent, digital photo of yourself
- your National Insurance number
You can still apply if you do not have a National Insurance number. You’ll need to provide other documents to prove your identity, for example a birth certificate, bank statement and utility bill.
Other ways to apply
You can also apply using a paper application form which is available online to download and print off. You will need a recent physical passport photo of yourself.
Alternatively, you can contact Electoral Services to request a paper application form to be sent to you.
There’s a different form for applying by post if you live abroad, you’re in the armed forces, a Crown Servant or a British Council employee.
If you are not able to complete the application online or using a paper application form, please contact Electoral Services by email electoral.services@rotherham.gov.uk or call 01709 823590