Guidance document
Acceptable forms of ID for birth registration and re-registration
Acceptable forms of ID for birth registration and re-registration
Acceptable forms of ID for birth registration and re-registration
Primary list
Provide 1 document from this list or 2 documents from the secondary list.
| Document type | Format | Description (examples include but are not limited to) |
|---|---|---|
| Passport (current or expired) | Physical document Booklet |
Expired passports may be accepted up to 18 months after the date of expiry. Applies to UK and overseas passports. Booklet-style identity and travel document. Cover colours and internal layouts vary by country and issuing authority. |
| UK biometric immigration document | Physical or digital document | May be a durable plastic document similar in size to a credit card, or an online immigration status record viewed through the eVisa service. |
| UK valid travel document | Physical document Booklet |
Black cover booklet-style travel document, similar in format to a UK passport. |
| UK Refugee Travel Document Issued under Article 28 of the 1951 Geneva Convention |
Physical document Booklet |
Blue cover booklet-style travel document, similar in format to a UK passport. |
| UK Stateless Person Travel Document. Issued under Article 28 of the 1954 Geneva Convention | Physical document Booklet |
Red cover booklet-style travel document, similar in format to a UK passport. |
| UK driving licence (full or provisional) The paper counterpart driving licence is not acceptable. |
Physical or digital document | Photocard driving licence in a durable plastic format, similar in size to a credit card. Driving licence information may also be viewed or shared through the DVLA online service. |
| UK birth certificate | Physical document | Full or short birth certificate issued by the relevant authority. |
| UK adoption certificate | Physical document | Adoption certificate issued by the relevant authority. |
| EU driving licence | Physical document | Photocard driving licence in a durable plastic format, similar in size to a credit card. Council of the European Union - PRADO |
| EU Member State identity card | Physical document | Photo identity document in a durable plastic format, similar in size to a credit card. Council of the European Union - PRADO |
| PASS card Proof of Age Standards Scheme |
Physical or digital document | Photo proof-of-age identity document in a durable plastic format, similar in size to a credit card. A digital PASS option may also be available through an accredited provider. PASS 5stepCheck Scheme. PASS Digital. |
Secondary list
Provide 2 documents from this list or 1 document from the primary list.
| Document type | Format | Description (examples include but are not limited to) |
|---|---|---|
| Utility bill (not mobile phone bill) |
Physical or digital document | Electricity, gas, water, landline telephone or broadband bill. |
| Council Tax statement | Physical or digital document | Council Tax bill, statement or related Council Tax correspondence issued by a local authority. |
| Bank or building society statement | Physical or digital document | Statement issued by a bank or building society. |
| Mortgage statement | Physical or digital document | Statement issued by a mortgage provider. |
| Credit card statement | Physical or digital document | Statement issued by a credit card provider. |
| State benefit, pension or tax credit entitlement from DWP/HMRC | Physical or digital document | Evidence confirming entitlement to a state or child benefit, pension or tax credit, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Pension Credit or Attendance Allowance. HMRC tax code notices, Self Assessment notices, statements and National Insurance correspondence |
| P45 or P60 | Physical or digital document | Employment tax document. These are often issued electronically, but a paper copy may also be provided. Your P45, P60 and P11D form - GOV.UK |
| Marriage or civil partnership certificate | Physical document only for UK certificates | Paper certificate for UK marriage or civil partnership entries. Overseas marriage or civil partnership evidence may be presented in paper form or, where applicable, through a digital route. |
| Letter from a government agency | Physical or digital document | UK government department, agency or public body (as detailed in link). Tenancy, housing benefit, vehicle tax, citizenship, electoral registration, jury service, Carer’s Allowance or higher education correspondence. |
| Letter from the National Health Service | Physical or digital document | Appointment, referral or discharge letters, a child health record (“red book”) or fit note. |
| HMRC notification (or successor body) |
Physical or digital document | HMRC correspondence issued in relation to tax or related matters, such as National Insurance contributions, Tax Credits or tax overpayments. Check if a letter you’ve received from HMRC is genuine - GOV.UK |
| Police or Armed Forces ID | Physical document | For UK police and Armed Forces IDs, this is usually a photo identity document in a durable plastic format, similar in size to a credit card. Overseas police or forces ID documents may differ. HM Armed Forces Veteran Card - GOV.UK |
| Signed firearms certificate | Physical document | A4 paper certificate with security features and a photograph. Firearm and Registered Firearms Dealer certificates should be printed on blue paper. Shotgun certificates should be printed on buff/beige paper. |
| Proof of Royal Mail Redirection | Physical document | Proof or confirmation of a Royal Mail Redirection, normally issued on Royal Mail letterhead. Royal Mail Redirection |
| Document issued by the person’s local authority | Physical or digital document | Tenancy agreement, housing benefit correspondence, Blue Badge correspondence, social care notifications or electoral registration letters. |
| Proof of receipt of State Pension | Physical or digital document | Proof benefits and State Pension letter from DWP, or correspondence confirming a State Pension claim or change to entitlement. |
| School or college letter (16 to 19 year olds) |
Physical or digital document | Letter or document issued by a school or college for a young person aged 16 to 19. |