Requirements for a UK photo ID card in 2026

The United Kingdom does not issue a single national identity card in the way many other countries do. However, there are two main routes to obtaining an official, government-recognised photo ID card: the Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) card (sometimes called a PASS card or CitizenCard), and the Voter Authority Certificate, a free photo ID issued by the Electoral Commission for use at polling stations in Great Britain. Neither replaces a passport or driving licence, but both are widely accepted as proof of identity and age in everyday situations.

This guide covers what each card is, who it is for, what documents you need to apply, and how the process works in 2026. Whether you need ID for buying age-restricted goods, opening a bank account, or voting, the steps below will help you understand exactly what to prepare.

What this procedure is and what it’s for

The two main photo ID cards available in the UK

Because the UK has no mandatory national ID card, two distinct schemes fill this gap:

PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme): A privately issued but government-endorsed card available to anyone aged 16 or over who needs proof of age. It is accepted by retailers, venues and many public services as proof that the holder is old enough to purchase alcohol, tobacco or other age-restricted products. Providers include CitizenCard, VALIDATE UK and others accredited by the PASS scheme.
Voter Authority Certificate: A free, government-issued photo ID card available to registered voters in England, Scotland and Wales. It was introduced to meet the requirement — in force since 2023 — for voters to show photo ID at polling stations. It is issued by your local Electoral Registration Office and is valid only for voting purposes.

Who needs this?

People aged 16 or over who do not hold a passport or driving licence and need everyday proof of age or identity.
Registered voters in Great Britain who do not already hold an accepted form of photo ID and wish to vote in person at a polling station.
Young people who need proof of age for age-restricted purchases.

Official bodies responsible

PASS cards: Accredited private providers operating under the PASS scheme, endorsed by the Home Office.
Voter Authority Certificate: Your local Electoral Registration Office, overseen by the Electoral Commission.

Documents required

The exact documents depend on which card you are applying for. Both lists below require original documents unless stated otherwise. Copies are not accepted.

For a PASS card (e.g. CitizenCard)

Proof of identity — one of the following originals:
Full UK birth certificate (long form, showing parents’ details)
UK or foreign passport (valid or expired within the last five years, depending on the provider)
UK driving licence (full or provisional)
Proof of address — one of the following (dated within the last three months):
Utility bill (gas, electricity, water or landline telephone)
Bank or building society statement
Council tax bill or letter
One recent passport-sized photograph meeting the provider’s specification (white or light grey background, plain expression, no headwear unless for religious or medical reasons)
Completed application form (downloaded from the provider’s website or completed online)
Payment for the card fee (see Fees section)

Note: Some providers accept a wider range of identity documents, including a birth certificate plus a secondary document. Check the specific provider’s requirements before applying. Documents in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified translation.

For a Voter Authority Certificate

Completed online or paper application form (via the GOV.UK website or your local Electoral Registration Office)
One recent photograph meeting the Electoral Commission’s specification (passport-style, white or light grey background)
National Insurance number (if you have one — it is used to verify your identity against existing records; you do not need to provide a physical card)
Date of birth
No fee is required and no supporting documents are normally needed if your details match the electoral register. If they cannot be matched, the Electoral Registration Office may ask for additional proof of identity such as a birth certificate or passport.

Steps to complete the procedure

Applying for a PASS card

Choose an accredited PASS provider. Visit the official PASS scheme website (passscheme.org.uk) to find a list of accredited issuers, including CitizenCard and VALIDATE UK.
Gather your documents. Collect the originals listed in the Documents required section above.
Complete the application form. Most providers offer an online application on their own website. Some also accept a paper form by post.
Submit your photograph. Upload a digital photo meeting the provider’s specification, or include a printed photograph if applying by post.
Send your documents. If applying by post, send certified copies (or originals as instructed by the provider) along with your completed form and payment. If applying online, you may need to upload scans or photographs of your documents.
Wait for processing. The provider checks your documents and produces the card. Standard processing takes approximately 5–10 working days after receipt of all documents; express services may be faster.
Receive your card. The card is posted to your home address. Keep it safe — it cannot be used digitally and must be presented in person.

No appointment is required for a PASS card. The entire process can be completed online or by post.

Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate

Check you are registered to vote. You must already be on the electoral register. If not, register first at gov.uk/register-to-vote.
Apply online or by post. Go to gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate to apply online, or contact your local Electoral Registration Office to request a paper form.
Provide your photograph. Upload a digital passport-style photo when applying online, or attach a printed photo to the paper form.
Enter your National Insurance number (if you have one) and date of birth so your identity can be verified against the electoral register.
Submit the application. Online applications are submitted instantly. Paper forms must be posted to your local Electoral Registration Office.
Await a decision. Your Electoral Registration Office will contact you if they need further information. Otherwise, the certificate is posted to you.
Receive your certificate. It is sent by post to your registered address. Check the details are correct immediately.

No appointment is required. The deadline to apply before a specific election is typically 5 working days before polling day — check the Electoral Commission website for exact deadlines.

Estimated time from application to receipt: approximately 5–10 working days for both card types under normal circumstances.

Fees and timelines

PASS card fees and validity

Application fee: Varies by provider. CitizenCard charges approximately £15–£20 for a standard application (2026 prices; check the provider’s website for the current fee).
Express processing: Some providers offer a faster service for an additional fee of approximately £5–£10.
Processing time: Approximately 5–10 working days after all documents are received.
Validity: PASS cards are typically valid for 3 years for applicants aged 16–17, and 10 years for applicants aged 18 and over. Check with your specific provider.
Replacement fee: A replacement card if lost or stolen is usually charged at the same rate as a new application.

Voter Authority Certificate fees and validity

Application fee: Free of charge — there is no cost to apply.
Processing time: Approximately 5–10 working days; apply well before an election to allow sufficient time.
Validity: The certificate does not carry a fixed expiry date but must reflect your current appearance. If your appearance changes significantly, you should apply for a new one. It is also linked to your registration at your current address — if you move, you will need a new one.
Renewal: Free to renew at any time.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Submitting a photograph that does not meet the specification. Both PASS providers and the Electoral Commission have strict photo requirements (size, background colour, expression, no filters). Use the official guidance before taking or uploading your photo, or use a professional photo booth.
Sending photocopies of identity documents instead of originals (for PASS applications). Most PASS providers require original documents or certified copies. An uncertified photocopy will cause your application to be rejected or delayed. Read the provider’s instructions carefully.
Applying for a Voter Authority Certificate without being on the electoral register. The certificate can only be issued to registered voters. If you are not registered, your application will be refused. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote first.
Missing the pre-election deadline for a Voter Authority Certificate. Applications must be received by your Electoral Registration Office at least 5 working days before polling day. Applying at the last minute risks not receiving your certificate in time to vote.
Choosing a non-accredited provider for a PASS card. Only cards issued by providers accredited by the PASS scheme carry the PASS hologram and are recognised by retailers. Verify accreditation at passscheme.org.uk before paying.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a PASS card or Voter Authority Certificate as proof of identity for opening a bank account? A PASS card is widely accepted by UK banks and building societies as proof of identity, though individual bank policies vary — confirm with your bank before applying. A Voter Authority Certificate is designed specifically for voting and may not be accepted by banks as a standalone identity document.

I do not have a National Insurance number. Can I still get a Voter Authority Certificate? Yes. You are not required to have a National Insurance number to apply. If you do not have one, the Electoral Registration Office will use other information — such as your name, address and date of birth — to verify your identity against the electoral register. They may ask for additional supporting documents if they cannot match your details.

Is there a minimum age for a PASS card? The minimum age varies slightly by provider, but most accredited PASS issuers accept applications from people aged 16 and over. Some providers also issue cards for younger children, but these are typically used for travel or parental consent purposes rather than proof of age for age-restricted goods.

What happens if my PASS card is lost or stolen? Contact your PASS card provider immediately. You will need to apply for a replacement card and pay the applicable fee. There is no central government body to contact — the replacement process is handled entirely by the issuing provider.

Does the UK plan to introduce a national identity card? As of 2026, the UK government has not introduced a compulsory national identity card scheme. The PASS card and Voter Authority Certificate remain the main government-endorsed photo ID options for those without a passport or driving licence.

What to do next

The most important step is to decide which card suits your needs: a PASS card for everyday proof of age and identity, or a Voter Authority Certificate if your primary need is to vote in person at a polling station.

For a PASS card, start by visiting passscheme.org.uk to find an accredited provider, then gather your proof of identity and proof of address before beginning your application.

For a Voter Authority Certificate, confirm you are on the electoral register at gov.uk/register-to-vote, then apply at gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate.

Important notice: Requirements, fees and accepted documents can change. Always verify the current requirements directly with your chosen PASS provider or with your local Electoral Registration Office before submitting your application. For official government guidance, visit gov.uk or contact the Electoral Commission at electoralcommission.org.uk.

← Back to 🇬🇧 United Kingdom