Homepage > Citizenship > Proof of ID
There are various reasons you might require some ID. These include proving your age or identity. There are lots of different laws that are in place to protect you and you can read more in our law section.
What are acceptable forms of proof of age?
There is no nationwide standard ID card available at present; however the Home Office is considering introducing compulsory ID cards for everyone in the future. This means that different organisations may accept some forms of ID and not others. Follow our advice on what is an acceptable form of ID
- Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) - This is a national proof of age scheme. A proof of age card within this scheme can be identified by having a PASS hologram on it.
- UK photo driving license - A UK photo style driving license can be used as an acceptable form of ID as it includes a photo, your date of birth and is not easily forged.
- Passport - A passport can be used as an acceptable form of ID. Passports are expensive to obtain and are very important so we recommend that you consider obtaining a BITE or PASS card.
- Bite - This is a proof of age card issued to young people aged 11-16+ years in Essex called 'BITE' (Be Identified Throughout Essex.) The card is available in three different age groups 11-13, 14-15 and 16+. Not only is it a proof of age card but it will also help you claim any reduced fares that they may be entitled to on buses. It also doubles as a library card which also enables young people to take advantage of the services that libraries in Essex have to offer. Look here for further information.
What is not acceptable proof of age?
- NUS/Student card – This card usually has your picture and even your date of birth on it, however it is still not considered acceptable because it is easy to fake.
- Birth certificate - This document is often needed in life when starting a new job or applying for a Passport. This document however is generally not proof of ID or proof of your age as the document does not include a picture.
- Bills - Bills do not prove you are the person that you say you are because they do not contain your picture. They are often needed though to prove your name and address.
BITE
Proof of age card for 11-16+ in the Essex area.
Sta Travel
This website has information about International Student ID Cards and International Youth Travel Cards.
PASS Scheme
The UK's national guarantee scheme for proof-of-age cards.
Your Comments
Posted - 04:28, 20 May 2008
The Connexions Card scheme has now closed down and card holders may not now redeem their points for rewards. In general you can no longer use your Connexions Cards to obtain discounts although this is at the retailer’s discretion. The Connexions Card remains valid for proof of age and retailers should be accepting these as a valid form of identification. Connexions.
Posted - 04:10, 28 Jul 2008
I tried buying an age-restricted product in Tesco, and they said that they don't accept Connexions cards with the PASS logo on, even though it is listed on their guide as being valid. I don't know if it was just an over-zealous cashier, but just so everyone knows.
Posted - 02:46, 01 Oct 2008
yeah yeah i know what you mean .. the same thing happend to me when i went to buy and age restricted product ... not all places accept the card .. with or without the PASS logo on it .... which is why i have applied for a citizen card, which is accepted as proof of ID anywhere ..
Posted - 11:51, 27 Oct 2008
Thanks for the details!
Yea, same here, i am 20 but i look young. Tried to buy Borat on DvD, cashier was chatting to me that I need I.D
Showed her my Connexions Card without the PASS. Telling me what is that? it clearly shows my age.
Thank goodness the manager was next to us, so he said it's alright, the movie is even 12 rated.
Anyway I still have my Student Identity Card, can I use that for proof of ID or age?
Posted - 06:43, 16 Feb 2009
I can't get onto the BITE website area because it says theres an error, but i was wondering how much you would need to pay for a bite card? I have a lot of trouble buying DVDs because i have no proof of age.
Posted - 03:41, 18 Feb 2009
The BITE card is free to anyone in education within Essex or if you live within Essex but attend a school outside the county. You are entitled to one free card in each age band i.e. 11-13, 14-15 and 16+. You can apply for a BITE card by completing a form, which is available at your local library. If you have lost, damaged or defaced your card a replacement is available at a cost of £5.00. Connexions
Posted - 03:20, 10 Mar 2009
I bought a CITIZENCARD, I am naturally very pale and was not happy when i got my card and it had been enhanced giving me an orange looking tan and black eyes! I asked local police if they would take my card as ID and most of them wouldnt! Also local shop staff told me to get it replaced as it was extremely poor!!!due to being unwell at the time of recieving my card I took it no further,now i wish i had as I am going to have to buy another!
Posted - 02:08, 15 May 2009
I heard a card called proof it i.d or something like that and it only costs 10 quid but where do you get them from?
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Posted - 04:03, 19 May 2008
do they accept connexions card which has the pass hologram on it