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 (Be Identified Throughout Essex.) - This is a proof of age card issued to young people aged from 11 upwards and living in 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.
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?
Posted - 07:44, 25 Nov 2009
hey guys; when ordering a BITE card who do you pay the cheque to?
Posted - 09:43, 26 Nov 2009
Hi, thanks for your comment. If you go to school in Essex or live in Essex but attend school outside the county you are entitled to one free card in each age band i.e. 11-13, 14-15 and 16+. You only need to pay for a BITE card if you need a replacement card or live outside of Essex. There is a charge of £5 which can be paid by cheque or postal order. Application forms are available from your school (if they take part in the scheme) or your local library. The detail for addressing payment is on the back of the application form. Cheques should be made payable to EUCLID Ltd. And should be posted to BITE, Postbox 212, Waterlooville, PO7 6ZN. You should receive your card in 2-4 weeks. Hope this helps, Connexions.
Posted - 06:34, 26 Nov 2009
I've lost mine. I'm 17 now, could I get a new one for free?
Posted - 09:26, 27 Nov 2009
Hi, if you have already had a 16+ card then there will be a £5 charge for a replacement. If you had a 14-15 card and you stil live in Essex then you should be entitled to a 16+ card for free. Connexions
Posted - 01:31, 27 Nov 2009
cooooooooool
Posted - 08:16, 27 Nov 2009
is your national health insurance card proof of age? It doesn't have a picture...but it has got your date of birth?
Posted - 10:27, 30 Nov 2009
Proof of ID cards with the exception of a (passport and a photographic drivers licence) should carry the Pass logo (as pictured above). This is a symbol of authenticity and helps prevent fraudulent proof of ID cards. Although a National Health Insurance card does hold your date of birth, however without a picture and a Pass logo there is no way of proving the card actually belongs to you and is genuine.
Posted - 10:58, 13 Mar 2010
So many pubs have refused me entry with my BITE card even though it is valid proof of ID and has the PASS logo on it. I'm extremely annyoed as i cannot afford a passport and due to disability cannot get a provisional liscense. Do i have the right to make a complaint?
Posted - 10:27, 15 Mar 2010
Hi - sorry to hear about your problems with the BITE card. If a pub, or night club won't accept your BITE card you should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 and explain your problem. If they cannot solve your query, it will be passed on to the local Trading Standards Department who will contact the night club/Pub to explain about the scheme. However, you should be aware that the club/pub is allowed to set its own rules, and is entitled to refuse entry to any customer even if the person is showing valid ID. If your card is not accepted on the buses you should report this to the Passenger Transport Team on 0845 603 7631. They will contact the bus operator. Hope this helps Connexions.
Posted - 12:55, 16 Aug 2010
How do I apply for a BITE card?
Posted - 09:10, 16 Aug 2010
Hi. You can apply for a BITE card by completing the application form which is available from your school or library. Applying through your school is more straightforward. Schools in Essex will have copies of the application form and you will need two colour passport quality photographs. An authorised person at the school will check and sign the completed form and send it to the card producer. You should receive your card in 2 - 4 weeks. If you are not at a school in Essex, or your school does not take part in the scheme, you can complete an individual application form. You will need to provide 2 colour passport quality photographs and ask an appropriate person to act as a verifier for your application. This person will need to check original proof of age documentation. Full guidance is available with the form. Individual forms are available from your local library or by calling 0845 603 7626. Bite cards are no longer provided automatically through your school and cannot be downloaded at present. Connexions
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Posted - 04:03, 19 May 2008
do they accept connexions card which has the pass hologram on it