Homepage > Citizenship > Proof of ID
Why do I need 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?
Follow our advice below on what is an acceptable form of ID
- Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) - This is a national proof of age scheme supported by the government. A proof of age card within this scheme can be identified by having a PASS hologram on it. If you have a PASS card and it is refused by a retailer please complete and return a card refusal form which will be forwarded to your card issuer in order to carry out an investigation as to why your card was refused.
- UKphoto driving licence - A UK photo style driving licence 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 for young people aged 11 upwardsliving 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 enabling you to take advantage of library services.
Please be aware, although the above are acceptable forms of ID, clubs are allowed to set their own rules and therefore entitled to refuse entry to any customer even if the person is showing valid ID.
What is generally 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, so could be anyone.
- 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.
Help lines
- Consumer Direct - 08454 04 05 06 (Call Consumer Direct if your BITE or Pass card is refused explaining your problem. If they cannot solve your query, it will be passed on to the local Trading Standards Department who will contact the provider to explain about the scheme.
- Passenger Transport Team - 0845 603 7631 (Contact Passenger transport if your bus driver won’t accept your Bite card.)
Useful Websites
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.
Last updated: 7/12/10
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
Posted - 09:30, 06 Oct 2010
i need proof of age
Posted - 07:01, 18 Oct 2010
I'm being rejected everywhere i go and its really beginning to P*SS me off!
There is absolutely no form of id out there accepted these days that wont cost £80-£2000 to aquire!
I'm being told that they wont accept citzenshipcards, connextionscards, student union cards, provisional drivers license cards, out of date passports, which means I need to spent £80 on a new passport or £2000 to learn to drive!!!! its ridiculous!!
I know the shop workers cant help it but its so frustrating!
What am I meant to do??
Posted - 11:59, 06 Dec 2010
hi ya.how much do we need to pay??
and if were not working??
Posted - 02:26, 06 Dec 2010
Hi thanks for your comment, can you clarify what form of ID you wish to know the cost for? For a BITE card providing 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: 11-13, 14-15 and 16+. If you need a replacement card, live outside of the administrative area of Essex County Council or are over the age of 18 there is a £5 charge. Connexions
Posted - 07:18, 07 Jan 2011
Hi, I lost my purse ages ago and I would like to know, how do I get a new one? Thank you!
Posted - 10:44, 10 Jan 2011
Hi, if you have lost your purse you should report it at the local police station in case someone hands it in. Depending on the cards you had in side you might be able to find out the process for replacing them by using the company’s website or by contacting them via phone. If you require a replacement Bite card there is a £5 charge unfortunately. You can get an application form from your school or library. Visit www.essex.gov.uk for more information. Connexions.
Posted - 09:31, 18 Jan 2011
how long does the card take to come through the post once i have sent the application form off?
Posted - 11:49, 20 Jan 2011
Hi thanks for your comment. Without knowing what card you have applied for I would suggest waiting at least four weeks (as a reasonable time frame) before contacting the supplier to ensure the application is being processed. We would imagine that the leaflet accompanying the form will provide further contact details. Connexions
Posted - 02:38, 13 Feb 2011
can you order you bite card online??
Posted - 02:00, 14 Feb 2011
Hi, I am afraid the application is not available online. The application forms are available from your school or local library. For additional information on the scheme visit www.essex.gov.uk and search for BITE. Connexions
Posted - 11:24, 26 Feb 2011
After both my partner and myself being refused along with many other parents with their 15 year olds to see
Paul (after obtaining tickets on their premises, by their cashier). Odeon told us to leave the que. Really annoyed as i left the 11 and 13 year old with gran. And legally took the 15 year old. Ruined my birthday and a trip out with the kids, we even skipped a planned meal as we were
so put out and annoyed.
Disgraceful conduct by Odeon who really should up their game. Family should all register on their Premier card instead of just householder.
Just an idea Odeon. Applying for Bite will bite odeon if not accepted lol.
Posted - 03:14, 20 Mar 2011
I'm 16, nearly 17 and never recieved my bite card from my school because they gave them to you as you turned 16 and because my birthday is in august, they never gave me mine. I need my card as soon as possible. What should I do?
Posted - 01:35, 03 May 2011
im 18 and cant use the bite card anywhere.. its useless tescos dont accept it and alot of other places just look at it and say what is this? oh well looks im going to have to waste 50 quid on a provisional..
Posted - 07:33, 16 Jun 2011
how do i order a new bite card because i have got older and need to order a 15 yr old one
Posted - 12:37, 31 Jul 2011
Can a nationality card be used as proof of ID? it said on wikipedia that they can be used as ID? mine had a bar code on showing my address, a picture of me, showing im 16, my name, date of getting it and date of expiry but it has no hologram on? would it still be valid?
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Posted - 04:03, 19 May 2008
do they accept connexions card which has the pass hologram on it