Proof of Identity (Id)

Registering a birth

• It is a legal requirement for parents/guardians to register their child's birth.
• This is to help prove a child's national and citizenship and protect their rights.
• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a birth must be registered within 42 days.
• In Scotland, the deadline is 21 days.
• You can register a child's birth at the local register office or hospital they were born in.

Ordering a birth certificate

• Parents can usually obtain a copy of their child's birth certificate at the local register office.
• They can also order one from the General Register Office.
• This will cost £12.50 for the birth certificate. 

What do I need a birth certificate for?

• Passport applications.
• Some bank accounts.
  • Other banks may ask for photo ID.
• School applications.
• Applying for benefits.
• Marriage or civil partnership.
• Immigration or nationality applications.

Can I still get a birth certificate if my birth wasn't registered?

• Yes, in most cases.
• You can apply for a 'late registration'.
• You will need to contact the register office where you were born.
• As there is no proof of registration you will need to provide some kind of evidence like:
  • Old school/medical records.
  • Vaccination records.
  • Letters from people who knew about the birth when it happened.
• You may need to give a legal statement about your birth details (date, place, parents) if these kinds of documents are missing.
• You may be referred to the General Register Office for a 'no trace' letter.
• The information will be assessed before an entry can be created for your birth in the register.
• It will be a longer trickier process if you have no documentation.
• Legal help may be required.

Government issued photo IDs

• Passport (See our advice page on passports).
• Driving License (full or provisional).
• Biometric Residence Permit (proof of immigration status).

What would I need these for?

• To apply for any benefits you will require one type of this ID.
• Most banks will require one of these to open an account.
  • Others may accept PASS card.
• To get on the housing register.
  • Although different councils will have different criteria for what ID is acceptable.
  • Some may accept a birth certificate if no other photo ID is available.
  • Others may not accept a provisional driver's license.
• To privately rent.
  • But private landlords and lettings agents can prove Right to Rent in other ways.
  • For example, a letter from a charity or benefits paperwork.

Proof of age IDs

• PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme). This includes:
  • CitizenCard
  • My ID Card,
  • Young Scot Card.
• These can be used to prove DBS check (criminal record check used by employers).
• Also used to prove right to buy age restricted items.

Depending on what you are needing to do, other types of documents may be required to prove your ID and address.

National Insurance Number (NIN)

• A NIN is required to apply for benefits and for state pension.
• British citizens should get one automatically at age 16.
  • If you don't have one, you can apply for one on online here
  • Or call 0800 141 2079 for help.
  • The DWP/Job Centre can also help you with this if you're applying for benefits.
• Housing providers may ask for NIN to verify ID, but it is not always essential.
• Employers will eventually need to know your NIN for payroll.
• See our advice page on NI for more information.

Proof of address

Alongside photo ID, you will need to prove your ID and address to apply for benefits and housing.

This includes:

• Utility bills (gas, electricity, water, broadband) – usually recent, within 3 months.
• Bank or building society statements.
• Council tax bill.
• Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement.
• Official letters from government departments (e.g., HMRC, DWP).
  • See here for information on no fixed address.

Proof of income/savings

• P60 proof of current income
  • Used to prove tax payment and income to employers or DWP for benefits.
• P45 when leaving a job
  • Used to give new information to next employer or DWP for benefits.
• Bank statements (usually last three months)
  • For benefits applications, benefit reviews, council housing.
  • Include all bank accounts and any ISAs.