Check you have the right documents to prove your identity

During the centre admission process, you need to provide documents to prove your identity.

We suggest that you check you have the right identity documents before you start your application.

You will need to give us each of the following:

  1. Document from group A
  2. Documents from group B
  3. A photo of yourself

Each document should be the original, physical document. We will not accept a scan or photocopy – unless we have told you that we will accept a notarised copy.

If any of your documents are not in English, you must give us both:

  • the original document
  • an English-language translation from an approved translator
  • You need to arrange the translation of your document into English and pay any costs.
  • We only accept translations from the following:
  • embassies, high commissions or consulates
  • translators who are accredited by the Institute of Translation and Interpreting (ITI) and hold qualified or corporate membership
  • translators who are fellows (FCIL) or members (MCIL) of the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL)
  • translation companies that are accredited by the Association of Translation Companies (ATC) and hold full or overseas membership

1- Group A documents

You need to provide 1 document from group A.

We accept:

  • A passport that is signed, current, and valid
  • A driving licence photocard issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK
  • A driving licence photocard and its paper counterpart issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland
  • A UK original birth certificate issued within 12 months of birth
  • A UK biometric residence permit card

2- Group B documents

You need to provide 2 documents from group B. Each of these documents must show your current address.

Unless we say otherwise, we will not accept 2 of the same type of document. 

For example: 

  • We will not accept 2 council tax statements. 
  • We will only accept 1 council tax statement and 1 document of a different type.

We will accept:

  • A bank or building society statement from the last 3 months (we will accept 2 statements, but only if they are from different banks or building societies)
  • A utility bill from the last 3 months (we will accept gas, electric, telephone landline, water, satellite TV or cable TV bills but not mobile phone bills)
  • A credit card statement from the last 3 months (we will accept 2 statements, but only if they are from different credit-card providers)
  • A council tax statement from the last 12 months
  • A mortgage statement from the last 12 months
  • A letter from the last 3 months from any of the following:
  • HM Revenue and Customs
  • the Department of Work and Pensions
  • A Jobcentre Plus – or any other employment service
  • A local authority
  • A P45 or P60 tax statement from the last 12 months
  • A paper version of a current UK driving licence (not the paper counterpart to a photocard)
  • A driving licence photocard issued by the DVA in Northern Ireland (not the paper counterpart)
  • A pension, endowment or ISA statement from the last 12 months
  • A valid UK firearms licence with photo

3- Photo of yourself

  • We need to have a passport-style photo of you so that we can:
  • check it against the photo in your group A identity document
  • include it on your SIA licence photocard, if you are applying for a front-line licence
  • If we ask you to take your identity documents to:
  • a UK Post Office, a member of staff at the Post Office will take this photo for you
  • your employer, they will take this photo for you
  • In some situations, we may ask you to send us a photo. If we do, the photo must be:
  • printed (not digital)
  • in colour (not black and white)
  • 45mm high by 35mm wide
  • clear and in focus
  • a true likeness of you
  • a close-up of your full head and upper shoulders
  • taken against a white or cream background
  • not changed using computer software
  • In the photo, you must:
  • be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
  • have a plain expression, with your mouth closed
  • have your eyes open and visible
  • not have hair in front of your eyes
  • not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
  • not have anything covering your face
  • not wear sunglasses or darkened lenses (you can wear clear glasses)
  • not have any shadows on your face or behind you
  • The back of the photo must show the following:
  • your name and date of birth
  • signature’ (in blue or black ink)

×