Apply for a New CitizenCard

Never had a CitizenCard photo ID before? You will need to use a digital check that will authenticate your photo ID document or provide a suitable referee, who needs to confirm your identity.

If you have an original photo ID document that bears a recent likeness to you and states your current name we can verify your identity electronically. If you don't have any valid photo ID, you need a referee.

Apply for your first-time CitizenCard ID

// Read before applying

Application Guidelines

NEED A REFEREE?

There are two types of referees we accept:

referees validating the original document(s)
referees confirming from official records

A referee validating the original document(s) is a professional person that needs to see an official document(s) confirming your identity e.g. a birth certificate or NHS Medical Card and validate it to confirm your identity.

A referee confirming from official records is a professional person that confirms your details against official records held at their place of work (e.g. a doctor from NHS records).

YOUR CHOSEN REFEREE MUST:

work in a recognised profession where their business details can be verified and are published/advertised in online professional business directories
be contactable at their registered business address via email and on their work telephone number during office hours i.e. Mon-Fri, 9.00 - 17.00 – we will definitely call them!
not be related to you or in a personal relationship with you (cannot be a guardian, foster carer, spouse, civil partner, fiancé, boyfriend/girlfriend)
not live with you
be aware of this application and the reference they are providing
complete the Digital Referee Declaration Form after you finish uploading your file(s) online.

You have to read Requirements for your first UK ID card before you make an application. We will guide you to select an appropriate verification route after you make a payment. Note all required information must be received by 12pm for the application process to start the same day.

// Ready to apply?

Get your first CitizenCard

First Card

Standard Application £18

processing takes up to 21 days
card posted by Royal Mail 2nd class

Urgent Application £35

processing takes 1-2 working days
card posted by Royal Mail Tracked 24 (next day delivery)

Start a New application

Are you already a cardholder?

Go Back

1. Start your online application by using "Start a New application" button.
2. "Create Your Account" online (complete a registration form and activate your account) or "Log in" to your CitizenCard online account if you already have one.
3. Go to "Apply Online", use "Apply for a new CitizenCard" button, complete the application and make a payment.
4. Choose a verification route - either a digital check that will authenticate your photo ID document or a referee who is a professional person that will confirm your identity.
5. Upload your photo and, if needed, any original documents required.
6. We verify your identity with a photo ID validation or by contacting your referee.
7. We post your photo ID card to you.