Primary evidence
Contents
Primary evidence
Primary evidence
Primary evidence is where the issuing source of the evidence confirmed the
applicant’s identity through an identity checking process.
The issuing source is Government and has strong registration procedures
with robust checking processes contained within the face-to-face
application. Documents contain many developed security features, which
make them more difficult to forge or counterfeit.
The Primary documents listed below must be current where necessary.
As an exception to the CSIV, Universal Credit claimants can use expired
documents however the document must show a true likeness of the
claimant.
• a passport showing that the holder, or a person named in the passport as
the child of the holder
• a full or provisional UK photo driving licence
• a full or provisional Ukraine photo driving licence
• any national identity card, except those issued under the UK ID Card
Scheme
• a residence permit, registration certificate or document certifying or
indicating permanent residence issued by the Home Office or the United
Kingdom Border Agency to a national of a European Economic Area
country or Switzerland.
• a permanent residence card issued by the Home Office or the Border
and Immigration Agency to the family member of a national of a
European Economic Area country or Switzerland
• a Biometric Residence Permit issued by the United Kingdom Border
Agency to the holder which indicates that the person named in it is
allowed to stay indefinitely in the United Kingdom or has no time limit on
their stay in the United Kingdom. (Please note that in the case of a
refugee who has no other forms of ID, the Biometric Residence Permit
can be accepted as sole evidence of identity)
• ARC (Application Registration Card) and Home Office Decision Grant
Letter. These documents can be used together if the information is the
same and confirmed by the Home Office to verify ID when a refugee has
not received a Biometric Residence Permit. One without the other cannot
be accepted
• a passport or other travel document endorsed to show that the holder is
exempt from immigration control, is allowed to stay indefinitely in the
United Kingdom, has the right of abode in the United Kingdom, or has no
time limit on their stay in the United Kingdom.
• Young Scot card showing a PASS hologram
• Citizen card
• an Immigration Status Document issued by the Home Office or the
United Kingdom Border Agency to the holder with an endorsement
indicating that the person named in it is allowed to stay indefinitely in the
United Kingdom or has no time limit on their stay in the United Kingdom
• a certificate of registration or naturalization as a British citizen, which
indicates the holder is entitled to take up employment in the United
Kingdom.
• Northern Ireland claimants in Northern Ireland only can use their
Electoral ID card
Additionally, in the absence of the above information, a claimant can use
their bank card as a Primary evidence of identification. This bank card must
show the claimants name, sort code and account number or be supported
by a recent bank statement (sort code and account number can be verified
using their banking app). This should correspond with the details the
claimant has declared on their claim.
How DWP collects and uses information We will treat your personal information carefully. We may use it for any of
our purposes. To learn about your information rights and how we use
information, please see our Personal Information Charter at
GOV.UK.
