Apply for a New Post Office PASS Card

If you never had a Post Office PASS Card before you will need to use a digital check that will validate your photo ID document or your eVisa details, or provide a suitable referee to confirm your identity.

You have to read Requirements for your first Post Office PASS Card before you make an application. We will guide you to select an appropriate verification route after you make a payment for your application.

How your identity is verified

If you have an original photo ID document that shows your current name and a recent likeness, we can verify your identity electronically. Alternatively, we can use a digital eVisa Check, which accesses government immigration records to confirm your identity. If you don't have valid photo ID or an eVisa issued by the UK Home Office, you will need a referee.

There are two types of referees we accept - referees validating the original document(s) and 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.

How to apply for a New (first-time) Post Office PASS Card

  1. Start your online application by using "Start a New application" button below.
  2. "Create Your Account" online (complete a registration form and activate your account) or "Log in" to your Post Office PASS Card online account if you already have one.
  3. Go to "Apply Online", use "Apply for a new Post Office PASS Card" button, complete a new, online application and make a payment.
  4. Choose a verification route - a digital check to authenticate your photo ID or access your eVisa details, or a referee who is a professional person that will confirm your identity.
  5. Upload your photo and, if needed, any documents required.
  6. We verify your identity with a photo ID or eVisa validation, or by contacting your referee.
  7. We post your proof of age card to you.
Please note for Express applications all required information must be received by 12pm for the application process to start that day.

First Post Office PASS Card

Standard Application

Costs £15 and takes up to 21 days. Card sent by Royal Mail 2nd Class (2-3 working days).

Express Application

Costs £30 and takes 1-2 working days. Card sent by Royal Mail 1st Class (aimed for next-day; fast-track available).

Start a New application

Are you already a cardholder?

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Applying for a higher age band

If you wish to apply for a higher age band before you actually reach the age, for example if you are 17 but wish to apply for an 18+ UK ID card, you must confirm this either:

  • by selecting the required age band when you apply online
  • or by emailing [email protected] after you pay for your application and stating that you wish to receive a card in the next age band together with your name and address
The card in this case will be issued only on the date or after your actual birthday. If we are not informed about the age band you wish to use, we will produce a card which displays the age band applicable to you at the time of despatch.