What is a Post Office PASS Card?

A Post Office PASS Card is issued by CitizenCard. It is a UK proof of age card recognised as such by the Home Office and almost all UK retailers and public transport providers including UK airlines. The adult 18+ photo card displays the police and the Security Industry Authority logos and all Post Office PASS Cards bear the PASS hologram.

A Standard application costs £15 and takes up to 21 days (card posted by Royal Mail 2nd class); an Express application costs £30 and takes 1-2 working days (subject to verification; card posted by Royal Mail Tracked 24 - next day delivery).

Post Office PASS Cards are issued by CitizenCard and can be used to create your identity on the free EasyID app. This means you'll have a physical proof of age card and the ability to create ID on your mobile.

All Post Office PASS Cards can be confirmed as valid by retailers and other organisations at pocardverify.citizencard.com or using the free PASS Card Verify app available on the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store as long as the cardholder allows their card to be checked.

Post Office PASS Card issued by CitizenCard - UK proof of age and ID card for applicants aged over 18
Post Office PASS Card issued by CitizenCard - UK proof of age and ID card for applicants aged 16 and 17
Post Office PASS Card issued by CitizenCard - UK proof of age and ID card for applicants aged under 16

All Post Office PASS Cards expire 3 years after issuing (rounded up to the end of the month card was printed on) and display one of the following age bands relevant to your age at the time we send your card:

  • 18+
  • 16-17
  • Under 16

Bearing the PASS hologram the Post Office PASS Card is widely recognised as valid proof of age. Even if you have a passport or driving licence, keep those IDs safe at home and apply for a Post Office PASS Card for everyday proof of age needs.

You can use a Post Office PASS Card for:

  • voting in general and local elections
  • home shopping (including purchasing alcohol and tobacco)
  • starting work or for a job interview
  • accessing housing services or claiming benefits
  • playing the lottery or buying scratchcards
  • visiting prisons
  • purchasing videos (DVDs or Blu-Ray discs) and computer games
  • applying for a UK driving licence (as evidence of your identity)
  • visiting the bookies, bingo or casino
  • entry to nightclubs, bars and pubs
  • entry to festivals
  • travel and domestic flights (including British Overseas Territories like Channel Islands)
  • any other age-restricted entry or purchase

If CitizenCard issues you with a Post Office PASS Card it remains our legal property. You can use it if you are the lawful cardholder for the permitted purposes of proving your identity or your age.

If you require the ‘next’ age band card (e.g. you are 17 but want an 18+ UK ID card) you must either select the required age band when you apply online or attach a cover note to your application form explaining which age band you would like.

Apply Online for Post Office PASS Card