Your questions on identity cards
Have identity cards been cancelled?
Yes. The government introduced the Identity Documents Act 2010 which received royal assent on 21 December 2010. The act brings into law the cancellation of the UK national identity card, the identification card for EEA nationals and makes provision for the destruction of the National Identity Register. Under the terms of the act, identity cards ceased to be legal documents on 21 January 2011. The national identity register was destroyed on 10 February 2011.
What will happen to the cards already out there?
Identity cards ceased to be legal documents on 21 January 2011. Identity cardholders are not required to return their cards to IPS. Holders of identity cards are advised to consider securely destroying them. People that choose to retain their identity card should ensure that it is kept in a safe and secure place.
Will you be offering refunds to those who bought cards?
Cardholders will not be offered refunds. To minimise the cost to taxpayers, the government has announced that refunds will not be provided.
Are you going to recall the cards?
No. It would be an unnecessary and bureaucratic process to return cards which have no valid legal status.
When will the National Identity Register be destroyed?
The National Identity Register was destroyed on 10 February 2011. The personal details of everyone issued with an identity card which were recorded on the National Identity Register were securely destroyed. This included photograph and fingerprint biometrics. The register was destroyed by IPS along with the relevant contractors to approved security standards. The completion of the decommissioning will be reported to Parliament.
Can I still travel on my identity card in Europe?
Identity cards ceased to be valid travel documents on 21 January 2011. If you have made travel plans and don't currently have a passport we would advise you to apply for a passport now. For information on how to obtain a passport, please visit Directgov or phone the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000. The line is open from 8am - 8pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am - 5.30pm weekends and public holidays.
I was abroad when the cards became invalid, will I be allowed to enter the UK with an identity card when I return?
The decision to grant entry at a port after this time is a matter for the UK Border Agency. Ports staff will be made aware of the cancellation identity cards and will apply their discretion in relation to people coming back to the UK on an identity card. To avoid uncertainty and delays we recommend that people travelling overseas do so with their British passport.
For information on how to obtain a passport, please phone the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000. The line is open between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 5.30 pm weekends and public holidays or you can find more information on passports on Directgov.
Will you fast-track my passport application?
Your application can be fast-tracked provided you pay the appropriate level of fee. For information on how to obtain a passport please phone the passport advice line on 0300 222 0000 or you can find you can find more information on passports on Directgov.
What happens if I am already abroad when identity cards cease to be valid as travel documents and I do not have a passport?
You should make arrangements to visit the British embassy/high commission or consular office in the country you are visiting to discuss your circumstances. Depending upon the duration of your stay, they may be able to arrange for either an emergency travel document to be issued or a new passport to be requested. A fee will be payable for either an emergency travel document or a new passport, please consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for details of the office details and requirements.
Can I still use my card as proof of identity?
Your identity card ceased to be be a valid legal document for confirming your identity on 21 January 2010.
Where can I find a copy of the Identity Documents Act?
A copy of the act can be found on the Office of Public Sector Information website.
Is the biometric residence permit also being scrapped?
No. The UK Border Agency (UKBA) will continue to issue biometric residence permits to non-EEA foreign nationals (formerly known as identity cards for foreign nationals). The biometric data is not kept on the national identity register. European law requires non-EEA foreign nationals to be provided with biometric residence permits.
Is it now against the law to use my identity card when they are cancelled?
It will not be illegal to use your identity card as proof of identity after 21 January 2011. While the identity card is no longer valid for official purposes some organisations may still be willing to accept them as proof of identity without the ability to check against the national identity register.
They are separate from the programme to introduce the UK national identity card and the identification card for EEA nationals, and are issued under entirely different legislation.