For most people sitting the Life in the UK test, the answer is straightforward: use your passport. Pre-2025 physical Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs) are still accepted. EU and EEA national identity cards are also valid. If you arrived after end of 2024 and only have an eVisa, that is digital only — you must use your passport. Driving licences are not accepted under any circumstances. The ID you use to book must be the same document you bring on the day.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Document | Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Passport (any nationality) | ✅ Yes |
| Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — pre-2025 only | ✅ Yes (if you still hold one) |
| National identity card (EU/EEA) | ✅ Yes |
| eVisa | ❌ No — digital only, not physical ID |
| UK driving licence | ❌ No |
| Non-biometric residence permit | ❌ No |
| Birth certificate | ❌ No |
| Utility bill or bank statement | ❌ No |
Quick Overview
✅ Passport is the safest option — accepted for everyone
✅ Pre-2025 BRP still accepted if you physically hold one
✅ EU/EEA national identity cards are also accepted
⚠️ eVisa is not valid — it is digital only, not a physical document
⚠️ Driving licences are not accepted under any circumstances
⚠️ The ID you use to book must be the same ID you bring on the day
⚠️ If your name on your ID differs from your booking name, you may be turned away
📌 If you arrive without valid accepted ID, you will not be able to sit the test and lose your £50
📌 The booking system asks for your ID type and document number — enter these exactly as they appear on your document
💡 Check your ID is not expired before booking — expired documents are not accepted
💡 A passport is the safest option — it is accepted for every nationality and every route
Which ID Is Accepted?
Passport
Any valid passport is accepted — UK or foreign. This is the most straightforward option. If you have a passport, use it.
Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
BRPs were phased out at the end of 2024 and replaced by eVisas. If you arrived in the UK before end of 2024, you may still hold a physical BRP card — this is still accepted as test centre ID.
If you arrived after end of 2024, you will have an eVisa instead. An eVisa is a digital immigration record, not a physical card. It cannot be presented as ID at the test centre. If you only have an eVisa, you must use your passport.
If your BRP has expired but you still hold the physical card, check whether it remains valid as ID — an expired document is not accepted. Use your passport if in doubt.
National Identity Card (EU/EEA citizens)
Valid national identity cards issued by EU or EEA countries are accepted. The card must be current and not expired.
Why Driving Licences Are Not Accepted
Driving licences — including UK photocard driving licences — are not on the approved list of accepted ID for the Life in the UK test. This is a firm rule with no exceptions.
If you only have a driving licence as photo ID, you will need to obtain a passport or BRP before booking.
The ID Must Match Your Booking
When you book the test online, you enter the details of your photo ID — type and document number. The ID you bring on test day must be:
- The same document type you entered when booking
- The same document number
- In the same name as the booking
If the details do not match — for example, a middle name on your ID that was not entered during booking, or a name spelled differently — the test centre may refuse to let you sit the test. You would lose your £50 fee and need to rebook.
What to Bring on Test Day
- Your accepted photo ID (passport, BRP, or national identity card)
- Your booking confirmation (email printout or on your phone)
- Arrive 15 minutes early
You cannot bring phones, notes, or any study materials into the test room. Leave them in your bag. For a full walkthrough of everything that happens when you arrive, see the test day guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an expired passport?
No. Your ID must be valid and in date. An expired passport is not accepted.
What if my BRP is being renewed and I do not have it?
If your BRP is with the Home Office for renewal, you may have a letter confirming this was received, but that letter is not accepted as ID for the test. Contact the test centre booking service to explain your situation — waiting until your BRP is returned before sitting the test is the safest course of action.
My name has changed since my ID was issued — is it still valid?
If the name on your ID does not match the name you used to book, this can cause a problem at the test centre. Ensure your booking name matches your ID exactly. If you have recently changed your name, use ID that reflects your current legal name.
Can I use a digital version of my ID on my phone?
No. You must present the physical document.
What if I forget my ID on the day?
If you arrive without accepted ID, you will not be allowed to sit the test. The £50 fee is not returned. You will need to rebook and pay again.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming a driving licence will be accepted. It will not. This is one of the most common reasons candidates are turned away. Check your ID before booking.
Bringing different ID than you used to book. Even if both documents are valid, mismatches cause problems. Use the same document at the test centre that you entered details for when booking.
Forgetting to check your ID is still valid. If your passport or BRP expires between booking and your test date, you will not be able to sit the test. Check the expiry date before booking.
How This Aligns With Official Guidance
ID requirements on this page are based on official GOV.UK guidance for the Life in the UK test booking and attendance process. Last reviewed: April 2026 — figures correct at time of publication. Always check GOV.UK for the latest fees and requirements.
Official Resources
Book the Life in the UK test — GOV.UK The official booking page — where you enter your ID details when reserving your slot.
Our Free Resources
Test Centre Finder Find your nearest Life in the UK test centre by postcode and check the address before test day.
Free Practice Questions 570 questions from the official handbook with explanations — no login required.
Mock Exam Full 24-question timed test that mirrors real test conditions.
The simplest rule: use your passport if you have one. If not, and you hold a pre-2025 physical BRP, that is also accepted — but check it has not expired. If you arrived after end of 2024 and only have an eVisa, you need your passport. Double-check the name on your ID matches your booking exactly. That covers the most common ID issues at the test centre.