Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

ID

(15 Posts)
Riversidegirl Sun 08-Feb-26 08:13:50

If you haven't got a passport or driving licence what do you use for ID ?

Astitchintime Sun 08-Feb-26 08:17:32

Well, having both it hadn’t really occurred to me what I could use actually.
I’m sure someone will be along soon to enlighten us

Margiknot Sun 08-Feb-26 08:31:24

Would a bus pass count?

BlueBelle Sun 08-Feb-26 08:35:13

It’s very difficult that’s probably why I ll need to keep renewing my passport as I don’t have a driving license and no a bus pass is not a legal document so it doesn’t work

ViceVersa Sun 08-Feb-26 08:38:04

I'd imagine you'd probably need to ask whichever place or organisation is demanding ID what forms they find acceptable, if you have neither a passport nor a driving licence.

Jaxjacky Sun 08-Feb-26 08:45:15

CitizenCard is accepted for voting, so probably for most events.

BlueBelle Sun 08-Feb-26 08:47:08

What’s a citizen card ? I don’t have one !!!

Jaxjacky Sun 08-Feb-26 08:51:27

Citizencard.com apply online or with paper.

Georgesgran Sun 08-Feb-26 08:55:04

Been going since 1999 - £18, (apply online) by a non-profit organization, including The Co-op.

Granmarderby10 Sun 08-Feb-26 08:55:57

It is a constant quandary. I Don’t drive and don’t have and never have had or needed a passport.

A year ago my employer a global firm, started to ask for proof of my “right to work” in the UK in order to for them comply with this piece of government legislation to ensure legality.

I have worked there for nearly five years but kept receiving emails asking me to verify my “right to work” having tried to get round it with birth certificate, National Insurance number, and other stuff. The emails kept on coming for about three months or more. Finally they stopped.
there is is a post office card but it appears to be solely aimed at young people under 25.
Someone asked “well what do I use for ID?” ..I just said for what reason would I need to identify myself? I’ve never left the country, and I don’t drive.
The local council provided a photo ID for me to use when they introduced the requirement for elections. It was easy to apply for and lasts a few years. Clearly they were aware of the need.
Bonkers isn’t it!🙃

Granmarderby10 Sun 08-Feb-26 09:00:45

The citizen card is not accepted as proof that you are over 18 when purchasing alcohol, knives, and other age restricted products where I work.

ayse Sun 08-Feb-26 09:03:35

I persuaded my DH to get a new passport for ID purposes as he doesn’t intend to renew his driving licence. This is where ID cards would be very useful.

Grandma70s Sun 08-Feb-26 09:09:40

I renewed my passport specifically to use as ID, since I don’t drive. I don’t intend to travel anywhere.

Witzend Sun 08-Feb-26 09:16:43

It was some years ago now, but an ex colleague who possessed no passport or driving licence, was executor for an old uncle. Of course she had to visit banks etc. to wind up his affairs, and staff repeatedly insisted that they must see passport or DL as ID.

She was a quietly forceful and determined type, and maintained continuously that since it was not a legal requirement in the U.K. to possess such ID, they had no legal right to demand it.

In the end they had to give in - I forget what they accepted in the end - probably the ID badge with photo she wore at work.

Tenko Sun 08-Feb-26 10:54:33

My mother’s driving licence and passport have both expired . When we applied for attendance allowance snd a blue badge we had to use her birth and marriage certificate and a council tax bill to prove her address. Plus a bus pass which had a photo . Luckily a woman from age uk came to her flat to fill out the forms . Id previously tried to do it online but the ID issue wouldn’t let me continue.