Personal identification: Identity documents

Official Documents

• Passports are used as proof of identity, age or as a travel document.
• Driving licence is proof that its holder can operate motor vehicles and it is normally used by British people as proof of identity instead of the passport.
• National Insurance number is a number used in the administration of the National Insurance, social security system and tax system. The number is sometimes referred to as a NI No or NINO.

It is important to know that identity cards were removed in 2011 and they are not a valid way to prove your identity.

Non-official Documents

Some non-official documents hold personal information. Schools and universities have, for example, student cards. There are also other non-official documents such as cards which show belonging to a trade union.

Data which is often included in Personal Identity Document

• Passport:
  • Photograph of the owner,
  • passport number,
  • surname,
  • given names,
  • nationality,
  • date of birth,
  • place of birth,
  • gender.
• Driving licence:
  • Photograph of the owner,
  • driver number,
  • surname,
  • given names,
  • date of birth,
  • place of birth,
  • holder’s permanent address,
  • the date the licence runs out,
  • categories of vehicles the licence is valid for.