What ID you need: a quick checklist
Book with one accepted form of ID, enter your name exactly as it appears on it, and bring that same original ID on the day. If you have an eVisa, use a share code that starts with S. If you do not have one or cannot access it, GOV.UK lists a valid passport, a valid ID card from certain European countries, a valid photo travel document, or a BRP or BRC under a time limit that ends on 31 December 2026.
GOV.UK says that to book the test you need an email address, a debit or credit card and an accepted form of ID. Work through this checklist before you pay, then book through GOV.UK. The booking guide covers the other steps.
- Pick one accepted form of ID: a share code if you have an eVisa, or a document from the table below.
- If you use a document, check that its photo looks like you.
- Type your name on the booking exactly as it appears on that ID.
- If you use a share code, check that it starts with S.
- On the day, bring the same ID you booked with, as the original rather than a copy or screenshot.
- Expect your photo to be taken on the day to confirm your ID.
If you have an eVisa: get a share code
GOV.UK says that if you have an eVisa, you should use a share code as evidence of your identity. You do not need to show a physical document if your identity can be checked using your eVisa.
- Sign in to your UKVI account. GOV.UK explains how to view your eVisa and get a share code.
- Get the code by selecting 'to prove your immigration status for anything else'.
- Look at the first letter before you use the code. It must be S.
The official booking service's help pages say a code beginning with R or W will stop you sitting the test, and the fee will not be refunded. You may be able to generate a new code at the test centre, but this does not always work. Get the right code before you travel.
Accepted ID if you do not have an eVisa
If you do not have an eVisa, or cannot access it, GOV.UK lists the documents below. Whichever you use needs a photo that looks like you.
| Document | Condition |
|---|---|
| Passport | Must be valid |
| ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway | Must be valid |
| Travel document with a photo | Must be valid. Emergency travel documents are not accepted |
| BRP or BRC | Only within the time limit explained below |
A UK driving licence is not on this list. GOV.UK last updated its identification requirements on 8 June 2026, so check the current version before you book.
Expired BRP or BRC: the 31 December 2026 cut-off
GOV.UK says you can use a BRP or BRC only if your test is no later than 24 months after the expiry date shown on the card, and no later than 31 December 2026, whichever is sooner. In practice, your test date has to meet both limits. GOV.UK pages word the final day slightly differently, so if your test is on 31 December 2026 itself, use a share code or another accepted document instead.
- Your BRP expired on 31 December 2024 and your test is on 10 November 2026. The test is inside both limits, so you can use the card.
- Your BRC expired on 31 March 2024 and your test is on 20 October 2026. The 24 months ran out on 31 March 2026, so you cannot use the card, even though the test is before 31 December 2026.
If your test is on or after 31 December 2026, plan to use a share code or another accepted document, and recheck GOV.UK, because this rule is time-limited.
Avoid a name mismatch on your booking
GOV.UK says the name on your booking must exactly match the name on the ID you use to book. Copy it letter by letter from the document itself.
The official booking service's help pages add that if you have only one legal name, your ID must show it, and you enter that name in both the First Name and Last Name fields. They also explain what you can change later:
- Some registration details can be changed up to one day before your test.
- Your first name and date of birth cannot be changed. You would need a new account.
- If your last name, nationality or registered ID type does not match on the day, you cannot take the test and your fee is not refunded.
What to bring to the Life in the UK test
GOV.UK says you must bring the same ID you used to book. It must be the original, not a copy or a screenshot, and your photo is taken on the day to confirm your ID. If you registered with an eVisa share code, the official booking service's help pages say you do not need to bring other ID.
GOV.UK adds that if you do not bring the correct ID, or refuse to have your photo taken, you will not be able to take the test and will not get a refund. You cannot bring children or other family members with you to the centre, so arrange any care in advance.
Put your ID with your appointment details the night before. The test format guide explains the questions, time limit and pass mark, and a timed mock test lets you rehearse the pace. For what comes next, see getting your result.
If you have no accepted ID, or have changed gender
If you do not have any of the accepted documents, GOV.UK says to email the Home Office for help at nationalityenquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.
If you have changed gender, including a different name, and do not want test centre staff to see your previous gender or for it to show on your result, GOV.UK says to email sensitivebookings@homeoffice.gov.uk before you book.
If you are unsure whether your documents or immigration status fit these rules, you can find an immigration adviser through GOV.UK.
Common questions
Can I use a driving licence for the Life in the UK test?
A driving licence is not on GOV.UK's list of accepted ID. Use an eVisa share code, or one of the documents GOV.UK lists, such as a valid passport.
Can I bring a photocopy or a photo of my ID?
No. You need the original document you booked with, not a copy or screenshot. Without the correct ID you cannot sit the test or get a refund.
Do I need my BRP if I have an eVisa?
If you registered with an eVisa share code, the official booking service's help pages say you do not need to bring other ID. Check that the code begins with S well before test day.
My share code starts with R or W. What should I do?
Get a new code from your UKVI account by selecting 'to prove your immigration status for anything else', and check it begins with S. The official booking service's help pages say an R or W code will stop you sitting the test, with no refund.
How can I prove my ID without a passport?
If your identity can be checked through your eVisa, you do not need a physical document. Otherwise GOV.UK lists a valid ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, a valid photo travel document, or a BRP or BRC within its time limit.
Can I use an expired BRP for the Life in the UK test?
Only if your test is within 24 months of the expiry date on the card and before 31 December 2026. If your test is on or after that date, or outside the 24 months, use a share code or another accepted document.
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