Acceptable forms of ID in the UK

As responsible retailers, it is very important that age-restricted items do not wrongly end up in the hands of underage customers. It is not only a legal obligation, but a moral duty to make a positive difference in the community. You must take all measures to prevent any underage sales from occurring. This means you must take 'reasonable precautions and exercise due diligence' when challenging one's age.

We recognise that it might be a difficult task for you and your staff to judge and assess someone's age correctly. This is why we recommend applying the 'Challenge 25' scheme; anyone attempting to buy age-restricted goods who looks under the age of 25, will be asked to produce ID.

Of course, in order to do so, you must also be clear with your staff and in your store on what you accept as acceptable proof of age/ID, i.e. a photo driving licence, passport or PASS card (e.g. CitizenCard or Young Scot card.), to prove their age.

List of IDs you should accept as proof of age in the UK:

passport (UK or international; unexpired)
driving licences or provisional driving licence (UK or EU; unexpired)
proof of age cards with a PASS logo, such as, a CitizenCard or Young Scot card
EU national identity card (unexpired)

PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) is the UK's national scheme and standard for proof of age. PASS cards are recommended by the Home Office and endorsed by the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA). They are specifically recognised under the Government's Guidance to the Act as being an acceptable form of Proof of Age. CitizenCards, proof of age cards with a PASS logo, can be confirmed as valid online at verify.citizencard.com. You can also get a free PASS Card Verify app and take a photo of any proof of age and ID card issued by CitizenCard (including Post Office PASS card), My ID Card, Young Scot and Totum NUS to check if the card you are shown is valid and can be trusted.

The misuse of proof of age/ID cards can have serious consequences for both the buyer and the seller. It is a criminal offence to use false or borrowed ID to gain entry to licensed premises or to buy alcohol. The maximum penalty is a £5,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.