Identity Documents
Identity Documents (Right to Work – UK)
Below you will find examples of documents used to prove the right to work in the UK. These must be checked carefully during screening and vetting processes.
UK Passports
UK passports are valid proof of right to work. These may also be presented as clickable examples in training systems.
Valid UK passport examples are highlighted in official guidance.
Application Registration Cards (ARC)
ARC cards are issued by the Home Office to individuals who have claimed asylum and are awaiting processing.
Certificate of Entitlement to Right of Abode
These are visa stickers placed in a foreign passport confirming the holder’s right to reside in the UK.
Important: This confirms right to live in the UK but does NOT automatically confirm the right to work.
Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)Stamps & Vignettes
ILR stamps and vignettes were last issued in 2006 but may still be seen as they do not expire.
Category D Entry Clearance
From July 2025 these began phase out to the new eVisa, however this may not have been fully phased out and until such time as the Home Office issue guidance otherwise, these are accepted vignettes.
UK Residence Permit (UKPR)
These were last issued in 2012 and replaced by the BRP and gave the holder limited leave to remain.
Biometric Residence Permits (BRP)
BRPs were issued until October 2024 and have now been replaced by eVisas. Existing valid BRPs may still be accepted.
UK Driving Licences
UK driving licences can also be used as proof of identity in certain situations. Below is an example of a UK driving licence.
Example of a valid UK driving licence.
UK Birth Certificates
Below are examples of UK birth certificates that may be presented during right to work checks.
Certificate Issue
Birth certificates can be issued at GRO or at the register office for the district where the birth occurred. There are variations in the format:
- All certificates issued by GRO contain a seal of the General Register Office.
- Those issued by a register office do not contain a seal but will contain the name of the registrar or superintendent registrar (or their deputies) who issued the certificate.
- Certificates issued either at the register office or at GRO can be handwritten, typed, computer generated or contain a scanned image of the actual birth entry.
Possible Fraud Indicators
As well as the security features, there are other factors to consider when handling birth certificates. The following list provides some general information about certificate completion which may help to establish whether the certificate and/or the details have been falsified. This is provided solely as a guide and is not exhaustive.
- The certificate format used should be appropriate for the year of registration.
- Only the surname should be entered in upper case, not the forename(s).
- Dates of birth should be shown with the day and month in words and the year in figures.
The following information might indicate that the certificate has been altered:
- Spacing between falsely added particulars might be irregular compared to original information. “Thick” or “thin” spacing might infer particulars have been added.
- False particulars might not have been aligned with other words.
- Characters may not be of the same size or shape with the rest of the particulars.
- Movement of handwriting may look mechanical and does not flow with the rest of the particulars.
- Changes might not be consistent e.g. parents’ surnames might be altered, but not the signatures.
- The area around falsely added or removed particulars may react differently under an ultra violet light i.e. show signs of staining. In addition, such areas of paper may appear thinner where the paper fibres have been disturbed by abrasion.
Who to Contact
If you suspect a document is fraudulent, escalate immediately to HR, Compliance, or the Screening Team.