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Identity card holders' responsibilities

This page explains your responsibilities as the holder of an identity card for foreign nationals.

If your card is not delivered

If you have not received your identity card 10 working days after the date of your letter from us extending your permission to stay in the United Kingdom, you should phone us on 0300 123 2412. You cannot ask about undelivered cards in person at our public enquiry offices or biometric enrolment centres.

When you receive your card

You must check the card carefully when you receive it, to make sure that all the details on it are correct. If you find a mistake, you must phone us on 0300 123 2412 within 10 working days of receiving the card - otherwise you may be charged for a replacement and have to apply again.

If you go abroad

If you travel outside the United Kingdom during your time here, you may need to show your identity card to an immigration officer at the border when you leave the United Kingdom. You will need to show the card and your valid national passport or travel document before you start your return journey, and again when you re-enter the United Kingdom. The identity card proves you are allowed to return to the United Kingdom, but it cannot be used instead of a passport or travel document.

If your card is lost or stolen when you are abroad, you should contact the UK Border Agency by calling (+44) 20 8527 3623 as soon as possible and before you try to travel back to the United Kingdom.

If you work or study in the United Kingdom

You must show the card to your employer or approved education provider to prove that you are allowed to work or study.

If you change your personal details or circumstances

If you change your name, your gender or your nationality, or if your facial appearance changes significantly, you must apply for a replacement card using application form ICFN(RC) within three months. If you do not do this, you may have to pay a financial penalty of up to £1,000 or have your premission to stay shortened. You can download form ICFN(RC) and the related guidance from the right side of this page.

If you change your address before you have received your identity card, you should phone us on 0870 606 7766 immediately. If you change your address at any time after you have received your identity card, and you think you are likely to be at the new address for six months or more, you should tell us by faxing 020 8196 5454 or writing to:

UK Border Agency
Change of Address Team
11th Floor Lunar House
Wellesley Road
Croydon
CR9 2BY

You should tell us immediately by phoning 0870 606 7766 if:

  • you change your circumstances so you no longer qualify to stay under the immigration rules that were in place when we gave you permission to stay in the United Kingdom; or
  • you are a student and you change your course and/or approved education provider.

If your card is lost or stolen

If your card is lost or stolen, you must report this to us as soon as possible by phoning 0300 123 2412 from the United Kingdom or (+44) 20 8527 3623 from abroad. You must then apply for a replacement card using application form ICFN(RC) - if you do not do this within three months of reporting the loss or theft, you may have to pay a financial penalty of up to £1,000 or have your premission to stay shortened. You can download form ICFN(RC) and the related guidance from the right side of this page.

If you know or suspect misuse, damage, tampering or incorrect information

You should tell us immediately by calling 0300 123 2412 if you know or suspect that:

  • someone else has used your card, with or without your permission;
  • your card has been damaged or tampered with; or
  • the information held on the card is untrue, misleading or incomplete.