If you apply online the age band for your UK ID card is automatically calculated based on your date of birth. If you wish to apply for a higher age band before you actually reach the age, for example if you are 17 but wish to apply for an 18+ UK ID card, you must confirm this either:
- by selecting the required age band when you apply online
- or by emailing [email protected] after you pay for your application and stating that you wish to receive a card in the next age-band together with your name and address
If you apply using one of our paper or printed forms and require an 18+ photo ID but you are still 17 years old when you apply you must attach a letter to your application requesting what age band you would like i.e. 18+ or 16-17.
If your birthday falls at the weekend your 16-17 or 18+ ID card will not be issued until the first working day after your 16th or 18th birthday, but we can issue a lower age band CitizenCard before then if you request it.
A standard application takes 21 days to process (subject to verification) and we send your card to you by Royal Mail 2nd class post.
An urgent application takes 1-2 working days to process (subject to verification) and we post your UK ID card by Royal Mail Tracked 24 (next day delivery).
If you are 17, CitizenCard will issue you with a 16-17 card if you have not requested an 18+ card to be sent to you the day before you turn 18. 18+ ID cards will not be issued to anyone under 18.
If you are 15, CitizenCard will issue you with a Under 16 card if you have not requested a 16-17 card to be sent to you the day before you turn 16. 16-17 cards will not be issued to anyone under 16.
Please note, if applying for the next age band card in advance, you will only be able to apply if your date of birth falls within the next 3 months. If your birth date is further away, you will not be able to select the age band.
Use our online application to apply for your CitizenCard.
