Life in the UK Test Unique Reference Number (URN)

Official sources: GOV.UK explains the URN on what happens at the test, and the Form AN guidance explains how to enter it in a citizenship application. LITUK cannot look up your URN.

What the URN is

When you take the Life in the UK test, you get a unique reference number (URN). GOV.UK says you need it to complete your citizenship or settlement application, and the Home Office uses it to check that you passed. You do not normally send a certificate: the URN is the record.

Each test you take gets a new URN. Home Office guidance says you receive one whether you pass or fail, so if you took the test more than once, make sure you use the URN from the test you passed.

Where to find your URN

• At the centre: staff give you your URN, with your result, before you leave.
• In your email: the official FAQ says the results email should arrive within 10 minutes of finishing.
• In your account: sign in to your Life in the UK account through GOV.UK and open the results tab. Every test you have taken is listed with its URN.

If you cannot find it, search your inbox and spam folder for the results email first. If it is not there and you cannot sign in, contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800 015 4245 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) or at support@lituk.psionline.com.

What it looks like

For tests taken on or after 17 December 2019, the Form AN guidance gives the format as HOM/010114/123456/123456789. That is an example of the pattern, not a real number. Copy yours exactly as it appears in your results email or account.

For tests taken before 17 December 2019, you have a 7-digit test reference ID at the top of your results letter instead of a URN.

Where you use it

You enter the URN in your application for settlement (indefinite leave to remain) or for British citizenship. The citizenship form asks whether you have passed the Life in the UK test, then for your unique reference number.

You only need to pass once. GOV.UK says you do not need to take the test again if you have already passed it, for example if you passed for settlement and are now applying for citizenship. Use the URN from that pass in both applications.

If you have lost it

• Test on or after 17 December 2019: your URN is still in your Life in the UK account, so sign in and check the results tab. The helpline can help if you cannot get into your account.
• Test before 17 December 2019: if you have lost your results letter, GOV.UK says to send a letter explaining that you have lost it with your citizenship or settlement application.

Not to be confused with

• Your English language test reference. If you prove your English with a secure English language test (SELT), that test has its own URN from the English test provider. Applications can ask for both, so keep them separate.
• Your booking confirmation. The email you get when you book confirms your appointment. Your URN only exists once you have taken the test.

Still preparing? The test is 24 questions in 45 minutes, and you need 18 correct to pass. Our pass mark guide explains the format, and Life in the UK test results covers what happens on the day.

Key Facts

• Every Life in the UK test you take gets its own unique reference number
• It is emailed after the test and shown in your Life in the UK account
• Since 17 December 2019 it looks like HOM/010114/123456/123456789
• Enter the URN from the test you passed in your settlement or citizenship application
• Tests before 17 December 2019 have a 7-digit test reference ID instead
• It is not the same as an English language test (SELT) reference number