What to Bring to the Life in the UK Test

Important: GOV.UK says you must bring the same original ID used to book. Copies, screenshots, and photos of ID are not accepted.

Accepted ID documents

You must bring the same original ID document you used when booking the test, unless your booking confirmation gives eVisa/share-code instructions. The name on your ID or eVisa details must match the name you used when booking exactly. Accepted documents can include a valid passport, a valid photo travel document, a valid ID card from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, or a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC).

For BRP or BRC, GOV.UK says the test must be no later than 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card. Digital copies, photocopies, screenshots, and photographs of your ID are not accepted. If your document is damaged or difficult to read, contact the booking service before your appointment to check what to do.

What NOT to bring

You are not allowed to take any personal items into the test room. This includes your mobile phone, smartwatch, notes, books, bags, and any electronic devices. All personal belongings must be stored in a secure locker provided at the test centre before you enter the test room.

You do not need to bring any stationery, paper, or equipment — everything required for the test is provided at the centre. There is no need to bring a calculator, headphones, or any other tools.

What happens if your ID doesn’t match

If the name on your ID document does not match the name on your booking, you will be turned away and will not be allowed to sit the test. Your £50 test fee is not refunded in this situation.

Common reasons for a mismatch include using a married name versus a maiden name, transliteration differences in non-Latin names, or bringing a different document from the one used at booking. If your name has changed since you booked — for example, due to marriage — contact the test centre as soon as possible to update your booking before test day.

If you realise on the day that you have brought the wrong document, the centre staff cannot make exceptions. You will need to rebook and pay the £50 fee again. This is why double-checking your ID against your booking confirmation the night before is so important.

Key Facts

• Bring the same original ID used to book, unless your booking uses eVisa instructions
• Name on ID must match your booking exactly
• No photocopies, screenshots, or digital copies
• No phones, notes, bags, or personal items in the test room
• Personal belongings go in a secure locker at the centre
• Wrong ID = turned away with no refund