You will need a passport style photo, which will be printed on your card:

  • using a camera phone or digital camera, ask someone to take a passport style, colour photo of you against a plain background

  • make sure it's just your head and shoulders, with a plain background

  • photos of photos or blurred photos will not be accepted.

  • the best format for your photo is .jpg

for iOS/Apple devices, go to settings / camera / formats and choose 'most compatible'

for Android devices, open the camera app / click the settings button (gear icon) / save options / unselect the 'HEIF pictures' option

  • the best picture size is 4:3

for iOS/Apple devices, open the camera app and 'photo' setting will take images using this size

for Android devices, open the camera app / click the settings button (gear icon) / for 'rear camera' or 'front camera' (depending on which is used) set the 'picture size' to '4:3'

Good and bad examples of how to provide a photo

If we ask for proof of your date of birth

Use a photo, scan or colour photocopy of a document* with your date of birth on it.

Good examples are your birth certificate or passport.

Make sure it's nice and clear and shows the whole document or page.

Full list of acceptable proof:

  • passport

  • driving licence

  • birth or adoption certificate

  • NHS medical card

  • biometric residence permit

  • Validate UK ID card

  • EU/ EEA ID card

  • HM forces ID card

Good and bad examples of how to provide proof of date of birth 1
Good and bad examples of how to provide proof of date of birth 2

If we ask for proof that you live in Greater Manchester

Use a photo, scan or colour photocopy of an official letter with your address on it.

Good examples are your mobile phone bill or a letter from HMRC, with your NI (National Insurance) number. If you haven't received your NI number, visit the official website to find out more and request yours.

We don't accept letters from your school or college.

Show the whole letter, so we can see the letterhead AND your address.

You can blank out any sensitive information.

Full list of acceptable proof:

  • letter from HMRC or government agency e.g. Department for Work and Pensions
  • Driving licence

Or one of these issued within the last three months (make sure we can see the date on the copy you send us):

  • letter or statement from your bank or building society (you can download statements from most online banking accounts)

  • utility bill

  • mobile phone bill

Good and bad examples of how to provide proof of address