GB UK ID / residence card 45x35 mm (4.5x3.5 cm) Document Checklist - Everything You Need

Requirements

Content about GB UK ID / residence card 45x35 mm (4.5x3.5 cm) Document Checklist - requirements

Step-by-Step Process

• Photo Preparation: Obtain a compliant 45 × 35 mm (5 × 5 cm) full–colour passport-style photo printed on high-quality photo paper – ensure the head covers 29–34 mm of the frame, the background is plain light grey or cream, there are no shadows or reflections, and the photo is taken within the last month to prove your current appearance.
• Identity Document Collection: Gather your valid national passport or travel document plus any expired UK biometric residence permit (BRP) – these prove your identity and nationality and are mandatory for UKVI to verify who you are and your right to apply.
• Proof of Residence Evidence: Assemble one document showing your UK address in the last 3 months, such as a tenancy agreement, utility bill, bank statement, or council tax letter – this confirms you live at the address you’ve declared.
• Application Form Completion: Log in to the UKVI online portal, complete the BRP application form (including personal details, contact information, and biometric consent), review every field for accuracy, and electronically sign – mistakes or omissions lead to delays or refusals.
• Fee Payment and Reference Number: Pay the non-refundable application fee via debit/credit card or PayPal; note your GWF reference number shown on the confirmation page – you’ll need this to book your biometric appointment and track your application.
• Biometric Appointment Booking: Use your GWF reference to schedule an appointment at a UKVCAS centre or post office with ID verification services; choose the earliest slot to avoid processing delays – you must bring originals on the day.
• Attend Appointment and Submit Originals: On appointment day, bring your printed photo, passport/travel document, BRP (if renewing), proof of residence, application confirmation, and payment receipt; at the centre your identity will be checked, documents scanned, and fingerprints and a new photo (if required) will be captured.
• Document Checklist Verification: At the counter, follow the staff’s 1-2-3 check process – they’ll tick off each required item against your checklist. If anything is missing or non-compliant (e.g., wrong photo size or name mismatch), they’ll flag it immediately so you can correct it on the spot.
• Track Your Application: After submission, monitor progress using your GWF reference on the UKVI online tracking portal or through the UKVCAS app; typical processing is 3–6 weeks, but check regularly to respond to any additional requests.
• BRP Collection or Delivery: Once approved, collect your BRP card in person at the designated Post Office (you’ll receive a “BRP Ready for Collection” letter) or opt for courier delivery – bring your passport and the collection letter; verify all details on the card before signing and leaving.

Tips and Best Practices

• Correct Photo Dimensions: ensure your photo is exactly 45×35 mm with the head height between 29–34 mm to avoid automatic rejection by UK ID systems that flag off-size images
• Plain Light Background: use a smooth, even pale grey, cream or light blue backdrop without shadows or patterns so facial features remain clear for biometric checks
• Neutral Expression & Positioning: face the camera straight on with eyes open, mouth closed and no tilt to meet biometric software requirements that reject angled or obscured faces
• No Glasses, Hats or Accessories: remove eyewear, headphones and non-religious headwear to prevent reflections or facial occlusions that can lead to manual review delays
• High-Quality Print/Upload: submit a 600 dpi JPEG or PNG under 10 MB printed on matte photo paper (or digital upload) to preserve detail and avoid pixelation or scanning errors

Conclusion

In summary, the GB UK ID/residence card application hinges on strict adherence to both photo specifications and supporting-document requirements. Ensuring every element—from the 45 × 35 mm photo to proofs of identity and residence—is correct and complete will prevent delays or rejections.

Key Points:

• Photo size: exactly 45 × 35 mm (5 × 5 cm) with head height 29–34 mm and top margin 3 mm• Background and quality: plain light background, sharp focus, natural skin tones, no shadows or reflections• Expression and attire: neutral expression, eyes open and visible, no head coverings except for medical/religious reasons• Core documents: completed application form, valid passport or travel document, two compliant photos• Proof of status: previous BRP or visa vignette if renewing or extending residence• Proof of residence: recent utility bill, tenancy agreement, or official letter showing current UK address• Supporting evidence: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or employment letter as required• Fees and biometrics: correct application fee paid and biometric enrolment booked• Final checks: verify all documents are originals or certified copies and photocopies match originals before submission