What to bring to your jobcentre appointment

The rule in one line

This comes from the DWP guidance Documents to verify your identity for Universal Credit, published on 9 June 2026. It applies when you could not verify your identity online when you made your claim and DWP asks you to do it in person. If you have an extra photo ID document, you can use it instead of one of the supplementary documents.

Photo ID documents (bring 1)

• UK passport
• Non-UK passport or travel document showing you are exempt from immigration control, allowed to stay indefinitely, have the right to live in the UK, or have no time limit on your stay
• Full or provisional UK photocard driving licence
• Identity card with the PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) logo, issued in the UK or Channel Islands
• Identity card from an EU or EEA country
• eVisa (online record of immigration status)
• Non-UK photocard driving licence with an international driving permit (valid up to 12 months after you entered the UK)
• Certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen, showing you are allowed to work in the UK
• Immigration status documents showing no time limit on your stay or indefinite leave to remain
• Residence permit, registration certificate or document showing permanent residence issued by UKVI to an EU, EEA or Swiss national
• Permanent residence card issued by UKVI to the family member of an EU, EEA or Swiss national
• NHS identity card with a biometric chip
• HM Armed Forces identity card or HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
• Police warrant card
• Asylum application registration card (ARC) together with the Home Office decision letter (only for refugees whose UKVI account has not been created)

Supplementary documents (bring 2)

A selection is below. The official list is longer and also includes items such as a deed poll, divorce documents, life insurance policy, building society passbook, firearms certificate, HM Armed Forces or Merchant Navy contract, and some Northern Ireland documents.

• Birth or adoption certificate (original or certified copy from the registrar)
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate
• Wage or pension slip with your name and National Insurance number, dated within the last 6 months
• Current debit, credit or store card with a statement of account confirming the card details
• Financial statement, for example from a bank, building society, credit card or credit union
• P45 or P60
• Council Tax statement (current)
• Utility bill (gas, water, electricity, landline or broadband) dated within the last 6 months
• Mobile phone contract statement or bill dated within the last 6 months
• Your most recent HMRC tax notification, such as a tax assessment or notice of coding
• Full old-style paper UK driving licence
• Older person’s (OAP) bus pass
• Student ID card or student loan documents
• Vehicle registration documents or vehicle insurance policy
• Mortgage statement from a recognised lender, or mortgage deeds
• Electoral register confirmation that you live at the address
• Employer letter or educational institution letter on headed paper
• Local council rent card

Dates matter: wage or pension slips, utility bills and mobile phone bills must be from the last 6 months; a Power of Attorney or grant of probate must be dated within the last 3 months and show your current address.

A combination that works for most people

1. Your passport or UK photocard driving licence (photo ID).
2. A recent bank statement or a debit card with a statement that confirms the card details.
3. A P60, a recent payslip with your National Insurance number, or a utility bill from the last 6 months.

Put them in an envelope the night before and check the time and office in your appointment letter or journal. If the appointment is also to agree your claimant commitment, think about the work you can do and the hours you are available.

If you cannot get the documents in time

Tell DWP before the appointment through your journal or the contact details you were given. GOV.UK says that if your documents are not accepted, you may be asked questions to verify your identity. Missing an appointment without telling anyone can lead to a sanction: see what to do if you cannot attend.

Frequently asked questions

How many documents do I need to bring to the jobcentre?

Three: 1 photographic ID document and 2 supplementary ID documents. If you have a second photo ID, it can replace one of the supplementary documents.

Can I bring photocopies?

No. GOV.UK says all documents must be originals. A birth or adoption certificate can be the original or a certified copy from the registrar.

Is a provisional driving licence accepted?

Yes. A full or provisional UK photocard driving licence counts as photo ID.

How recent does a bank statement or bill need to be?

GOV.UK gives no date limit for bank or other financial statements, but a recent one is safest. Wage or pension slips, utility bills and mobile phone bills must be dated within the last 6 months, and a Council Tax statement must be current.

What if my documents are not accepted?

GOV.UK says you may be asked questions to verify your identity instead.

Does this apply to JSA and ESA?

No. This list is for Universal Credit. If you are claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, GOV.UK has separate guidance on what to bring to your Jobcentre Plus interview.

Related guides

Sources: GOV.UK: Documents to verify your identity for Universal Credit · GOV.UK: Universal Credit, how to claim. Jobcentre Offices is independent and not affiliated with the DWP or Jobcentre Plus. Rules and rates change: confirm on GOV.UK or with your work coach before you act.