For UK Digital Passport Holders - Removes Need to Send in Passport
19 August 2008: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched its latest online facility to enhance the licence application process. The new direct link, from the SIA to the UK Passport Service, allows the SIA to check an applicant's passport details and identity without the need for the applicant to submit their passport document.
Any applicant who holds a digital-style UK passport (on general issue from 2002) will no longer need to supply their passport; they can simply give their passport number on the application form. This meets one of the main requirements in helping establish identity.
Supplying a valid passport or (for UK digital passport holders) the passport number, is the preferred option for establishing an applicant's identity and helps to speed the licence application process.
Mike Wilson, SIA Chief Executive said:
"This is the latest in a series of new facilities we are introducing to enhance our licensing process. Applicants who provide a passport, or (for UK digital passport holders) their passport number, help speed up the identity checking procedure and therefore the application process.
We will continue to work hard to refine and improve our systems, to introduce robust new technology, and to work with our stakeholders to help speed the licensing process."
Notes to Editors:
- The new facility is only open to UK passport holders who hold one on the digital-style passports issued by the UK Passport office in limited numbers from 1998 and generally from 2002.
- How to check if you have a digital passport: UK passports issued since 2002 (although some from 1998) are digital. If the holder's photo and details (digitally reproduced) are on page 31 (or 47 in Jumbo passports) then the passport is a digital passport. If the holder's photo (hardcopy) and details are on the inside of the back cover, then the passport is not digital passport.
- For a complete list of identity documents required for a licence application see www.the-sia.org.uk/home/licensing
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