November 2020
AccessNI ID Checking – Expired Documents
Due to Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions, there continues to be some delays in processing applications and renewal of passports and driving licences. In response to this AccessNI will temporarily continue to allow the following expired documentation to be accepted for AccessNI identity checking purposes:-
UK Driving licences
A UK driving licence which expires between 1 February and 31 December 2020 will automatically be extended for 11 months. The extension will start from the date a licence is due to expire. An expired driving licence can be accepted as a form of ID on condition that it falls within the period of extension.
**The extension does not apply to provisional driving licences that expire in this period. A provision driving licence can be renewed online.**
Irish Driving licences
An Irish driving licence which expired after 1 March 2020 will remain valid for an additional seven months. An expired driving licence can be accepted as a form of ID on condition that it falls within the period of extension.
In relation to learner permits, those permits which expired between 1 March and 30 June 2020 have all been extended by 4 months and permits expiring between 1 July and 31 October 2020, including those already extended, the validity period of these permits has also been extended by 4 months. Expired permits can be accepted as a form of ID on condition that it falls within the period of extension.
UK Passports
AccessNI will temporarily allow expired UK passports that are within 6 months of the expiry date to be accepted for AccessNI identity checking purposes.
Irish Passports
Irish passports applications and renewals are still being processed and no extension has been approved for expired licences. Expired Irish passports cannot be accepted as a form of ID for AccessNI identity checking purposes.