In the UK, various official documents are issued by different authorities for different purposes. Below are some of the key UK-issued documents and their purposes:
1. Passport
- Issued by: Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO).
- Purpose: Serves as proof of identity and nationality, enabling international travel.
2. National Insurance Number (NIN)
- Issued by: HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- Purpose: Used for tax, social security, and pension purposes. It’s a unique number given to individuals working in the UK.
3. Driving License
- Issued by: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Purpose: Allows the holder to drive vehicles on UK roads. It also serves as a form of identification.
4. Birth Certificate
- Issued by: General Register Office (GRO) or local register offices.
- Purpose: Official record of a person’s birth, needed for legal purposes, including applying for a passport.
5. Marriage Certificate
- Issued by: Local Register Offices.
- Purpose: A legal document confirming the marriage of two people. It’s required for various legal processes, such as name changes or applying for spousal visas.
6. Driving License
- Issued by: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Purpose: Proof of the right to drive and an ID card for UK residents.
7. Visa
- Issued by: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Purpose: Allows foreign nationals to enter, stay, or work in the UK for a set period.
8. Provisional Driving License
- Issued by: Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
- Purpose: Issued to learners who have passed the theory test and are allowed to practice driving before taking the practical driving test.
9. Citizen’s Card
- Issued by: Various companies (such as CitizenCard Ltd).
- Purpose: An official proof of age card, often used to verify age for purchasing alcohol or entering venues with age restrictions.
10. Bank Cards & Statements
- Issued by: UK Banks and Financial Institutions.
- Purpose: Used for banking transactions, withdrawal of money, and as a proof of address (sometimes).
11. Council Tax Bill
- Issued by: Local Council.
- Purpose: A document indicating the amount of council tax owed by the resident in a particular area.
12. Medical Records/GP Registration
- Issued by: NHS (National Health Service).
- Purpose: Provides a record of an individual’s health history and their GP registration for medical care.
13. Electoral Register (Voter Registration)
- Issued by: Local Electoral Registration Office.
- Purpose: Confirms that you are registered to vote in UK elections.
14. Residence Permit
- Issued by: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
- Purpose: Confirms the right to live in the UK for non-citizens, including long-term residency or work permits.
15. Divorce Certificate
- Issued by: Family Courts.
- Purpose: Legal proof of the dissolution of a marriage.
16. Student Loan Agreement
- Issued by: Student Loans Company (SLC).
- Purpose: Agreement for students to repay loans taken out for higher education.
These documents serve various functions, from proving identity to securing services, rights, and access to resources in the UK.