Providing Certified ID
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From: Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Published on: 13 December 2024
- Last updated on: 16 December 2024
What forms of ID are accepted?
Proof of identity showing photo ID is required for all applicants to the Scheme. Where there is a formal support arrangement in place, photo ID will also be required for this person (for example a decision-making representative). Where an application is being made on behalf of a person who is deceased, proof of identity is only required for the personal representative. The following forms of ID will be accepted:
(a) certified copy of Passport, or
(b) certified copy of Driving Licence, or
(c) certified copy of Public Services Card or equivalent social security card if living in another jurisdiction, or
(d) certified copy of a form of Government-issue photo ID from any jurisdiction, or
(e) on an exceptional basis, a certified copy of other such photo ID as may be acceptable to the Chief Deciding Officer.
Please note the Free Travel Pass card from the Department of Social Protection, is a Public Services Card with a free travel component and so is accepted by the Payment Scheme as a photo ID.
What is a certified copy of ID?
A certified copy of ID is a photocopy of your ID that has been certified by an authorised person in the following way.
On the photocopy the person must:
- sign their name,
- provide their name and occupation in block capitals,
- provide a date alongside their signature,
- stamp the photocopy if they have a stamp and/or provide their professional registered number if they have one,
- provide a contact phone number as verification.
We recognise the sensitive nature of this Scheme. There is no requirement to provide an explanation to the person certifying a photo ID the reason for this request. There are many reasons you may need to provide a certified copy of ID; it is sufficient to say that it is required for an application.
Who can certify my documents?
For applicants living in Ireland your witness can be:
• Accountant
• Financial Institution Manager or Assistant Manager
• Elected public representative
• Head of Prison Service/Head Prison Warden
• Lecturer
• Member of the Clergy
• Notary public/commissioner for oaths
• Nursing or Care Home Manager
• Peace commissioner
• Pharmacist
• Registered Counsellor
• Registered and Practicing
o Dentist
o Medical Doctor
o Nurse
o Occupational Therapist
o Physiotherapist
o Social Worker
o Speech Therapist
• Serving member of the Garda Siochana
• Solicitor
• Teacher
For applicants living in the United Kingdom your witness can be:
• Accountant
• Financial Institution Manager or Assistant Manager
• Elected public representative
• Minister of Religion
• Notary public/commissioner for oaths
• Registered and Practicing
o Dentist
o Medical Doctor
o Nurse
o Occupational Therapist
o Physiotherapist
o Social Worker
o Speech Therapist
• Serving member of a Police Force
• Solicitor
• Teacher
Alternatively, for British residents, you may contact one of the Irish Centres below and ask for assistance in having your documents certified for the purpose of the Payment Scheme.
| Organisation name | Address | Telephone | ||
| Ashford Place | 60 Ashford Rd, London NW2 6TU | 0208 208 8590 | info@ashfordplace.org.uk | |
| Birmingham Irish Association | St Anne's Parish Centre, Alcester Street, Birmingham, B12 0PH | 0121 604 6111 | info@birminghamirish.org.uk | |
| Brent Irish Advisory Service | 379-381 High Road Willesdsen NW10 2JR | 0208 459 6655 | mike@biasbrent | |
| Coventry Irish Society | Floor 1, 41 Smithford Way, Coventry, CV1 1FY | 0247 625 6629 | CIS@covirishsoc.org.uk | |
| Emerald Centre | 450 Gipsy Lane, Leicester, LE5 0TB | 0116 276 9186 | emeraldcentre@yahoo.co.uk | |
| Fréa – Renewing Roots | Patrick Rodgers, 895 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3PG | 0161 205 9105 - 07458 138682 | renewingroots@frea.org.uk | |
| Huddersfield Irish Centre | 86 Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, HD1 5BB | 0148 442 0140 | secretary1999@outlook.com | |
| Irish Community Care Manchester | 895 Stockport Road, Levenshulme, Manchester, M19 3PG | 0161 205 9105 | headoffice@irishcommunitycare.com | |
| Irish Community Care | 151 Dale Street, Liverpool, L2 2AH | 0151 237 3987 | admin@irishcc.net | |
| Irish Community Services in Greenwich, Bexley & Lewisham | The Irish Centre, 2B Devonshire Road Bexleyheath, DA6 8 DS | 0208 854 4466 | office@irishcommunityservices.org.uk | |
| Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith | 5 Black's Rd, London W6 9DT, United Kingdom | 020 8563 8232 | community@irishculturalcentre.co.uk | |
| Leeds Irish Health and Homes | Rouse House, 2 Wyther Lane, Leeds LS5 3BT, United Kingdom | 0113 262 5614 | info@lihh.org | |
| Lewisham Irish Community Centre | 2A Davenport Rd, Catford, London, SE6 2AZ | 0208 695 6264 | manager@ lewishamirish.org.uk | |
| Liverpool Irish Centre | Boundary Lane, Liverpool L6 5JG | 0151 263 1808 | info@liverpoolirishcentre.org | |
| London Irish Centre | 50-52 Camden Square London NW1 9XB | 0207 916 2222 | info@londonirishcentre.org | |
| Luton Irish Forum | Kathleen Connolly House, 102 Hitchin Road, Luton LU2 0ES | 0158 272 0447 | info@lutonirishforum.org | |
| Milton Keynes Irish Centre | Manor Fields Fenny Stratford Milton Keynes MK2 2HX | 0190 837 5978 | irishcentremk@btconnect.com | |
| Portsmouth Irish Society | 77 Elm Grove, Portsmouth, PO51JF | 0239 282 5152 | portsmouthirishclubcommittee@yahoo.com | |
| South London Irish Association | 138/140 Hartfield Road, Wimbledon SW19 3TG | 0208 543 0608 | Sliasw19@gmail.com | |
| Tyneside Irish Centre Ltd | 43-49 Gallowgate, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 4SG | 0191 261 0384 | tyneirishcentre@btconnect.com |
For applicants living in any other country your witness can be:
• Serving member of a Police Force
• Registered and Practicing
o Dentist
o Medical Doctor
o Nurse
o Occupational Therapist
o Physiotherapist
o Social Worker
o Speech Therapist
• Notary/Solicitor/Justice of the Peace
If you have any queries or need help in locating a witness to certify your documents, your local Government website may provide useful resources or you can contact the Irish Consulate in your location who will be able to provide some assistance to you.
What if I don't have an in-date form of ID?
Please contact us if you have any issues providing the required supporting documentation and we will discuss this with you. Our contact details are here.