You must upload a copy of either your passport, or a government-issued photographic ID (for example, a national ID card or driving licence).
The document you upload must:
- Be clear and easy to read all text with no blur, glare, or shadows
- Clearly display your photograph, full name, and date of birth
- Have an expiry date on or after 24 July 2025
- Exactly match the name on your application form
- Be presented using Roman characters – documents that display information in multiple scripts – such as Cyrillic, Arabic, or Hebrew – are acceptable, provided that one of the scripts is Roman
- Be straight and properly aligned – not tilted or skewed
- Show all edges and corners
- Be free of obstructions
Documents that are not in English
If you have document(s) that are not in English, you must provide an English translation from an official organisation for each document. The original language document(s) and translation(s) must be combined into one document. The UKFPO advise you to follow the GMC’s guidance on translating documents that aren’t in English.
If you do not provide satisfactory translation(s), your eligibility application will be deemed ineligible.
Non-urgent advice: Ensure you get it right – passports
If providing your passport, you must ensure the full photo page and opposite page are both shown as presented in the example.
You do not need to provide the front cover.
Your name – general information
You must submit your application form with your name exactly as it appears on your passport/ID. You must use the same name(s), in the same format, consistently across your eligibility application form and all supplementary documentation. When completing your application form, do not use shortened names, nicknames, abbreviations, or alternative spellings.
If the name on any of your additional documentation does not match the name on your application form and your passport/ID, please follow the guidance below.
If your names do not match across your eligibility application form and all supplementary documentation
If your name has legally changed: You must upload evidence of an legal name change (marriage certificate, divorce decree, deed poll certificate etc.). You must upload and attach this evidence to your application and enter any previous name(s) into the personal details section of the application form. Please also refer to the guidance above for any document(s) that are not in English.
If your name has not legally changed (for example, you were known to your medical school by another name): You must upload a letter from your medical school to explain the reason for the discrepancy and to confirm that you are the same person. The letter must appear on the letterhead of the medical school, be signed and/or stamped, and dated by the medical school. You must upload and attach this letter to your application form.
Middle names or family names such as A/P or D/O are not part of the ID check. Refer to the Guide to names and naming practices for further guidance.
If you prefer to be known by a different name
We recognise that some people prefer to be known by a different name than the one recorded on their passport/ID. You may enter this in the ‘Preferred Name’ field in the contact details section of the application form. However, your full name must still be used exactly as it appears on your passport/ID throughout the rest of your application.
Failure to follow this guidance may result in your application being deemed ineligible.
If you do not have a last name or surname; your passport/ID shows your full name in one field
When completing your application form, please enter your name in the format below:
First name: Enter your full name
Surname: -
Identity document – further information
Full colour copies are preferred; however, you may provide a certified or notarised copy (for example, it has been certified/notarised by a solicitor, notary public, or other appropriate authorised person or institution). Apostilles are not required for the purpose of your UK Foundation Programme application.
The identity document you submit to support your eligibility application must not expire before 24 July 2025. If your document expires between 24 July 2025 and 05 August 2026, you will not need to update your application or inform the UKFPO. However, please ensure you renew your ID in good time, as you must hold a valid passport/ID in order to begin the Foundation Programme – if your application is successful and you are allocated to a programme, your employer will need to carry out a pre-employment check before you can start.