Identity document (ID)

You must upload a copy of either your passport, or a government-issued photographic ID. For example, a national ID card or driving licence.

Your document must include all the following information:

• Full name (and must exactly match the name on your application form)
• Date of birth
• Expiry date (and must not expire on or before 22 July 2026)
• Photograph

The document you upload must:

• 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 clear and easy to read all text with no blur, glare or shadows
• Be straight and properly aligned – not tilted or skewed
• Show all edges and corners
• Be free of obstructions

Document(s) that are not in English

For every document you provide that is not in English, you must also provide a direct, word-for-word English translation from an official organisation. The original document and the translation must be combined into one document. As a minimum, the translation must include:

• confirmation statement from the translator or company that the document is an accurate translation of the original
• the date of translation
• the translator’s full name and signature, or the name and official stamp or seal of the company
• the translator or company’s contact details

The GMC also provides helpful guidance on translating documents that are not in English that you may find useful.

If you do not provide satisfactory translation(s), your eligibility application will be deemed ineligible.

Your name – general information

You must submit your application form with your name exactly as it appears on your passport or 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 or 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. For example, a marriage certificate, divorce decree or deed poll certificate. 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.

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 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 or 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 or 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 or 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 or 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 on or before 22 July 2026. If your document expires between 23 July 2026 and 03 August 2027, you will not need to update your application or inform the UKFPO. However, please ensure you renew your document in good time, as you must hold a valid passport or 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.