Identification and important documents

Identification documents

As you grow older and start to complete applications for jobs or college, open bank accounts or even go to a pub, you will need identification.

Keeping your documents somewhere safe is really important too - it can be frustrating and costly to replace important documents like passports or birth certificates so have somewhere to keep them safe. Some people have a fireproof box where they keep their important documents.

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National Insurance Number

Click here to find out how you can get your NI number

For young people who are looked after by their local authority, your social worker can apply for your NI number for you when you are 15 years 9 months old onwards. Click here to find out more.


The General Register Office can help with birth certificates.

Click here to find out more

The Post Office is a good place to help you replace a lost or stolen passport.

Here is a useful guide to help you with all things passport related.

The government website also has good information . Click here to find out more


I want to legally change my name

Some people may have been known by a different name for some time but this might not have been done formally or legally. This can mean that you may need to consider changing your name formally to obtain the correct identification documents for setting up bank accounts or making applications for example.

Stirling Council can offer advice on changing your name - Click here to find out more

The Citizen's Advice Bureau can also offer advice and support around this - Click here to find out more

Your social worker or the Virtual Head Team can also offer support.