Many residence permit holders found their ID had a printed expiry date even though their right to stay continued. On 27 March 2025 the Home Office updated the Life in the UK test identification rules so that a biometric residence permit (BRP) or biometric residence card (BRC) could be used for 18 months after the expiry date printed on the card.
Key facts
- What Expired BRP or BRC accepted as ID
- Limit 18 months after the card's expiry date
- From 27 March 2025
- Later Extended to 24 months on 8 June 2026
Why the change was needed
The Home Office was replacing physical residence documents with eVisas, and BRPs were being phased out. Without a concession, people waiting to set up an eVisa could have been unable to prove their identity at the test centre. The rules had first been updated on 4 December 2024 with information about using an expired BRP to book the test; the March 2025 update set the 18-month limit.
The same approach was taken for English tests: the Home Office guidance on Secure English Language Tests was updated on 23 April 2025 with information on using an expired BRP or BRC to book.
What happened next
Two further changes followed. On 15 April 2025 an eVisa share code became an accepted form of ID, removing the need for a physical card for people who could use their eVisa. On 8 June 2026 the expired card window was extended to 24 months, with a firm end date: the test must be taken by 31 December 2026 at the latest.
What this means
The 18-month rule has been replaced, so check the current limit rather than this one. Today, if you are using an expired BRP or BRC, the test must fall within 24 months of the card’s expiry and no later than 31 December 2026. You must bring the original card, and it must be the document you used to book. The safest route is to book with an eVisa share code. Always read the latest identification requirements before your test day.