What you need to apply

Before you apply online, check what you’ll need below. You won’t be able to save and resume your application, so please get this information ready before you start.

You can apply using a phone, tablet or computer with a camera or webcam. And, if you don’t have scanned copies of your documents, you can take photos of your proofs during the application process.

Aged 16-21 and applying for yourself? You’ll also need:

• to sign in using your mygovscot myaccount (click register if you don’t have one)
• a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders
• proof of identity – passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your Yoti account
• proof of address – such as Council Tax bill or bank statement

Parent, guardian or carer applying on behalf of your child aged under 16? You’ll also need:

• to sign in using your mygovscot myaccount (click register if you don’t have one)
• parent proof of identity – passport, driving licence, Young Scot card, Biometric Residence Permit or use your Yoti account
• parent proof of address – such as Council Tax bill or bank statement
• proof of your child’s identity – birth certificate (if under 11 only), passport, Biometric Residence Permit or Young Scot card
• proof of your child’s address if they don’t live with you
• child’s birth or adoption certificate listing both your name and your child (please note abbreviated birth certificates will not be accepted)
• a recent digital image of the child (if aged 11+) showing head and shoulders

View a full list of accepted proof of address and photograph guidelines.

If you cannot apply online, there are other ways to apply provided by your local council such as over phone or email, in-person applications or, in some cases, through schools. Please contact your local council for more information.

For applications made through local councils, there are other documents you can use as proof of person if you don’t have a passport, driving licence, Yoti account or birth/adoption certificate. Find out what documents you can use to provide proof on the NEC website.

Parent or carer applying on behalf of your child aged under 16?

For children aged 5 -15 years old, a parent, guardian or carer must apply for a new NEC on their behalf. You will need to provide proof of your and your child’s identity, address and relationship. You will also need to provide a passport style photo if your child is 11 years old or over.

Aged 16-21 and applying for yourself?

You will need to provide proof of your identity and address as part of your application process, as well as a passport style photo – no filters please!