Student finance: how to apply for courses starting in 2027
Proof of identity
You’ll be asked to prove your identity before you set up your new Student Finance England account to apply for Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) funding. This normally involves a digital check using a photo ID, such as a valid passport or driving licence.
If you’re not able to prove your identity at this stage, you can skip the step and enter your valid UK passport details later when you apply for funding.
Do not send original documents to Student Finance England (SFE).
If you do not have a UK passport or it has expired
How you prove your identity depends on your nationality.
If you’re a UK national with an expired or missing passport
You can either:
- upload a copy of your birth or adoption certificate to your student finance account
- send a copy of your birth or adoption certificate to SFE by post
You do not need to send your original birth or adoption certificate. If you’re a care leaver and do not have a copy of your birth certificate, your local authority care team or Personal Adviser can request one for you.
If you’re an Irish national
You can upload a copy of your valid Irish passport to your student finance account.
If you’re not a UK or Irish national
You must provide details from one of the following valid documents when you apply:
- passport
- national identity card
- biometric residence card
- biometric residence permit (expired permits are accepted)
If you cannot upload your documents
If you cannot upload your proof of identity, you can send a copy to SFE by post.
Student Finance England
PO Box 717
Darlington
DL1 9LG
If you do send any original documents, include your 11-digit customer reference number (CRN) and return address. SFE will return your documents within 4 weeks.
You do not need to include a prepaid or self-addressed envelope.