What you'll need

In a moment we're going to ask you for some details about yourself and the information you are requesting.

Verifying your identity

We'll ask you to verify your identity by uploading a photo or scan of an ID document and proof of your address.

You can do this by:

• using this service on a smartphone or tablet – you'll be able to take a photo with your device's camera later
• taking a photo with a digital camera, smartphone or tablet and transferring it to your computer – for example, by emailing it to yourself
• using a scanner

You can upload either:

• your UK photocard driving licence, showing your home address, or
• the photo page of your passport and a utility bill, council tax bill, bank statement or letter from a government department (for example, HMRC or DWP), showing your name and home address, dated within the last three months

If there are any other names the information may be held under, you'll need to upload proof of this name change, such as:

• a marriage certificate
• a deed poll

If you cannot upload copies of your documents, you'll need to apply by post instead (opens in a new tab).

Requesting information about yourself

If you've served in the armed forces or worked for MOD, we'll ask you for the following details to help us find your information:

• your service number, if you've served in the armed forces
• your staff number, if you've worked for MOD as a civilian

If you cannot provide either of these, we'll still process your request, but it might take us longer to find your information.

Requesting information about someone else

If they've served in the armed forces or worked for MOD, we'll ask you for the following details to help us find their information:

• their service number, if they've served in the armed forces
• their staff number, if they've worked for MOD as a civilian

If you cannot provide either of these, we'll still process your request but it might take us longer to find their information.

You'll also need to upload a copy of either:

• the person's written consent to disclosure of the information requested, or
• a court order (for example, power of attorney) permitting the release of the information requested

If you cannot upload one of these documents, you'll need to apply by post instead (opens in a new tab).