Should I send my original passport with V55/5?
Reviewed 2026-07-10
Short answer
No, not for normal identity proof. V355/5 asks for photocopies of identity documents, not originals.
Official position
V355/5 tells private applicants to send a photocopy of a UK photocard driving licence, or photocopies of one name document and one address document if they cannot do that. It separately says application supporting documents should be originals unless otherwise stated, so identity evidence is one of the stated photocopy cases.
What to do
Do not send your original passport just to prove identity.
Send photocopies that meet the V355/5 name and address evidence rules.
Separate identity photocopies from original vehicle documents, because the rules are different.
If using a business keeper, follow the business-document rules instead.
Common mistakes
- Sending an original passport unnecessarily.
- Assuming all V55/5 evidence must be original, including identity documents.
- Sending vehicle document photocopies because identity photocopies are allowed.
Related help
Official sources
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