Reader's tickets
If you are planning to visit us to consult original documents in our reading rooms, you will need a free reader’s ticket. Find out how to register for your reader's ticket and what information we will need to issue you with one.
To view original documents at The National Archives, you need to have a reader's ticket.
This is a plastic card with your name, photograph, reader's ticket number and a barcode on it. It will be valid for three years from the date of issue.
You will need to bring it with you every time you visit us to view original documents. You must scan it to pass through our reading room security barriers.
You will also use your reader's ticket number to reserve documents, and you can use it to book your visit to view documents in advance.
You do not need a reader's ticket to see our exhibitions and displays, attend one of our events, visit our café or use our Library and Research and Enquiries Room.
You will use your reader's ticket to enter our document reading rooms.
How to register for a reader's ticket
To obtain or renew a reader’s ticket you will need to register your personal details and view a video explaining how to handle documents at The National Archives. You can do this when you book your visit, or using the link at the bottom of this page.
Reader's tickets can be collected from the Start Here desk. This can be found on the first floor of the building, next to the Document Reading Room.
Our friendly staff on our Start Here desk will issue you with your new reader's ticket.
To pick up your new ticket you will need to bring two separate forms of identity with you when you visit us.
We will also take your photograph for the reader’s ticket. The photograph must show your full head without any head or face covering. If you wear such items for religious or medical reasons, please speak to a member of staff.
Forms of identity
To obtain or renew a reader’s ticket you will need to bring with you two separate forms of identity:
- One to prove your name, including your signature
- One to prove your address
If any of these documents are in a language other than English, we strongly recommend that you bring an official translation, or similar.
Proof of your name with valid signature
- Expired photo card reader’s ticket from The National Archives
- Passport
- Driving licence
- Bank card
- Credit card
- National ID card
- Police/Customs/Home Office/warrant card
- Forces ID card
- Sea/Air Masters licence
- Blue Badge (driver’s pass)
- Freedom pass photo card (this must have your photo and name embedded into the card)
Important information
You must bring the original document with you as proof of your name. We do not accept copies, images or prints for proof of your name.
Proof of your address
- Utility bill
- Bank/building society statement
- Credit card statement
- Council tax bill
- HM Revenue and Customs statement
- Passports with address (where the address has been officially entered by the issuing authority)
- National ID card with address
- Driving licence with address
- Home Office permit to stay
- University certificate for hall of residence (stamped and signed by institution)
- Firearms licence
- Home insurance policy
- International student photo card
- Pension, Benefit Agency or family credit letter statement
- Student Loans Company letter
Proof of address format
We can accept an electronic proof of address where the issuing body has provided it in this format. If you use an electronic proof of address you must use a photographic proof of name.
All bills and statements must have been issued within the last six months. If you bank online, most banks will provide a paper statement on request for free or at a small charge if they do not include your address in your online account. Please be aware that they might take several days to send a statement to you.
If you are usually resident overseas, your identification should show your permanent home address.
We will accept a bill or statement addressed to your spouse if your surname matches theirs.
Renewing or replacing your reader’s ticket
Reader's tickets are valid for three years from the date of issue. To renew a reader’s ticket, you will need to show us proof of both identity and address, as described above.
Lost or forgotten tickets can be replaced for a charge of £5, upon production of proof of identity and address. Stolen tickets will be replaced without charge if you show the Start Here desk a police crime reference number and acceptable identification.
If you are renewing your reader’s ticket you should wait until your current reader’s ticket has expired before registering, as the registration process will cancel your current ticket.
Register for your reader's ticket
Get ready for your visit to see our original documents by registering online for your reader's ticket.