Are passport applications credit checked?

Tori_Bellatrix

Hi

My sister has asked me if passport applications, or renewals, are checked with CRA's. I 'm not sure personally. I've heard talk that they might be for ID purposes.

Any ideas?

msmicawber

I haven't heard this. I'm not saying you're not correct, but have heard nothing about it. I doubt they're CRA-checked at application stage, however, as it would be expensive and time-consuming to do.

Mikeyorks

Tori_Bellatrix wrote: »

I've heard talk that they might be for ID purposes.

They're not very forthcoming on what they check. But it's mainly around Govt style databases / birth certificates / verification by an existing Passport holder ..... and now face to face interviews for first time adult applicants. I don't think credit checks come into it at all? Never heard of anyone reporting one on their record?

Tori_Bellatrix

I found this on Google ... http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2007/em/uksiem_20072186_en.pdf

Doesn't seem to mention renewals though ..

CIS

I have heard that credit checks are done for ID purposes - they use the info from them in the interviews to help prove identity.

This report suggests its true - http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article1545275.ece

Mikeyorks

That's my learning point for today then!

dzug

Is the worry that it might show up on your record as 'too many credit checks?' Or that you might be refused a passport because of a poor record?

The latter can be ignored - it's not a ground for refusal. The former - don't know.

thebaroness

dzug wrote: »

Is the worry that it might show up on your record as 'too many credit checks?' Or that you might be refused a passport because of a poor record?

The latter can be ignored - it's not a ground for refusal. The former - don't know.

If they're looking at people's credit files for the purpose of obtaining information they'll probably do a search that won't leave a credit footprint.

brightonman123

may do an electoral roll check, but not sure about credit worthines.. as mine must have slipped through!

sad git edit.. have skimemd through the pdf that was posted earlier.. the gist of it is to make sure the person who applied iss really that person, and also not someone likely to be doing a bunk- any fraud alerts would soon pop up i am sure.