Arrival in the UK: registering with the police

Do I need to register with the police?

The stamp put into your passport by the immigration authorities will tell you if you need to register with the UK Police. If so, you must do this within seven days of arrival. The police make a charge of £34.

How do I register with the police?

You will need to take:

  • your passport and/or Identity Card for Foreign Nationals (ICFN);
  • two passport-sized photographs (taken within the last month);
  • Home Office letters or work permits if applicable; and
  • £34 for the registration fee (please take exact money or credit card).

You should register at:

  • The Overseas Visitors Records Office
    Brandon House
    180 Borough High Street
    London SE1 1LH
    Tel: 020 7230 1208 (recorded information)
    Times: 9.00am – 4.00pm (Monday – Friday)

The office is opposite Borough underground station. Please get there as early as possible as they will only see a certain number of people per day on a first come first served basis.

You will also have the chance to register with the police during our orientation programme for international students. There will be a desk at the International Welcome Centre where you can sign up to go with other students to register with the police.

What happens once I have registered with the police?

Once you have registered with the police you will get a Police Registration Certificate. You should keep this in a safe place with your passport.

Each time you are granted an extension of stay in the United Kingdom you will need to re-register with the Overseas Visitors Records Office. You will need to inform the police every time you change your address. You can do this at your local police station.