About the scheme
The scheme is for barristers and other professional court users to enter court and tribunal buildings without needing a routine security search. On application for the ID card you will verify credentials that satisfy HMCTS’s robust, risk-based safety and security policy.
How it works
- Once you have successfully applied you will receive an email with your identity card (PDF) and a Pkpass. Save your card to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for easy access.
- Show the court or tribunal security staff the QR code on your ID card to confirm your identity and fast-track through security checks.
- Court and tribunal security officers will conduct random searches on approximately 10% of ID card scheme visits.
- HMCTS have guidelines that must be adhered to, if not, it may result in your participation in the scheme being withdrawn. You can find the guidelines on MyBar when applying for your card.
How to apply
- Log into your MyBar account
- Click on HMCTS professional user access scheme on the left hand-side of the homepage
- Tick the box confirming you have read and agree to HMCTS conditions of entry
- Agree to the sharing of information with HMCTS
- Upload a digital photograph of passport quality. (See Rules for digital photos below )
- Click continue
If your photograph does not match the official photo identification you will not be allowed to use the fast-track lane and must enter via the security screening procedure.
Image specification:
- .jpg, .png or .gif format
- Clear and in focus
- In colour
- Unaltered by computer software
- A maximum of 700 pixels high
- At least 50KB and no more than 3MB
Your digital photo must:
- Contain no other objects or people
- Be taken against a plain light-colored background
- Be in clear contrast to the background
- Not have ‘red eye’
In your photo you must:
- Be facing forwards and looking straight at the camera
- Have a plain expression and your mouth closed
- Have your eyes open and visible
- Not have hair in front of your eyes
- Not have a head covering (unless it’s for religious or medical reasons)
- Not have anything covering your face
- Not have any shadows on your face or behind you
- Not wear sunglasses or tinted glasses. (If you wear glasses that you cannot take off, your eyes must be visible without any glare or reflections)
Receiving your ID card
Please add [email protected] to your safe sender list before applying.
If you do not receive your ID card please follow the steps below:
- Check your junk or spam folders
- Ensure the above email was added to your safe sender list
- Contact our Services team at [email protected]
Renew your ID card
Your card will automatically expire every year on 30 April. To ensure you have a valid card, please renew it before this date. You will receive an email from [email protected] informing you when the renew window is open.
- To renew your card log in to MyBar and select HMCTS Professional Users Access Scheme on the left-hand side of the homepage, and follow the steps to renew. You will only need to upload a new photograph if your appearance has changed.
- Ensure you delete all previous versions of your ID card from your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before trying to upload your new ID card.
Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or issues.
