Thread: World War II identity cards

A quick search didn't turn up much info on them so all I can say is that they were introduced not long after the outbreak of war. I seem to have read or heard that they stopped being used around 1953-54. I paid £3 for this one at Newcastle market so they must be fairly easy to find

The earlier ones were a slightly different design, and on brown card (probably didn't want to waste resources on coloured card).





In fact both sidrs are the same colour (near enough), but scan has made them different

Interesting that the earlier ones had no provision for a change of address yet had a blank page. Perhaps it was thought that the war wouldn't last long enough to need to allow for changes of address.

And at what age would someone be issued with a card? Would a new-born baby be issued with one for its mother to carry?

Originally Posted by BereniceUK

Interesting that the earlier ones had no provision for a change of address yet had a blank page. Perhaps it was thought that the war wouldn't last long enough to need to allow for changes of address.

And at what age would someone be issued with a card? Would a new-born baby be issued with one for its mother to carry?

The government introduced National Registration Identity Cards in World War II. Everyone, including children, had to carry an identity (ID) card at all times to show who they were and where they lived. The identity card gave the owner's name and address, including changes of address. Each person was allocated a National Registration number and this was written in the top right hand corner on the inside of the card. The local registration office stamped the card to make it valid.

The blue identity card belonged to Frances Orriss of SW17, who lived in the Tooting, south west London. It was issued in 1943 when the blue card was introduced for adults. Until then, adult identity cards had been brown, the same colour as children's cards. (Government officials had green ID cards with a photograph.)

On the back of cards for children and young people under 16 was space for the parent or guardian to sign. The parent or guardian was responsible for looking after the child's identity card, and producing it when required. This card was issued in 1945 to Kathleen Sperring of Thundersley and was valid until 1961. She was probably a baby in 1945 and the card was valid until she was 16, when she would have had to collect a new card at the local National Registration Office. (See website below for pictures)

From Object Lessons :: Conflicts :: World War II Identity Card

Berenice
I hate to say it, but ,if you hadn't realised it, the 1943 card was mine, issued
2 weeks after I was born .
I think that answers Oildrum's question also

Originally Posted by mikejee

Berenice
I hate to say it, but ,if you hadn't realised it, the 1943 card was mine, issued
2 weeks after I was born .
I think that answers Oildrum's question also

Another southerner!! Like me!

And living in the south again now unfortunately

Originally Posted by mikejee

Berenice
I hate to say it, but ,if you hadn't realised it, the 1943 card was mine, issued
2 weeks after I was born.

Oh, yes, I realised that but didn't want to draw everyone's attention to it