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Help and FAQ: press card questions answered

Here you will find answers to the questions we are asked most often – about applying, delivery, validity, using the card, verification, payment and your data. If your question is not covered, email help@presseausweis-beantragen.com or call +44 20 7963 7514.

Quick links: requirements · cost · how to apply · verification · renewal · cancellation

Apply for your press card Contact us

At a glance

Price: €95 for 12 months · €150 for 24 months · €180 for 36 months
Delivery: Printed and posted 14–18 working days after payment; postage to the UK €6.99
Who can apply: Adults (18+) who work journalistically on a regular basis – staff, freelance or part-time
Checks: Every application is reviewed before printing; full refund if we decline it
Verification: QR code on the card links to a live verification page

Applying for your press card

Before and during your application.

Who can apply?

Adults aged 18 or over who work journalistically on a regular basis – staff, freelance or part-time, in any medium. Details: press card requirements.

Do I need to send documents?

No. You upload a photo and enter your details online. We may email you to ask for links to your work.

Which photo should I use?

A recent passport-style colour photo: face centred, plain light background, no sunglasses or hat. The upload tool crops it automatically.

Can I correct a mistake after ordering?

Yes, as long as production has not started. Email us straight away with your order number and the correction.

Delivery and validity

When your card arrives and how long it lasts.

How long does delivery take?

Usually 14–18 working days after payment, plus local postal times outside the UK and EU. If we need more information, the time starts once your application is approved.

What does postage cost?

Free within the EU; €6.99 per order to the UK and all other countries.

How long is the card valid?

12, 24 or 36 months from issue, depending on what you choose. The expiry date is printed on the card.

Is the card renewed automatically?

No. You order a new card when you want to. See press card renewal.

Using your press card

What the card can and cannot do.

Does the card give me access to events?

No card guarantees access. It supports your accreditation request; the organiser decides. See press accreditation.

Will police accept it?

UK police guidance refers to the UK Press Card. Officers may accept other ID but are not obliged to. See press card and the police.

Can I use it abroad?

Yes, it is in English with an international design. Recognition is not guaranteed; check local rules. See international press card.

What am I not allowed to do with it?

Use it for private advantages, lend it to others or pretend it is an official or police document. See usage guidelines.

Verification and security

How others can check your card.

How is the card verified?

The QR code on the card opens a verification page at our partner scantoverify.org showing the holder, photo and validity. More about verification

What if my card is lost or stolen?

Email us immediately. Tell us your order number so that we can note the loss and explain how to order a replacement.

Payment, cancellation and refunds

Clear rules, no small print surprises.

How can I pay?

By debit or credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay or Google Pay; local methods such as iDEAL or Bancontact where available.

Will I get an invoice?

Yes, you receive an invoice by email after your order.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes, free of charge until production starts. Because the card is personalised, the statutory cancellation right may end once production begins – see the cancellation policy.

What if my application is declined?

We do not print the card and refund the full amount to your original payment method.

Your data

We only use your data to issue and verify your card.

What happens to my photo and details?

We use them to check your application, print your card and provide the verification page. Payment is handled by PayPal; verification data is held by our partner scantoverify.org. Full details, including your rights under UK GDPR, are in our privacy policy.

Most frequently asked questions

Is the FJA press card a UK Press Card?

No. It is an association press card issued by the Freelance Journalists Association. The UK Press Card is issued through UKPCA gatekeepers such as the NUJ.

How much does the press card cost?

€95 for 12 months, €150 for 24 months or €180 for 36 months. Postage to the UK is €6.99; within the EU it is free.

Can I apply if I am under 18?

No. The card is only issued to adults aged 18 or over, without exceptions. See our page for under-18s for alternatives.

Do I need to be a member?

No. There is no membership, subscription or automatic renewal.

How do I track my order?

You receive an order confirmation by email. If you have questions about the status of your order, email us with your order number.

Can I change the name on my card?

The card must show your real name. If you publish under a different professional name, contact us before ordering.

Can I order a card for someone else?

You can pay for someone else, but the application must contain their own details and photo, and they must meet the requirements.

What if my card arrives damaged?

Email us with your order number and a photo of the damaged card, and we will find a solution with you.

I made a typo in my order – what now?

Email us with your order number and the correct details as soon as possible. Before production starts, we can correct your details at no cost.

Do you deliver outside the UK?

Yes. We post cards to the UK, the EU and other countries. Postage to the UK and other countries outside the EU costs €6.99; delivery within the EU is free. Delivery times can be longer for distant destinations.

Which payment methods can I use?

You can pay by PayPal, credit or debit card and, depending on your device and country, Apple Pay, Google Pay and other local payment methods shown at checkout.

How do I get an invoice?

An invoice is created for your order. If you need it again or need a different billing name, email us with your order number.