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Press badge: what it is and how to get a real one

A press badge is a visible ID – usually a card worn on a lanyard or clip – that shows you are a journalist. A real press badge comes from a UKPCA gatekeeper, your employer or an association such as the FJA, is issued only after a check and can be verified. Printable or novelty badges sold online are props, not press IDs.

People search for “press badge” for very different reasons – working journalists, cosplayers, film productions and parents planning a party. This page explains the difference and how working journalists get a badge that others can trust.

Apply for your press card Check the requirements

Press badge: FJA press card that can be worn on a lanyard, sample data

Real press badge vs novelty badge

The difference is not the look – it is what stands behind it.

	Real press badge	Novelty or template badge
Issued by	UKPCA gatekeeper, employer or association	Anyone, including yourself
Check before issue	Yes – journalistic work is reviewed	No
Verification	Hotline, register or QR verification page	None
Purpose	Identification for journalistic work	Props, costumes, films, parties
Risk	None when used honestly	Can mislead others; dishonest use may be an offence

How working journalists get a press badge

Three routes, depending on your situation.

UK Press Card

For professional newsgatherers via a gatekeeper such as the NUJ, CIoJ, BAJ or BPPA. Details

Employer badge

Staff IDs from broadcasters, publishers and agencies. Ask your employer.

FJA press card

For anyone 18+ who publishes journalism regularly, with QR verification and no membership. Requirements

Wearing a press badge

Practical tips.

Use a clear card holder on a lanyard or a clip so the photo is visible
Wear it at events, incidents and press areas where identification helps
Combine it with the event accreditation pass where one is issued

Do not wear it to get private advantages
Do not wear it where it could put you at risk – judge each situation
Never combine it with clothing or items that imitate police uniform

Press badges for films, costumes and parties

Props are fine – as long as nobody can mistake them for the real thing.

Film and theatre productions, cosplayers and party organisers sometimes need a press badge as a prop. That is legitimate, provided it is clearly a prop and never used to pretend to be a journalist in real life. Avoid real outlet names and logos, avoid designs that imitate the UK Press Card, and do not use props at real events or incidents. Why that matters legally is explained on fake press card and make your own press card. We do not issue badges for props or children.

Press badge, press card or event lanyard?

The terms are used loosely. This overview shows what each item is for.

Item	Issued by	Valid for	Typical use
Press card	A press card issuer, such as a UK Press Card gatekeeper or the FJA	A fixed period, often one to three years	Identifying yourself as a journalist in everyday work
Event press badge or lanyard	The event organiser after accreditation	One event or one season	Access to press areas at that specific event
Outlet staff ID	The media company you work for	While you are employed	Identifying you as staff of a specific publisher or broadcaster
Novelty “PRESS” badge	Anyone – sold as merchandise	No validity	Costumes, film props or decoration only

Only an event badge gives access to an event. A press card helps you obtain one; it does not replace it.

How to tell whether a press badge offer is trustworthy

Before you pay for any press badge or card online, check these points.

The issuer names a real organisation with an address, contact details and a legal notice.
Applicants must show that they do journalistic work – a card for “anyone” is worthless.
There is a minimum age and a clear statement of what the card does not do.
The card can be verified online, for example via a QR code linked to the issuer’s own site.
The price, validity and cancellation terms are stated before you order.
The provider does not promise free entry, discounts or special rights.

If an offer fails several of these points, do not buy it. Our page on fake press cards explains the legal risks of using worthless badges.

What a professional press badge shows

Whether it is a press card or an event badge, a credible credential answers four questions at a glance.

Who?

Full name and a recent, recognisable photo of the holder – not a logo or an avatar.

Issued by whom?

The name of the issuing organisation, so that anyone can check where the badge comes from.

Valid until when?

A clear expiry date or the name and date of the event the badge is for.

How to check?

A way to verify it, such as a QR code, a card number or a phone line run by the issuer.

Frequently asked questions

What is a press badge?

A visible ID showing that the wearer is a journalist, usually a card on a lanyard or clip. Press badge, press card and press pass are often used for the same thing.

How do I get a press badge?

Through a UKPCA gatekeeper if you are a professional newsgatherer, through your employer, or through an association such as the FJA if you publish journalism regularly.

Can I print my own press badge?

You can print a prop, but using it to pretend to be a journalist could mislead people and, if done dishonestly for gain, may be an offence.

Are novelty press badges illegal?

Owning a prop is not illegal in itself. Using it dishonestly to gain an advantage can be fraud.

What size is a press badge?

Most press cards use the standard ID-1 card format of 85.60 × 53.98 mm, which fits standard badge holders.

Can children have a press badge?

Children can play with props, but we do not issue real press cards to anyone under 18.

Can I make my own press badge for an event?

No. Event badges are issued by the organiser, and a home-made badge could mislead stewards and security staff. If you need a prop for a film or costume, make sure it cannot be mistaken for a real credential – see make your own press card.

Where should I wear my press badge?

Wear event badges where the organiser tells you, usually visibly on a lanyard. Keep your press card at hand rather than on display all the time, and show it when you introduce yourself or when someone asks.

What does a real press badge look like?

A real press card or badge names its issuer, shows the holder’s photo, a card number and an expiry date, and can usually be verified online. See the elements explained on our press card sample page.

How do I get a press badge in the USA?

There is no national press badge in the US. City press cards, such as the New York City press card, and accreditation by institutions and event organisers are issued separately – see press credentials in the USA.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.