THE UK PRESS CARD AUTHORITY Ltd (UKPCA) manages a voluntary scheme for issuing press/media credentials – the UK Press Card – to professional newsgatherers working in the UK. It is wholly owned and collectively controlled by the UK’s major media organisations, industry associations, trades unions, and professional associations. The scheme is managed through 22 gatekeepers.

Obtaining or renewing a Press Card/ reporting a lost or stolen  card

Obtaining or renewing a Press Card/ reporting a lost or stolen card

If you are eligible for a UK Press Card, then find out how to apply and who to apply to. How to renew your Press Card. Reporting a lost or stolen card. Report a lost or stolen card.

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The Scheme Rules

The Scheme Rules

The rules of the UK Press Card scheme and the criteria for holding the card.

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The Gatekeeper organisations and issuers' logos

The Gatekeeper organisations and issuers' logos

Find the correct gatekeeper for you. See the logos of card issuers.

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For more than 30 years, the UK has had a single press identity card – the UK Press Card.   It is the only press identity card recognised by the UK chief police officers’ associations.  It is issued under the unique joint supervision and sponsorship of the UK’s newspaper associations, broadcasters, periodical publishers, media trades unions and professional associations, and media agencies.  

Each organisation – known as a gatekeeper – is represented on the UK Press Card Authority, whose constitution sets out the rules of the UK Press Card.  Gatekeepers issue cards only to their respective employees or members who are professional newsgatherers – reporters, photographers, video camera operators, and other technical staff involved in the business of gathering news. 

We are aware of many organisations claiming to issue a “press card” particularly for a fee.  Please be aware that these “cards” are invariably fakes, with no standing or value.  In the United Kingdom, the UK Press Card is the only national Press Card.  Its copyright design includes a number of security features known only to organisations such as the police.

Mike Granatt, CB, Founding Chair UKPCA.

Any UKPCA card can be verified using the Hotline 0870 837 6477. Ask the cardholder for their personal PIN or password and give it to the operator with the card serial number. For a complete card check use Verification Hotline, check the card photo, check the UK Press Card Authority hologram, and check the card expiry date.