Does a Life in the UK Test pass expire?
Facts checked on GOV.UK on 3 October 2026.
The short answer
GOV.UK gives no end date for a pass. A person with an earlier pass is on its list of people who are free from the test. For example, if you passed it for your settlement application, you can use that pass when you apply to become a British citizen (Book the Life in the UK Test).
This is different from an English language test. The caseworker guidance gives English language tests a time limit. Its part about the Life in the UK Test names no time limit (caseworker guidance).
How you show your pass
What you need depends on the date of your test.
| Date of your test | What you use to show your pass | | ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ | | From 17 December 2019 | Your unique reference number | | Before 17 December 2019 | The test reference ID on the letter that you got |
Source for the older tests: What happens at the test.
Since 17 December 2019, there is no pass letter. You get your unique reference number by email, and you can see it in your Life in the UK account. The Home Office uses it to check your result (caseworker guidance).
If you lost your pass letter
If you took the test before 17 December 2019 and lost the letter, send a letter with your application. In it, say that you lost the pass letter (What happens at the test).
If you took the test later, sign in to your Life in the UK account to see your unique reference number.
A pass from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man
The rules for these places are different. A test taken in Guernsey or Jersey must be the test called the "Citizenship Test". A test taken in the Isle of Man must be the Life in the UK Test (caseworker guidance).
Keep your reference number safe
Write your reference number down, and keep the email. You will need it for each application that asks for the test. This page does not give immigration advice. If you are not sure that an old pass counts for your application, read the guidance for your application on GOV.UK, or ask a regulated immigration adviser.
If you have not passed yet
The test has 24 questions, and you must score 75% or more. See the pass mark, or start a mock test.