Passenger Photo ID

From the 1st May 2008 NorthLink Ferries require all passengers aged 16 years and over to be in possession of photographic ID.

This enables positive identification at check-in and ensures the safety and security of all our passengers, crew and vessels.

Examples of acceptable ID are listed below:

• NorthLink ID card – with verified photo on reverse
  (for residents of Orkney and Shetland only)*
• Photo driving licence
• Young Person's Concession Card
• National travel Concession Card
• Photo Bank Card
• Photo work ID from recognised companies
• Valid student ID cards
• Passport

*For resident islanders we can assist by adding a verified colour passport photo to the reverse of your NorthLink Passenger ID card. Visit the Islanders - do you need Photo ID? page to find out more.

Please contact us for further details on 0845 6000 449.

Frequently Asked Questions:

I already have my NorthLink ID card - can I use that?

You can yes, however we would ask you to come into one of our offices before you travel, and bring your NorthLink Customer ID card, together with a passport sized photograph and some other form of signed ID such as a bank card. As a simple solution we will laminate your photo on to the reverse of your card. We will be able to do this from the office at Lerwick Terminal, Stromness Terminal, Scrabster Terminal, the office in Kirkwall or at Aberdeen Terminal. If you have misplaced your Islander ID card, please contact Kiln Corner on 01856 885500, at least ten days before your intended travel dates, to receive your reprint.

If I am unable to provide one of the suitable ID's listed above, will I be refused travel?

You may be refused travel. While all passengers will be asked to provide identification, NorthLink’s local service managers will have authorisation to accept some lower form of ID, if they consider that to be appropriate, in order to ease the implementation period. This could include a bank card or similar.

What about children, do they need ID?

We will not seek to take photographic ID for infants or children under 16 years.

If I am not clear on this, can I talk to someone?

Of course, if you do have a query then talk to NorthLink Customer Services on 0845 6000 449.