How to Download and Use Your Bar Council ID Card on Your Smartphone or Tablet

How to Download a Bar Council ID Card and Why You Need One

If you are a barrister or a professional court user, you may have heard of the Bar Council ID Card, a digital identity card that allows you to access courts and tribunals without having to go through security checks. But what is it exactly, how do you get one, and how do you download it to your device? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, so you can enjoy the benefits of this scheme.

What is a Bar Council ID Card and What are its Benefits?

A secure digital identity card for barristers and other professional court users

A Bar Council ID Card is a secure digital identity card that you can download to your smartphone or tablet, or print as a PDF. It comes with a unique QR code that contains your name, photo, organisation, and expiry date. The QR code can be scanned by court security staff to confirm your identity and allow you to enter without further security checks.

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A fast and convenient way to access courts and tribunals without security checks

One of the main benefits of having a Bar Council ID Card is that it saves you time and hassle when visiting courts and tribunals. You don't have to queue up for security checks, show your bags or belongings, or remove your coat or jacket. You can simply show your card at the entrance and walk in. This can help you avoid delays, stress, and inconvenience, especially during busy times of the day.

A membership scheme run by HMCTS and the Bar Council

The Bar Council ID Card is part of the Professional Users' Court and Tribunal Access Scheme, an initiative run by HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) and the Bar Council. The scheme is intended to reduce the time barristers and other professional court users spend passing through security at courts. The scheme is open to qualified lawyers who routinely attend courts and tribunals, such as barristers, solicitors, CPS members, mediators, arbitrators, etc.

How to Apply for a Bar Council ID Card and What are the Requirements?

Eligibility criteria for different categories of applicants

To apply for a Bar Council ID Card, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria depending on your category of profession. The following organisations are currently participating in the scheme:

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• The Bar Council: You need to be a practising barrister who is registered with the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and has paid the annual practising certificate fee.

• The London Criminal Courts Solicitors' Association (LCCSA) and Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA): You need to be a solicitor with a practising certificate who is registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and has paid the annual practising fee.

• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS): You need to be a CPS member who is authorised by your line manager to join the scheme.

Other organisations may join the scheme in the future, subject to approval by HMCTS and the Bar Council. You can check the latest list of participating organisations on the Bar Council website.

Application process and procedure for different organisations

The application process and procedure for a Bar Council ID Card may vary slightly depending on your organisation. However, the general steps are as follows:

• Fill in an online application form on the Bar Council website or your organisation's website. You will need to provide your personal details, contact details, professional details, and a digital photo.

• Pay a one-off application fee of 10 by debit or credit card. This fee covers the cost of administering the scheme and issuing the card. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Wait for your application to be processed and verified by your organisation and the Bar Council. This may take up to 10 working days.

• Receive an email confirmation with a link to download your Bar Council ID Card as a PDF or an app. You can also access your card through the Bar Council website or your organisation's website.

Rules for digital photos and verification of identity

To ensure the security and integrity of the scheme, you need to follow some rules when submitting your digital photo and verifying your identity. The rules are:

• Your photo must be a recent and true likeness of yourself, taken within the last six months.

• Your photo must be in colour, clear, and in focus, with no red-eye, glare, or shadows.

• Your photo must show your full head and shoulders, facing forward and looking straight at the camera, with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.

• Your photo must have a plain white or light grey background, with no other people or objects in the picture.

• Your photo must not have any filters, effects, or alterations applied to it.

• Your photo must meet the technical specifications for size, format, and resolution specified on the application form.

• You must verify your identity by providing a copy of your passport, driving licence, or other acceptable form of identification. The copy must be clear and legible, and match the details on your application form.

How to Renew or Replace a Bar Council ID Card and What are the Fees?

Renewal process and deadline for existing card holders

A Bar Council ID Card is valid for three years from the date of issue. You will need to renew your card before it expires if you want to continue using it. The renewal process is similar to the application process, except that you do not need to pay another fee or verify your identity again. You will need to:

• Fill in an online renewal form on the Bar Council website or your organisation's website. You will need to provide your personal details, contact details, professional details, and a new digital photo.

• Wait for your renewal to be processed and verified by your organisation and the Bar Council. This may take up to 10 working days.

• Receive an email confirmation with a link to download your new Bar Council ID Card as a PDF or an app. You can also access your new card through the Bar Council website or your organisation's website.

You should renew your card at least one month before it expires to avoid any disruption to your access to courts and tribunals. You will receive a reminder email from the Bar Council or your organisation when your card is due for renewal.

Replacement process and fee for lost or damaged cards

If you lose or damage your Bar Council ID Card, you can request a replacement card by contacting the Bar Council or your organisation. You will need to:

• Report the loss or damage of your card as soon as possible by emailing idcards@barcouncil.org.uk or calling 020 7611 1329.

• Pay a replacement fee of 10 by debit or credit card. This fee covers the cost of administering the scheme and issuing the new card. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

• Wait for your replacement to be processed and verified by your organisation and the Bar Council. This may take up to 10 working days.

• Receive an email confirmation with a link to download your new Bar Council ID Card as a PDF or an app. You can also access your new card through the Bar Council website or your organisation's website.

You should request a replacement card as soon as possible to avoid any disruption to your access to courts and tribunals. You will receive a confirmation email from the Bar Council or your organisation when your new card is ready.

Conditions of entry and random screenings for scheme members

As a member of the Professional Users' Court and Tribunal Access Scheme, you agree to abide by the conditions of entry and random screenings set by HMCTS and the Bar Council. The conditions are:

• You must present your Bar Council ID Card at the entrance of any court or tribunal that participates in the scheme. You can find a list of participating courts and tribunals on the Bar Council website.

• You must not lend, share, or transfer your Bar Council ID Card to anyone else. You are responsible for keeping your card safe and secure at all times.

• You must notify the Bar Council or your organisation immediately if your card is lost, stolen, damaged, or expired.

• You must comply with any requests from court security staff to show your bags or belongings, or to remove your coat or jacket, if they have reasonable grounds to do so.

• You must comply with any random screenings that may be conducted by court security staff as part of the scheme. The screenings may involve scanning your card, checking your identity, or searching your bags or belongings.

• You must follow the rules and regulations of each court or tribunal that you visit, including the dress code, conduct, and etiquette.

If you fail to comply with any of these conditions, you may be denied entry to the court or tribunal, or have your card revoked or suspended by the Bar Council or your organisation.

How to Download a Bar Council ID Card and Save it to Your Device?

Downloading options and formats for different devices

Once you receive an email confirmation that your Bar Council ID Card is ready, you can download it to your device in one of two ways:

• As a PDF file: You can download your card as a PDF file that you can print or save to your computer, laptop, or tablet. The PDF file contains your QR code and a barcode that can be scanned by court security staff.

• As an app: You can download your card as an app that you can install on your smartphone or tablet. The app contains your QR code and a barcode that can be scanned by court security staff. The app also allows you to update your photo, check your expiry date, and access other features.

You can choose the format that suits your device and preference. You can also download both formats if you want to have a backup option. However, you should only use one format at a time when visiting courts and tribunals.

Saving options and steps for different devices

To save your Bar Council ID Card to your device, you need to follow some steps depending on the format and device that you choose. The steps are:

Format

Device

Steps

PDF

Computer or laptop

• Click on the link in the email confirmation to open the PDF file in your browser.

• Select the option to save or download the file to your computer or laptop.

• Choose a location and name for the file and click save.

• Open the file with a PDF reader program such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.

• Print the file if you want to have a hard copy of your card.

PDF

Tablet

• Tap on the link in the email confirmation to open the PDF file in your browser.

• Select the option to save or download the file to your tablet.

• Choose a location and name for the file and tap save.

• Open the file with a PDF reader app such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.

App

Smartphone or tablet

• Tap on the link in the email confirmation to open the app store page for the Bar Council ID Card app.

• Select the option to install or download the app to your smartphone or tablet.

• Wait for the app to finish installing or downloading on your device.

• Open the app and enter your login details that you used for applying for the card.

Scanning options and tips for using the QR code at courts

To use your Bar Council ID Card at courts and tribunals, you need to scan your QR code or barcode at the entrance. You can scan your code in one of two ways:

• Using your smartphone or tablet: You can open the Bar Council ID Card app on your device and show your QR code or barcode on the screen to the court security staff. They will scan your code with a handheld scanner and let you in.

• Using a printed PDF: You can print your Bar Council ID Card PDF file and show your QR code or barcode on the paper to the court security staff. They will scan your code with a handheld scanner and let you in.

Here are some tips for using your QR code or barcode at courts:

• Make sure your code is clear and visible on your device or paper. Avoid any cracks, scratches, folds, or stains that may affect the scanning.

• Make sure your device or paper is held flat and steady. Avoid any movements, reflections, or angles that may affect the scanning.

• Make sure your device or paper is close enough to the scanner. Avoid any distance, obstruction, or interference that may affect the scanning.

• Make sure your device or paper is aligned with the scanner. Avoid any rotation, tilt, or skew that may affect the scanning.

Conclusion and FAQs

Summary of the main points and benefits of the scheme

In conclusion, a Bar Council ID Card is a digital identity card that allows you to access courts and tribunals without security checks. It is a secure, fast, and convenient way to save time and hassle when visiting courts. It is part of a membership scheme run by HMCTS and the Bar Council for barristers and other professional court users. To get one, you need to apply online, pay a fee, and download your card to your device. To use it, you need to scan your QR code or barcode at the entrance of participating courts and tribunals. To renew or replace it, you need to contact the Bar Council or your organisation.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bar Council ID Card:

• Q: How long does it take to get a Bar Council ID Card?

• A: It may take up to 10 working days for your application or renewal to be processed and verified by your organisation and the Bar Council. You will receive an email confirmation when your card is ready.

• Q: How do I update my photo or details on my Bar Council ID Card?

• A: You can update your photo or details on your Bar Council ID Card by logging into the Bar Council website or your organisation's website and following the instructions. You will need to upload a new photo or enter new details and submit them for verification. You will receive an email confirmation when your card is updated.

• Q: What if I forget my login details for accessing my Bar Council ID Card?

• A: You can reset your login details for accessing your Bar Council ID Card by clicking on the "Forgot password" link on the Bar Council website or your organisation's website and following the instructions. You will need to enter your email address and answer some security questions. You will receive an email with a link to reset your password.

• Q: What if I change my organisation or profession?

• A: You can change your organisation or profession by contacting the Bar Council or your organisation and informing them of your change. You will need to provide proof of your new organisation or profession and pay a fee if applicable. You will receive an email confirmation when your card is changed.

• Q: What if I have a problem with my Bar Council ID Card?

• A: If you have a problem with your Bar Council ID Card, such as not being able to download it, scan it, or access courts with it, you can contact the Bar Council or your organisation for assistance. You can email idcards@barcouncil.org.uk or call 020 7611 1329 for help.

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