Commentary on Sections ID cards Section 7: ID cards for those compulsorily registered
58.This section provides for the issue to and renewal of cards for those individuals who are required, by virtue of future primary legislation, to be entered into the Register. This is in accordance with the definition in Section 42 of “subject to compulsory registration”, namely “required to be entered in the Register in accordance with an obligation imposed by an Act of Parliament passed after the passing of this Act”.
59.Subsection (2) makes it a requirement for such an individual whose card will expire in the prescribed period or who does not hold a valid card to apply for an ID card within the prescribed period.
60.Subsection (3) gives the Secretary of State the power to require an individual applying for an ID card under this section to do certain things so that the Secretary of State can verify the information provided and ensure the accuracy of the Register. Subsection (4) sets out what these requirements might be and includes personal attendance at an agreed place and time, or in the absence of an agreement at a specified place and time, the recording of biometric information, being photographed and providing such other information as may be required.
61.An individual who fails to apply for a card under this section or to provide the information requested to verify an application is liable to a civil penalty not exceeding £1,000 (subsection (5)).