Where an applicant is unable to provide their NINo, and they provide a statement of the reasons why, the application is not rejected as incomplete, and you must verify the identity of the applicant using the exceptions process.2
If no explanations are provided as to why the required information is missing from a paper application you should where possible, make enquiries to obtain the missing information. If the missing information is not submitted, you must reject the application. You should contact the applicant, explain why the application has been rejected and how to make a fresh application. If the application is made in the run up to a poll, you should explain that a new application must be received by 5pm, 6 working days before the poll, for it to be able to be processed in time for that poll.
Unable to supply a signature or consistent signature
Where an applicant is unable to provide their signature, they should indicate that they will require a waiver and you should send out a signature waiver application for completion.
1. Regulation 56C, Representation of the People (England and Wales) Regulations 2001 (as amended) (RPR 2001); Paragraph 11A Schedule 1, The Senedd Cymru (Representation of the People Order) 2025↩ Back to content at footnote 1