Frequently Asked Questions - Barbados
What are the qualifications to be registered as an elector?
Under Section 7 of the Representation of the People Act, a person is qualified to be registered as an elector for a constituency if, on the qualifying date, he/she:
(a) is a citizen of Barbados; or
(b) is a Commonwealth citizen (other than a citizen of Barbados) who has resided in Barbados for a period of at least three years immediately before the qualifying date and
(c) is eighteen years of age or over; and
(d) has resided in that constituency for a period of at least 3 months before the qualifying date, or, but for the circumstances entitling him to vote at a Mission, would have been resident at the address at which he was ordinarily resident in that constituency immediately before leaving Barbados.
What are the qualifications for National Registration and the issue of the Barbados Identification Card?
Under the Statistics Act Cap. 192, all citizens of Barbados who are resident in the island as well as citizens of other countries who have been permitted by the Chief Immigration Officer to remain in the island for a period of not less than six (06) months may be registered and receive the Barbados Identification card.
Regulation 10 states that “A person is qualified to be registered if he is:-
(a) a citizen of Barbados or
(b) a citizen of a country other than Barbados who is granted permission by the Chief Immigration Officer to remain in Barbados for a period of not less than six (06) months.”
Would a visitor to Barbados who stays over six months qualify for registration and receive the ID card?
Visitors do not qualify for registration. Applicants who are citizens of countries other than Barbados and who meet the residential requirements for registration must have been granted by the Chief Immigration Officer, either of the following: -
i. Immigrant Status
ii. A Work Permit (valid for six (06) months or more
iii. Permanent Residence
iv. A Student Visa (valid for six (06) months or more
v. CDB staff & dependants Status (under the CDB Bank Act 323A).
vi. CARICOM Skilled Graduate Status
vii. Rights of Establishment
What documents are Barbadians required to produce when registering?
A person aged sixteen (16) years and over is required to personally provide evidence in support of his/her qualification for registration. This includes one or more of the documents listed below:
i. Birth Certificate
ii. Marriage Certificate
iii. Passport
iv. Affidavit - must be registered
v. Deed Poll - must be registered
vi. Decree Absolute
vii. Citizenship - For a person who was not born in Barbados and who has been granted this status by the Chief Immigration Officer.
viii. Barbadians resident overseas can produce a valid passport of that country along with their Barbados birth certificate for verification of name by marriage.
What documents are Non-Barbadians required to produce when registering?
Non-Barbadian citizens are required to produce:
i. An original birth certificate OR a valid passport endorsed by the Chief Immigration Officer, Barbados
ii. An original document, which is valid for 6 months or more, indicating the status given by the Chief Immigration Officer, Barbados.
What immigration documents are required?
The documents are a stamped passport and a letter granting one of the following statuses:
i. Immigrant Status
ii. Work Permit
iii. Permanent Residence
iv. Student Visa
v. CDB Staff & Dependants Status (under the CDB Act 323A)
vi. Caricom Skilled Graduate Status
vii. Rights of Establishment Status
Who can register a child under 16 years?
A minor under the age of sixteen (16) years must be registered by
i. A parent who is over the age of sixteen (16) years or
ii. A guardian who is over the age of eighteen (18) years
The parent/guardian must produce:-
i. child’s original birth certificate or a valid passport
ii. and parent’s/guardian’s ID card
A parent who is a registrant (has an ID card) must sign for the child. However, if neither parent qualifies for the ID card, then a qualified guardian can sign for the child, in the presence of the parent, until either parent qualifies.
What is required to change information on the ID card?
The documents, required for a change of information to be printed on the ID card, are as follows:
Change in date of birth - Birth Certificate
Change of name by marriage - Marriage Certificate
Change of name by divorce - Decree Absolute and - Birth Certificate
Change of name for other reason - Birth Certificate
- Registrar’s Certificate
- Affidavit
- Deed Poll
Change of Immigration status - Immigration Document
Under what circumstances is an ID card replaced?
Replacement cards are issued where:
i. The photograph no longer bears close resemblance to the holder
ii. The ID card holder reaches 65 years of age
iii. The ID card holder has a change in date of birth or change of name or change in immigration status
iv. The ID card holder receives a new work permit or student visa
v. The ID card is lost, defaced or destroyed
NOTE: Non-nationals are required to produce the original status documents or a certified copy issued by the Chief Immigration Officer, when applying for a replacement card.
Under what circumstances is an ID card not replaced?
Where the previous holder of an ID card has not had his/her Work Permit, Student Visa etc. extended but is issued a Visitor’s Visa, by the Chief Immigration Officer, the ID card will not be replaced.
Under what circumstances is a fee paid for an ID card?
A fee is paid for replacing an ID card which is lost, defaced or destroyed. This fee is waived for persons 65 years and over.
What is the fee?
The fee for replacing an ID card which is lost, defaced or destroyed is $25.00.
What if I become a citizen after having an ID card?
On submission of the citizenship document AND the previously held ID card, you will receive a new ID card.
Is there a dress code for taking an ID card?
Yes. When being photographed for the ID card, an applicant shall not wear:
i. A hat, cap, shawl, scarf or any other form of covering for the head; or
ii. Tinted spectacles or any other form of tinted eye glasses