Those who require police registration services will be able to access the portal from 7 April 2021 onwards by visiting the OVRO website.
Once on the website, under ‘How to Register’, clients will be required to select the ‘Go to online portal’ option and click on ‘Create an account’ when prompted. After registering their email address, they will be asked to verify their email address and must do so within a one-hour timeframe. Clients are advised to check their spam/junk folder in case the email does not appear in the main inbox.
Clients will then be prompted to enter their London residential postcode and agree to the Terms and Conditions as well as the OVRO’s GDPR Policy. In the case of new- build accommodation where the postcode has not yet been registered on the Royal Mail database, clients will be permitted to provide their London study/work/business postcode instead. This is the only instance in which clients will be allowed to provide a postcode other than the one for their residential address.
The OVRO recommends that clients have all their relevant documents to hand before completing the online registration, as each page within the portal times-out automatically after 20 minutes. The documents to have ready include passports, biometric residence permits (“BRP”), full residential address in London, full study/work/business address including postcode and details of course/tutor contact details, student ID number and employment details (where applicable). Clients will also require their overseas address as well as marriage details, where relevant. At the time of attending the OVRO appointment clients will need to provide proof of their London residential address as well as proof of their work or studies for validation purposes.
An additional update to be aware of is that group bookings are not available. Furthermore, due to an increase in fraudulent activity, clients should not exchange personal account log-in details with anyone else, as they are responsible for information entered on their account.
Those wishing to report any change of circumstances are advised to use the online registration portal to create an account and follow the portal instructions to book an OVRO appointment, where they will be asked to provide proof of the change. The only changes that can continue to be reported to a local Police Station are a change of address, change of occupation and change of work or study address.
The portal will also require the upload of a digital photograph. Clients should ensure they follow the UK passport photo rules and guidance. The requirements can be found here.
The first available appointment for bookings made using the new portal will be on Tuesday 4 May 2021. Clients with pre-booked appointments up to 30 April 2021 under the OVRO’s old system should attend their appointment as usual.
Clients who have been previously registered with another police force should select the ‘Transfer In’ option on the portal. This could save them from having to pay an unnecessary registration fee if they are in possession of an existing police registration certificate.
The OVRO is working on providing an online payment service, but at present clients are required to pay for their appointment when attending in person at the OVRO. The registration fee is £34.00 and can be paid by card (including American Express and Diners Club International) or through most mobile payment applications.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please don’t hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
©Gherson 2021