What is a protective registration?

A protective registration is a positive CIFAS marker that you can place on your own record. Unlike fraud markers (which are placed against you by institutions), a protective registration is placed at your request to protect you from further identity fraud.

When a protective registration is active, any organisation checking the NFD will see a flag indicating that your identity may be at risk. This prompts them to carry out additional verification before processing applications — helping to prevent fraudsters from using your details.

Who should consider a protective registration?

• Victims of identity theft who want to prevent further misuse
• People who have had personal data exposed in a data breach
• Anyone who has lost identity documents
• People who have been targeted by fraudsters

How to apply

You can apply for a protective registration directly through the CIFAS website. There is a small fee for the registration, which lasts for a set period. The registration does not negatively affect your credit or access to services — it adds protection rather than creating barriers.