Information for agents, players, parents, coaches and clubs
Only individuals registered with The FA as an FA Registered Football Agent are authorised to conduct football agent services on behalf of players, coaches and clubs in England.
Those individuals have been issued with a Digital ID by The FA in order to verify their identity and FA Registration.
An FA Registered Football Agent must present the Digital ID to a Player (or the Player’s legal guardian if that player is a Minor), Coach or Club upon request. The Digital ID must be presented within the ID 123 app and not by a screenshot, photo or any other alternative.
To ensure you are dealing with an FA Registered Football Agent, it is important to familiarise yourself with the Digital ID and its features.
How the new Digital ID card will look
Features of the Digital ID
To provide additional transparency, The Football Association is partnering with ID 123 to introduce digital identification for all FA Registered Football Agents. ID 123 platform is a platform that provides a secure and accessible method of verifying a Digital ID, downloadable to any smart phone.
User registration information: The Digital ID will detail the name and registration number of the FA Registered Football Agent as well as whether they have authorisation to represent a Minor or not. If the FA Registered Football Agent has authorisation, it should state “Yes” under Working with Minors and then provide a date under Minors Expiry, which is the date their authorisation lasts until.
This information can also be found in the list of FA Registered Football Agents which can be found on The FA website. If you are unsure, always check both the Digital ID and the list to confirm information.
An Approach to a Minor or their legal guardian in relation to any Football Agent Services or Other Services shall not be made before 1 January in the academic year in which the Minor reaches the age of 16. Subject to the foregoing, such an Approach to a Minor may only be made once prior written consent has been obtained from the Minor’s legal guardian.
User photo: An up-to-date photo of the agent will be included on the Digital ID, please ensure the individual you are dealing with is the individual in the photo.
You can report the misuse of a Digital ID to The FA by emailing
footballagentsqueries@thefa.com
User signature: A digital signature of the agent will be included on the Digital ID
QR Code: Scanning the QR code with your camera will provide you with a link to The FA website where the latest list of FA Registered Football Agents is held. It is advised that you cross reference the information shown in the Digital ID with the information on the list to ensure they match.
Security hologram: The hologram on the Digital ID should flash and change colour. This is to protect against screenshots and manipulation. Please ensure the agent is showing you the Digital ID opened from within the ID123 App and not from their photos or any other application.
Security moving animation: A small white light will move around the bottom of the Digital ID. This is to protect against screenshots and manipulation. Please ensure the agent is showing you the Digital ID opened from within the ID123 App and not from their photos or any other application.
Date & time: The current date and time will show at the bottom of the Digital ID. Please ensure that these are accurate to when you are reviewing the Digital ID.
For queries about the Digital ID, to report the misuse of a Digital ID or to or if you have any doubts about an individual purporting to be an FA Registered Football Agent you can email The FA at
footballagentsqueries@thefa.com 
