National Registration Act 1939
| Act of Parliament | |
| Long title | An Act to make provision for the establishment of a National Register, for the issue of identity cards, and for purposes connected with the matter aforesaid. |
|---|---|
| Citation | 2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 91 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 5 September 1939 |
| Expired | 22 May 1952 |
Status: Expired | |
The National Registration Act 1939 (2 & 3 Geo. 6. c. 91) was an Act of Parliament in the United Kingdom. The initial National Registration Bill was introduced to Parliament as an emergency measure at the start of the Second World War.
The act provided for the establishment of a constantly-maintained national register of the civilian population of the United Kingdom and the Isle of Man, and for the issuance of identity cards based on data held in the register, and required civilians to present their identity cards on demand to police officers and other authorised persons. Following the passing of the act by Parliament on 5 September 1939, registrations and the issuing of identity cards commenced on 29 September.