Does IRIS registration expire?

[Alanwsg]

Does anyone know if the IRIS registration expires if you don't use it often enough?
I seem to remember them saying something like that when I registered but I can't find any reference to it now.
I don't think I've used it for over a year, a combination of out-of-order machines and flying into London city where they don't have it.

[strake]

On the basis that you are British, it does not appear to expire as such. However, the instructions say that if you are issued with a new passport, you have to go into one of the registration rooms and update your records.

Now, why you have to do that rather than it being automatic, I don't know.

Your point on broken machines is also well made.
Back a little, forward a little,back a little, forward a little.........:E

[UniFoxOs]

I remember reading that on the website, but can't find it now. The official (PDF) description does say:-

1.8. The Secretary of State reserves the right to terminate any person's
participation in the scheme. For example, termination will take place if a
person does not use the automated barrier for a period of 2 years.

Last time I was able to use it was LGW Jan 08, that's a year gone already - time flies!!

UFO

[Boss Raptor]

I have IRIS registered for more than 2 years - originally issued at LHR T2 Iris office

The system works fine at LHR but on every occasion I have used the IRIS scan at LGW North Terminal it has consistantly failed to recognise me...after its' wasting my time for 3 minutes and then having to get back in the line for a real person - hence now I only use IRIS as a last resort if lines are awful as dont need the hassle!

I think it was a good idea at the time but usual lack of proper implementation and ever more unserviceable machines will see it going the way of most (all) other good ideas to assist the passenger

[Scumbag O'Riley]

If you don't use it for a few years then it stops letting you in. It still recognises you, but refuses to open the barrier. Which when you think about it is daft.

[m_j_berry]

Interesting - was back in LHR briefly in Dec '08 and went to register on my way back here. The guy behind the counter refused, because 'it expires after 6 months', and since I'll next be back in the UK in August '09 he refused to do the registration. He wasn't busy at the time either! 6 months: True or false?

[raffele]

False!!! See the above posts, and also this link on the UKBA site:

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/documents/managingourborders/eborders/irisdownloads/schemedefinitiondocument.pdf

Page 4, section 1.8 and page 19, section 3.2

[candoo]

IRIS

After much trial and error I have found the following to apply:

1 glass of wine no problem
2 glasses of wine and it works 50% of the time
3 glasses of wine - forget it.

Of course user error was never a consideration!