Renew
Use this pattern when a user needs to renew an existing registration, licence, permit, entitlement or service. Examples include renewing:
- a licence or permit
- a registration
- a membership or accreditation
- an entitlement or benefit
- a disclosure or certification
Renewal allows users to continue accessing a service or maintain a status that would otherwise expire.
Characteristics of this service type
Renewal services typically involve:
- reviewing existing information
- confirming whether circumstances have changed
- updating information held by a service
- reassessing eligibility where required
- paying a renewal fee
- extending an existing registration, entitlement or status
Unlike application services, renewal services often build on information the service already holds about the user.
This means renewing is usually easier than applying as users only need to confirm or update details that have changed.
Common journey patterns
Renewal services often include a combination of other service patterns.
Before renewing, users may need to:
- learn about the renewal process
- check whether they are eligible to renew
- understand what information or evidence is required
- receive a reminder that renewal is due
During renewal, users may need to:
- log in or create an account
- review existing information
- update information that has changed
- provide additional evidence
- prove their identity or authority
- pay a fee
- confirm the information they have entered
After renewing, users may need to:
- receive updates
- check progress
- receive confirmation of renewal
- download or access renewed documentation
- challenge a decision
- appeal a decision
- make a complaint
Not all renewal services will require all of these patterns.
Common solutions used in this pattern
Using common solutions can reduce delivery time, improve consistency and help teams benefit from proven approaches across the Scottish public sector.
| User need | Common component |
|---|---|
| Learn about the renewal process | mygov.scot, gov.scot, Design System |
| Create an account and verify identity | ScotAccount |
| Review and update information | GOV.UK Forms |
| Upload supporting evidence | SG Cloud |
| Recieve reminders and updates | GOV.UK Notify |
| Pay a renewal fee | GOV.UK Pay |
| Check the progress of a renewal | Status checker services |
Relationship to other service patterns
Use the Renew pattern when the user is extending or continuing an existing status, registration or entitlement.
Use the Apply pattern when the user is making a new request that requires a decision.
Some services may use both patterns. For example, a user may apply for a licence for the first time and later use a renewal service to maintain it.