AgeChecked Verification Service

To comply with the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 and our moral obligation to protect minors, Cole & Mason uses the AgeChecked Verification Service to ensure that bladed items such as knives are only sold to customers aged 18 or over.

These checks are legally required and help us ensure a safe and responsible purchasing process from start to finish.
🔗 View the Government’s guidance on knife sales here

How AgeChecked Works

We use secure software provided by AgeChecked.com to verify your age at checkout.

During the checkout process, your details are automatically checked to confirm you are 18 or older. This is done by securely referencing:

  • The billing address registered to your payment card

  • Your name as listed at that address

  • Public records, such as the electoral roll and other official databases

✅ To pass the check:

  • Your billing address must match your card details

  • The name on the order must match the registered cardholder

❌ Orders cannot be processed unless the AgeChecked verification is passed.

What Happens If I Don’t Pass the Check?

If the automatic verification fails, your order will be held. A member of our Customer Service team will contact you to complete the process manually via a secure AgeChecked link.

You’ll receive the link by email and text, allowing you to:

  • Upload ID (passport or driving licence)

  • Complete the verification manually

Manual checks may be required for:

  • Customers without matching public record data

  • UK customers flagged for other reasons

  • International customers (manual verification is always required as AgeChecked does not operate outside the UK)

Please note: We reserve the right to decline any order based on the outcome of a manual ID review. AgeChecked may also restrict access due to prior convictions or other record flags.

Is AgeChecked Safe?

Yes. AgeChecked uses a highly secure system built in accordance with British Standard PAS 1296, the official code of practice for online age verification.

  • No personal information is stored

  • All data used for verification is accessed temporarily and securely

  • Your privacy is fully protected throughout the process

Does It Affect My Delivery?

Yes. Orders containing knives or other bladed items will only be dispatched once the AgeChecked process is complete.

We also use Royal Mail’s Age Verification Delivery Service, which includes a final ID check at the doorstep:

  • Royal Mail will apply the Challenge 25 policy

  • The delivery driver will request ID if the recipient appears under 25

  • No delivery will be made without successful age verification at the door

Please note:

  • Items cannot be left in a safe place

  • Items cannot be delivered to PO Boxes

  • If delivery fails due to a failed doorstep check, the item will be returned

AgeChecked Delivery Fee

While AgeChecked is a free service, we must use a specialist delivery method for bladed items:

  • Delivery of knives or bladed items via Royal Mail Age Verified Service costs £4.95

  • This fee is mandatory and cannot be waived

  • This charge is not included in our “free shipping on orders over £49” offer

Need More Help?

If you have any further questions about the AgeChecked process, please contact our Customer Service team via our Contact Us page. We’ll be happy to help.