Date input only memorable
date-input-only-memorable
Use date input only for memorable or look-up dates — not for dates users won’t know exactly.
Description
Use the day/month/year date input when people know the date or can look it up—for example date of birth or a document date. The pattern is for memorable or look-up dates, not for dates the person will not know exactly. Asking for precise day, month, and year when they cannot supply them creates avoidable errors. Fail if date input is offered for a date they cannot provide precisely. Prefer another date pattern when the value is approximate, relative, or otherwise unknown.
When to use
Collecting dates people know or can look up, such as birth or document dates.
Not when
Not for approximate, relative, or unknown exact dates users cannot recall.
Agent hint
Use day/month/year only for memorable or look-up dates, not unknowns.
Day/month/year date input is used for dates people know or can look up (e.g. date of birth, document date).
Date input is used for a date the user will not know exactly.
Citations
GOV.UK Design System — Date input
https://design-system.service.gov.uk/components/date-input/