Error message change history

Date Changed Description
Jan 2024 Guidance

Added guidance to keep any entered information when a validation error happens.

Nov 2023 Guidance

Added guidance on matching up the language used in questions and error messages.

Dec 2021 GOV.UK Frontend v4.0.0

Changed the HTML element used for error messages from <span> to <p>.

Dec 2020 Guidance

Added clarification that the Error message component is intended for describing problems with a user’s input, not problems with a service.

Jul 2020 Guidance

Added guidance on displaying error messages where there’s more than one input element, such as Date input.

Mar 2020 Guidance

Moved some guidance to the Recover from validation errors pattern.

Mar 2019 GOV.UK Frontend v2.8.0

Updated error messages to include visually hidden ‘Error:’ text at the beginning, to make the message easier to understand for assistive technology users.

Jun 2018 GOV.UK Frontend v1.0.0

Component introduced.

May 2018 Guidance

Added guidance on when and when not to use Error messages.

Added guidance on writing clear, consistent and specific error text.