Identity requirements for basic bank accounts
Whatever type of bank account you want to open, you will need to prove your identity and (usually) your address.
The tables below show how you can do this for basic bank accounts. There’s a table for each bank. These tables are up to date at time of publication – March 2012. Please note that the presentation of acceptable identification does not necessarily entitle you to open a bank account. There may be other reasons why your application is declined – see our basic bank accounts table. Please speak to the relevant bank if you have any questions.
For all banks, there are rules about how old some kinds of proof can be, as explained here.
Driving licences
Driving licences must be valid at the time of application.
Statements from banks and utility companies
The statement must be an original document (not a photocopy or printout) and less than 3 months old unless the tables say otherwise.
Utility bills
Bills must be less than 3 months old unless the tables say otherwise.
Documents confirming rental or ownership of a property
A solicitor’s letter confirming a recent rent agreement or house purchase can be up to 6 months old unless the tables say otherwise.
Certified copies
A certified copy is a photocopy of the relevant document that has been checked and approved by one of the following: a lawyer, a mortgage broker, an accountant, a teacher, a doctor, a minister or priest, a postmaster or sub-postmaster. For some basic bank accounts, you can provide a certified copy instead of the actual document. Please speak to the relevant bank to confirm their requirements.
Toynbee Hall’s ID Handbook – How to prove your identity has more information on the different documents you can use to prove your identity.
Compare account requirements
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