To keep your money safe and meet regulatory requirements, we need to verify your identity. This applies whether you're opening a savings account, applying for a mortgage or managing an account with us.
If you’re an existing customer, we may also ask you to reconfirm your identity when you update details, such as changing your name or address, or if you haven’t used your account in a long time.
The information below explains how identity checks work in different situations, what documents you'll need and how to submit them.
Opening a savings account
We use an electronic verification system when you open a savings account.
If we can’t verify your identity in this way, you’re under 18, or if you’re applying for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide one document from List A and one document from List B below.
It’s advisable to bring these documents with you when you apply. Please note that we can only accept original or certified copies.
List A: Proof of identity
Most commonly used documents
• A current signed passport (UK or EU)
• A current UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
Other accepted documents
• A current full UK old style driving licence*
• HM Revenue & Customs tax notification (less than 12 months old) P45s and P60s are not accepted*
• Evidence of entitlement to state benefits, pension or tax credits (less than 12 months old)*
• A firearms certificate or shotgun licence
• A current Blue Badge disabled driver’s pass
• An older or disabled person’s bus pass issued by your local authority
• A UK Armed Forces ID card
• A police warrant card
Under 18s only - A birth certificate
• A birth certificate
List B: Proof of address
Most commonly used documents
• A utility bill (less than 3 months old - not a mobile phone bill)
• A council tax bill for the current year
• A bank, building society or credit card statement (less than 3 months old)
• A mortgage statement (less than 12 months old)
Other accepted documents
• A current UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)*
• A current full UK old style driving licence*
• A television licence renewal for the current year
• A student loan acceptance letter or annual statement (less than 12 months old)
• A local council or housing association tenancy agreement (private tenancy agreements are not accepted)
• A solicitor’s letter confirming a recent house purchase or Land Registry confirmation (less than 3 months old)
• HM Revenue & Customs tax notification (less than 12 months old). P45s and P60s are not accepted*
• Evidence of entitlement to state benefits, pension or tax credits (less than 12 months old)*
* Driving licences can't be used as proof of address if already used to prove your identity
* You can't use the same document to confirm both your name and address - two separate items are required.
Under 18s only
If you’re opening an account for someone under 18, we'll still need to verify your identity.
What you'll need
• One item from List A for the child
• If the child doesn't live with you, one item from List B showing the child's address
You may also be asked to provide:
• An item in the name and address of the parent or guardian the child lives with, or
• A letter from a school, college or workplace confirming the child's name and address
We'll take copies of the ID provided and keep these for our records. This is required to meet statutory obligations and the information won't be used for any other purpose.
If we can't verify identity, we won't be able to proceed with the application.
How can I submit these documents?
You can submit your documents in one of the following ways:
How to certify a document
If you're providing certified copies they must be certified by one of the following:
• Accountant
• Bank/building society official
• Doctor
• Dentist
• Independent financial adviser
• Minister of religion
• Police officer
• Post Office official (postmaster/sub-postmaster)
• Solicitor
Certification requirements
The person certifying your documents must:
• Be currently employment and based in the UK
• Not be related to you or anyone named on the account
Certified copies must include:
• The certifiers full name
• Profession
• Business address
• Telephone number
• The words "certified true copy" written or stamped on the documents
• A signature and date
If any of this information is missing, we won't be able to accept the document.
If you need any help or you would like to talk things through our experts are here to help. Just pop into your local store or call us on 0345 601 3344.
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