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Identification for bank accounts

What ID do I need to open a bank account?

If you’re applying for a bank account, we’ll need certain documents to prove your identity and address.

You’ll need to show us one document to prove your identity, and another document to prove your UK address (you can’t use the same document twice).

Proof of identity

Passport

This needs to be a full and valid UK or foreign passport with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). An MRZ is made up of two rows of alpha, numeric and chevron (<) characters, and is on most passports and National ID Cards.

Driving licence

This can be

  • A full UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) photocard driving licence
  • A provisional UK photocard driving licence
  • A UK paper driving licence (as long as the address is current)

EU card and EEA national identity card

This needs to be a centrally issued EU and EEA national identity card with a Machine Readable Zone. An MRZ is made up of two rows of alpha, numeric and chevron (<) characters, and is on most passports and National ID Cards. We can't accept ID cards from Romania or Greece.

UK biometric residence permit

This needs to be a valid residence permit issued in the UK with a Machine Readable Zone. An MRZ is made up of two rows of alpha, numeric and chevron (<) characters, and is on most passports and National ID Cards.

  • Other documents we can accept as proof of identity Other documents we can accept as proof of identity

    • A benefit entitlement letter less than 12 months old, confirming the benefit payable at the time of issue
    • A UK blue disabled driver’s pass (with photo)
    • A UK Armed Forces identity card
    • An HMRC tax notification dated within 12 months
    • A Home Office immigration status document or application registration card
    • A valid Northern Ireland voter's card
    • An introduction from a parent or guardian who banks with us
    • A Young Scot National Entitlement Card (only for applicants under 18)

Proof of UK address

Driving licence

This can be

  • A full UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) photocard driving licence
  • A provisional UK photocard driving licence
  • A UK paper driving licence (as long as the address is current)

Bank statement

A statement from another bank, dated within the last three months. This can be from a bank in another country, as long as it shows a UK address.

UK credit card statement

A statement from a UK credit card company, dated within the last three months.

UK utility bill

A UK gas, electricity, water or landline bill, dated within the last three months.

  • Other documents we can accept as proof of UK address Other documents we can accept as proof of UK address

    • A UK, European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) mortgage statement, as long as it shows a UK address
    • A council tax bill, demand letter or exemption certificate, issued within the last 12 months
    • A tenancy agreement from a local council or housing association, dated within the last 12 months
    • A benefit entitlement letter less than 12 months old, confirming the benefit payable at the time of issue
    • An HMRC tax notification dated within the last 12 months
    • A UK credit union statement dated within the last three months
    • An introduction from a parent or guardian who banks with us
    • Students and graduates only: your UCAS log-in details, an enrolment confirmation letter from your university, or a letter from the Student Loan Company on their headed paper

    If you’re unable to provide these documents, please call us on 0345 734 53451