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Proof of identity needed

Learn about what you can use for proof of identity and where to send it.

Summary

Upload your proof through our virtual service

Documents you can use as proof of identity

Where to send your documents

Summary

When you open an account or take out one of our products, we’ll often ask for some proof of identity — so we can confirm who you are and where you live.

This page lets you know which proof of identity documents we accept and where to send them.

If we ask you for proof of identity and address, you’ll need to send two separate documents.

Please be aware that you can’t use the same document for both.

We’ve made proving your identity and address simpler

When opening an account with us the application process may require you to provide proof of your identity and address.

So we’ve introduced a virtual service to make this step quicker.

To provide proof of your identity, you’re able to upload a photo of either your:

  • Passport
  • Driving licence
  • Residence permit.

To provide proof of your address, you’re able to upload a photo of a:

  • Bank or building society statement
  • Utility bill, such as your electricity, water, gas, broadband, or landline
  • Council Tax letter
  • Benefits letter, such as Jobseekers, Housing Benefits, or Tax Credits.

Upload your proof through our virtual service

Documents you can use as proof of identity

  • Current valid passport

  • Current full or provisional Photo-card driving licence

  • Current full old style UK driving licence

  • Current full EU or EEA Photo-Card driving licence

  • Biometric residence permit

  • Centrally issued EU and EEA national identity cards

  • Current valid Shotgun licence or Firearms certificate

  • Current valid Northern Ireland Electoral Identity Card

  • Instruction from a UK Court appointing an individual: Court of Protection or Grant of Probate only

  • Benefits entitlement letter (including Government-issued pensions)

  • HMRC tax notification letter (issued in the last 12 months)

The following documentation can also be used if you are under 18 to prove your identity:

  • Birth certificate / Adoption certificate (under 18s only)

  • NHS medical card/letter (under 18s only)

  • HMRC letter / Job Centre letter confirming issue of National Insurance number (UK Citizens under 18s only)

  • Current child benefit letter (under 18s only, dated within the last 12 months)

  • Professional reference from a person in position of responsibility (under 18s only, must be dated within the last 3 months)

Documents you can use as proof of address

  • Current full or provisional Photo-Card driving licence

  • Current full EU or EEA Photo-Card driving licence

  • Current full old style UK driving licence

  • Benefits entitlement letter (including Government-issued pensions, dated within the last 12 months)

  • HMRC tax notification letter (issued in the last 12 months)

  • Letter confirming residency from a nursing home/care home (issued within the last month)

  • Local Authority council tax bill (valid for current tax year)

  • Recent utility bill (not a mobile phone bill and issued within the last 6 months)

  • Recent statement from an EU regulated bank/building society/credit card/ mortgage showing current address and an active account (Mortgage Statements valid for the current year/ Current account, Savings and credit card statements dated within the last 3 months)

  • Tenancy agreement/ rent payment schedule from a housing association, local authority or public sector landlord only (not a private arrangement and dated within the last 12 months)

  • Current valid shotgun licence / Firearms certificate

  • Home visit to current address (for sales undertaken by Relationship Manager’s only)

  • Student loan letter / statement confirming house address (valid for current academic year)

  • University letter of Introduction for the current academic year (only accepted with valid passport or national identity card as proof of identity)

The following documentation can also be used if you are under 18 to prove your address:

  • NHS medical card / letter (under 18s only)

  • HMRC / Job Centre letter confirming issue of National Insurance number (UK Citizens under 18s only)

  • Current child benefit letter (under 18s only)

  • Professional reference from a person in a position of responsibility (under 18s only and dated within the last 3 months)

Certified Copies

The certifier must:

  • Sign the copy document, state their full name and either state/stamp the name of the organisation they work for (certifier's actual name is not always required if the entire firm undertakes regulated activity)

  • Date the document

  • State their profession and the role they hold within the organisation

  • State their full business address and their telephone number (not mobile). The certifier may need to be contacted

  • State that they have seen the original document by stating 'I certify that this is a true copy of the original document." If the document includes a photograph, the certified copy should also state "the photograph bears a good likeness to the individual."

      The certifier must not:

      • Be related to the applicant/account holder by birth or marriage

      • Be a named party on the application/account

      • Live at the same address as the applicant/account holder

      • Be unemployed or seeking asylum to live in the EU

      Please ensure the relevant sort codes and account numbers or application numbers are quoted when providing these documents.

      Where to send your documents

      Applications Team
      Co-operative Bank PLC
      PO Box 4931
      Swindon
      SN4 4PL