Bank account with little to no ID requirements?

Nik_Doof

I'm in a bit of a pickle and need some advice:

I've been a very long time Lloyds TSB customer (coming up to 16 years), due to a recent arseup on their behalf I'm having to leave them, with very little notice.

I have to look for a new account, but I've got no real ID. I lost my passport a few years ago and never got round to replacing it, I've got a paper provisional driving license registered to a previous address and my birth certificate. Will I be able to get a account anywhere on this alone?

Thank you in advance for any help

robin_banks

nope you need to prove who you are and where you live.

YorkshireBoy

Yes, if you apply online and they're able to verify your identity electronically (by a search of CRA/Electoral Roll information).

dunstonh

provisional driving licence isnt good enough. It has to be a full licence. If you are on the electoral roll, have a BT telephone and have been at your current address for over a year (and its not a house converted to flats or bedsits) then there is good chance you will pass the electronic money laundering systems.

sarah_elton

Are your utility bills in your name, and addressed to the address you'll give to the bank? If so, they might help.

PolishBigSpender

dunstonh wrote: »

provisional driving licence isnt good enough. It has to be a full licence. If you are on the electoral roll, have a BT telephone and have been at your current address for over a year (and its not a house converted to flats or bedsits) then there is good chance you will pass the electronic money laundering systems.

Wrong - a provisional licence is more than good enough. Given the ID requirements to even get one nowadays, banks are perfectly happy to accept one. It may depend on the individual opening the account - but it's definitely wrong to say that it's not good enough.

A provisional licence (which fufils the photo part, but make sure it's both parts), birth certificate and some bills, no more than 3 months old should be more than enough.

I'd expect an IFA to know about ID requirements....clearly not.

savagej

Depends on the bank, the RBS group will not accept a provisional photocard license but just about every other bank does.

opinions4u

PolishBigSpender wrote: »

Wrong - a provisional licence is more than good enough. Given the ID requirements to even get one nowadays, banks are perfectly happy to accept one. It may depend on the individual opening the account - but it's definitely wrong to say that it's not good enough.

A provisional licence (which fufils the photo part, but make sure it's both parts), birth certificate and some bills, no more than 3 months old should be more than enough.

I'd expect an IFA to know about ID requirements....clearly not.

As the OP stated "I've got a paper provisional driving license registered to a previous address" I don't think the context of the reply you've objected to is incorrect.

If you can find a financial institution that will accept an old style provisional licence registered to an out of date address you should report them to the FSA who will be quite happy to levy a £1m fine.

The IFA is correct in the advice given.

whitewing

Presumably a Lloyds bank statement within 3 months old would be one form of id?

dunstonh

Wrong - a provisional licence is more than good enough. Given the ID requirements to even get one nowadays, banks are perfectly happy to accept one. It may depend on the individual opening the account - but it's definitely wrong to say that it's not good enough.

As O4U points out, the address is wrong. So, in the case of the OP is not acceptable. However, with old style provisional licences you will find many firms are not willing to accept them as suitable.

Copy and paste from a few banks and firms:
"Current full UK driving licence (please note an old style provisional driving licence cannot be accepted)"
Abbey: Unexpired UK old style driving licence (not provisional)
HSBC and RBS Group already mentioned.

I'd expect an IFA to know about ID requirements....clearly not.

As you feel an old style provisional licence to an old address and birth certificates are acceptable, then I prefer to stick with my understanding and that backed by the guidelines issued to us.

A lot of the money laundering requirements are guidelines and firms are left to decide for themselves what is acceptable to comply with the risk based nature of their business. So, there are always a few differences on what is and isnt accepted.

ShelfStacker_3

savagej wrote: »

Depends on the bank, the RBS group will not accept a provisional photocard license but just about every other bank does.

Neither will HSBC. The explanation I've got is that they're quite often faked, for the purposes of getting underage kids drunk/into clubs.

Honestly, the solution of electronic ID and address verification is best. If you're on the electoral roll, great! Just apply online for the current account of your choosing and you're away.