Certifying copies?

GrammarGirl

Not sure if this is in the right place... I applied for a Co-op current account and have been accepted, but need to send proof of my ID and address first. They only accept original documents or certified copies, and as I have to send my passport, I'd like to get certified copies rather than sending it off! (As well as the fact that they state they don't return original documents, and I'd quite like my passport back!)

Anyway, I think you can get certified copies done in the bank, but I'm wondering a)can it be done in any bank, even though these copies are specifically for the Co-op? and b)do I have to pay, and any idea how much?

Thanks!

cloudstrife_2

Yes you can go into a bank, generally speaking I would only do it if I actually knew the customer or if they had an account with us (so I could check the details on the ID match with the customer records ). Finally we don't charge for this service!! BTW thats for the Halifax but each branch and or staff member could have a different view.

Cloud

GrammarGirl

Thanks very much Cloud... I have been with HSBC for a long time and there's a branch right near my work so will pop in on Monday and see if they'll do it for me.

Thanks again!

ShelfStacker_3

Sorry to disappoint you, but HSBC won't.

Belnahua

I think a solicitor can do it, and I did hear that government offices, such as the DWP can certify copies (not 100% sure on that one though).

Edit : Taken from :- http://www.bris.ac.uk/secretary/legal/certify.html
Certification of documents, making an affidavit or statutory declaration

If you need a copy of a document certified as a true copy of an original ('a certified copy') then you may need help from a practising Solicitor or a Notary Public.
Certified copies may be required for example by banks in connection with opening a bank account, by prospective employers as part of the recruitment process or by immigration authorities in connection with travel visas, work permits or immigration. Often certified copies are needed if you are conducting legal business outside the UK.
For a certified copy for use within the UK you usually need to see a Solicitor. Information about finding a solicitor is available from the Law Society.
For a certified copy for use outside the UK you usually need to see a Notary Public. More information about finding a Notary Public is available from the Notaries Society.
Fees vary and you should agree them with the Solicitor or Notary in advance.
Affidavits and statutory declarations are formal statements which the maker is swearing on oath to be true. They are usually made in front of a Solicitor. To find one please refer to the link above. Fees are fixed. At the time of writing they are £5 for the statement itself and £2 for every accompanying document.
You will NOT be given any advice on the legality or wisdom of what you are doing by the Solicitor or Notary. Their role is simply to ensure compliance with the formalities. You will need to employ your own lawyer to advise you.

Extant

ShelfStacker wrote: »

Sorry to disappoint you, but HSBC won't.

Barclays staff shouldn't be doing this, either. I suspect both HSBC and BARC operate along the lines that you certify for bank staff and nobody else.

cloudstrife_2

If Barclays and HSBC don't do it I might just have to check that I ain't been breaking any rules lol!!

Cloud

mum2one

Just a long shot, but for example passports / my application to OU , I didnt want to send the original documents, but got photocopies certified, I asked my daughters headmaster, other examples could be policeman, doctor (they charge), business owner, may be worth a try x

opinions4u

cloudstrife wrote: »

If Barclays and HSBC don't do it I might just have to check that I ain't been breaking any rules lol!!

Cloud

I'd sign passport application forms for customers who I knew, once I'd been at a branch for more than two years.

But I always refused to certify other documents (usually share certificate related) because there could be a clear financial comeback on the company if I got it wrong.

I suspect you may have been a little too helpful - you know that should only ever happen if you've identified Mr Perfect Visit customer

Extant

As it goes, bank certified copies really aren't worth much anyway. With staff turnover being what it is, there's no real way to verify a lot of things certified in a bank. A long time ago in Barclays, you never had to record your staff number when certifying ID - it's now required as you can become personally liable for a lot of fraud and money laundering crimes and we need some way to trace you back.

staffie1

If you know someone who is in recognised profession, they should be able to certify the copies for you. The bank can send you a list of acceptable professions. Examples usually include solicitors, your GP, teachers, qualified engineers, police officers, magistrates, MP's, etc.

Don't the Post Office do it..? When I opened an ING ISA account I was told that the cashier at my Barclays branch can certify, and indeed they do.