proof of identity

heathtown

hi
my wife wanted to open a savings account with yorkshire bank,but she has no bills in her name for proof of identity.what is acceptable? thanks

qpop

Proof of identity

The law says banks and building societies have to identify new customers. This is to help stop criminal activities like money laundering. Firms will explain which documents they will accept as proof of your identity, although this may vary from one bank or building society to another. Some firms will check databases such as the electoral roll and those kept by credit agencies. But most will ask you for documents. They may ask you for a government-issued document:

• with a photograph – such as a valid passport, or
• without a photograph – such as a valid old-style driving licence – plus another document from an approved source.

If you don't have these documents, they may accept other documents such as:

• a letter from a government department or local authority confirming a right to state benefits
• suitable confirmation of identity from a young person's workplace or educational institution, or
• a letter confirming a person's identity from a care-home manager or warden of sheltered accommodation or a refuge.

Further options may be available if you are an international student, migrant worker, refugee, asylum seeker, prisoner or on probation.
If you’re opening a basic bank account, check the list of ID and vetting requirements to find out which documents you will need to prove your identity.
You may also be asked to prove your identity if you make a large cash withdrawal or debit card transaction. The bank or building society will probably copy or make a note of the details of the identity documents. But they must protect all personal data.
To find out what each bank will accept as proof of identity you can check on their website or ask the branch staff.

http://moneyadviceservice.org.uk/yourmoney/everyday_money/bank_accounts/types_of_bank_account/current_accounts/opening_an_account.aspx

thenudeone

I would imagine that it's pretty easy to change utility bills and council tax bills into the name of someone at the address (otherwise how would anyone ever be able to move into a new house) which might help in the future.

swift1_2

wow, are you sure she has nothing in her name? - surely she has other bank accounts, credit cards, government docs etc - any of these will do.
She must have something in her name? how do u know u're wife is who she says she is! - Does she speak with a russian accent!

LittleVoice

heathtown wrote: »

hi
my wife wanted to open a savings account with yorkshire bank,but she has no bills in her name for proof of identity.what is acceptable? thanks

If they want proof, they'll ask and tell you what they want.

If she is on the electoral register then they probably will be able to confirm her identity from that, particularly if she sends a cheque drawn on an account in her name.