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First direct current account application process

The OH and I submitted an application for a current account with first direct last week.

We've both received an email from them stating they need a copy of our passport or driving licence "certified by a lawyer or attorney".

I'm a bit confused as to what this exactly entails. I work with solicitors so was going to ask one of them to do the honours.

Anyone had any experience of this? I've tried searching online without success.

Comments

  • Gromitt
    Gromitt Posts: 5,063 Forumite
    They just want someone in a professional job who is unlikely to lie (they typically say lawyer or attorney, but sometimes the post office and police are accepted as well), to certify a copy of your passport as yours with a photograph that looks like you. They will be told that if they make a false declaration that they'll be taken to court and thrown behind bars for the rest of there lifes, etc, etc.
  • InsideInsurance
    InsideInsurance Posts: 22,460 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If you work with solicitors whats the issue?

    You can pay a public notary to do it for you, from memory they charge something like £7 per document to be certified - had to have the same done for my irish passport.

    Alternatively a HSBC branch will normally do it for you and is accepted by FD given they are the same organisation
  • garymac
    garymac Posts: 26 Forumite
    Just to update anyone who may find themselves in the same position as I have:

    - First Direct won't allow you to go into HSBC and get it done.
    - First Direct confirmed they would only accept a signed copy from a lawyer/attorney (ie solicitor, barrister, public notary etc)
    - I've got a solicitor in work to sign it off and simply used the department post stamp as the stamp they require.

    See how that works!
  • InsideInsurance
    InsideInsurance Posts: 22,460 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    garymac wrote: »
    Just to update anyone who may find themselves in the same position as I have:

    - First Direct won't allow you to go into HSBC and get it done

    They did for me, but consistency is never been banks strong point
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