Investec require TWO forms of ID

expatasia

In order to open new accounts Investec ask for two proofs of address and two forms of ID - they say passports and driving licences are ok as long as with photo - what happens if you have the old style licence? What other forms of ID are commonly used in Britain?

Apart from a bank which other institutions would certify documents? Their website mentions an attorney’s office, a police station or a solicitors’ office. Do the police charge you for that service, do the Post Office also offer such service, how much is it?

Thanks
expatasia

RetiredInThailand

I dont remember sending two forms of photo ID when I opened my account with them. I think I just sent one photo document and one address document. If you have an old UK paper licence you can get it upgraded to a photo one for free.

The cost and feasibility of getting certified copies done will depend on where you are doing it. Banks of the same group will normally do it for free, as will your own bank if you are a good customer. My local bank did me several certified copies for free. I found that one good option for doing it here where I am was just to get a local doctor to do it as they charge far less than lawyers (about GBP2 instead of up to GBP50 that lawyers and the British consulate want in fact!). Also much more convenient.

expatasia

RetiredInThailand wrote: »

I dont remember sending two forms of photo ID when I opened my account with them. I think I just sent one photo document and one address document. If you have an old UK paper licence you can get it upgraded to a photo one for free.

The cost and feasibility of getting certified copies done will depend on where you are doing it. Banks of the same group will normally do it for free, as will your own bank if you are a good customer. My local bank did me several certified copies for free. I found that one good option for doing it here where I am was just to get a local doctor to do it as they charge far less than lawyers (about GBP2 instead of up to GBP50 that lawyers and the British consulate want in fact!). Also much more convenient.

Well they do now. Four in total (2 address, 2 ID).


Your local bank in Asia you mean?

Do doctors in the UK offer this service, anybody know?

chris_m

RetiredInThailand wrote: »

If you have an old UK paper licence you can get it upgraded to a photo one for free.

First time I've heard of £20 as being free.

ChiefGrasscutter

..and the first time I've heard anyone suggest that a UK doctor's signature would be acceptable to a financial institution as confirming the authenticity of the so certified copy.

RetiredInThailand

chris_m wrote: »

First time I've heard of £20 as being free.

I certainly didn't pay anything when I did mine last year. Maybe because it coincided with an address change?

RetiredInThailand

ChiefGrasscutter wrote: »

..and the first time I've heard anyone suggest that a UK doctor's signature would be acceptable to a financial institution as confirming the authenticity of the so certified copy.

Some banks are more fussy but most will normally accept certification by any professional person who can be contacted for confirmation if necessary. This includes professions like doctor, accountant, JP, lawyer, notary, actuary, bank manager etc etc The T&Cs usually give a short list of suitable professions and if contacted by phone the bank will often give some other similar options.

I had this done by a GP here in Thailand and the UK bank I sent it to was perfectly happy with it.

fairie_2

You're probably best off asking them what else they will accept as ID. Some companies will accept a Council Tax bill as ID or a letter from your local authority re pensions, student loan, benefit entitlement etc Or even a shotgun licence if you have one

RetiredInThailand

expatasia wrote: »

Your local bank in Asia you mean?

Yes.

Do doctors in the UK offer this service, anybody know?

I don't see why not but read on:

From the Investec T&Cs: "For UK individuals a person from one of the following professions may certify documents: Private banker, Lawyer, Accountant, Bank manager, Notary public or Embassy official. "

So I would say that Investec are somewhat fussier than some other banks. You should just go to a High Street Bank for certification if you are in the UK.

chris_m

RetiredInThailand wrote: »

I certainly didn't pay anything when I did mine last year. Maybe because it coincided with an address change?

I reckon that was it - no mention of a fee on the DirectGov site if changing address but there is for just changing to a photocard version.

Porcupine

ISTR enquiring about this a while ago (about a product I didn't take out). I think they said that just turning up at their London office with the documentation was sufficient... possibly an option if you're anywhere near there?