How to send valid ID for account opening ?

TheVujanic

I just opened a Bank of Cyprus UK account online, and transfered my £10 to open the account, gathering I pass the credit check, but they also need me to send either original or certified copy of my Passport or Driving Licence.

I'm not too keen on the idea of sending an original document through the post, not really because of fraud, but fear I won't get it back again, and new passports and driving licence arn't cheap.

I've never had to send a certifed copy of anything through the post before so I'm not sure what to do, but this is what they say:

Once you have sent us the deposit, to proceed with your application please send us

• A copy of an identification document for each applicant ie passport or driving licence. All documents should be certified as true copies of the original by your current bankers, a solicitor or an accountant.

Now does this mean I can go into my bank and say "I want you to make a certified copy of my driving licence for a bank account". Or would i have to print it off myself and my bank would stamp or sign it, or something like that ?

Thanks.

jpb77

Yes but check with your bank first if they are comfortable with certifying the ID before going into the branch.

expatasia

TheVujanic wrote: »

• A copy of an identification document for each applicant ie passport or driving licence. All documents should be certified as true copies of the original by your current bankers, a solicitor or an accountant.

Now does this mean I can go into my bank and say "I want you to make a certified copy of my driving licence for a bank account". Or would i have to print it off myself and my bank would stamp or sign it, or something like that ?

In my experience some banks will accept the photocopy you made yourself of the passport/ID card (and then stamp, sign & date it), others will insist on making the copy themselves there and then first.

innovate

Not all banks will certify documents now. If you are stuck, you can go to the Post Office http://www.postoffice.co.uk/counter-services/passport-identity/identity-checking-service

BASFORDLAD

When i opened a bank of Cyprus account I took proof of Id to their birmingham branch on bristol street.

RetiredInThailand

innovate wrote: »

Not all banks will certify documents now. If you are stuck, you can go to the Post Office http://www.postoffice.co.uk/counter-services/passport-identity/identity-checking-service

Potentially a good idea, but as the PO say themselves on their website: "Customers are advised to ensure that this service will be acceptable to the intended recipient"

In my experience "PO employee" is generally not one of the approved occupations on the lists provided by deposit-takers for ID verification (though it probably should be).

My bet is to go with a bank. Try in order: a branch of the bank you need the document for, then a branch of a bank in the same group, then your own bank, then another branch of your own bank or own bank group. One of them ought to do it, possibly for free.

HeadAboveWater

I went in to a solicitors across the street from work with my passport and a copy I'd already taken. They stamped it and verified it for nothing there and then. And I'd walked in from off the street!!

expatasia

RetiredInThailand wrote: »

My bet is to go with a bank. Try in order: a branch of the bank you need the document for, then a branch of a bank in the same group, then your own bank, then another branch of your own bank or own bank group. One of them ought to do it, possibly for free.

Spot on, and yes it will be done for free. Make sure the job position of the person at the bank gets written down. I got contacted about that by the financial institution where I made an application for a fixed TD, which led to a delay in opening the account.

RetiredInThailand

HeadAboveWater wrote: »

I went in to a solicitors across the street .... They stamped it and verified it for nothing....

Wow. A solicitor working for nothing. :eek:

Next we will be hearing about politicians who tell the truth.

HeadAboveWater

:rotfl:

Sure I thought you get the first 30 mins free? I've still 28+1/2mins to use