Opening a bank account without ID

mpturner

I know someone in quite an awkward situation. She can't get a bank account without a driving licence, passport or gun licence. Yet she can't get any of these because she needs a bank to pay for them. She can't even realistically get a job because of her lack of bank account.

She's been trying for a few years to get an account but no luck. Recently she got one from the Co-operative bank, who then sent her a card and its pin number. When going back into the bank, before using the card the bank told her that the account had been cancelled and took the card off her again.

Does anyone have any tips for someone in her situation? She is still at college, but as she is over the age of 18 cannot open an account without the ID she can't really obtain.

Thanks in advance.

agrinnall

There is no reason why she can't apply for either a driving licence or a passport, it's just that somebody else will have to provide the payment (perhaps you) by cheque or card.

lazer

Can you not pay for a passport in cash at the post office?

Or an electoral ID card?

Can you still pay for ID with a postal Order?

stclair

Are they on the electral register.

If they they make an application online or over the telephone the bank may be able to verify their identity electronically.

The last three accounts I've opened I have not provided any id at all.

Archi_Bald

You can get a bank account with a birth certificate and an official document sent to your address.

A birth certificate is not a problem, Everybody has one. Or, as a UK national, you can order a replacement https://www.gov.uk/order-copy-birth-death-marriage-certificate

There are plenty of "official documents" to prove your address - original utility bills, HMRC / Council / DWP letters will all be accepted.

EarthBoy

Archi_Bald wrote: »

You can get a bank account with a birth certificate and an official document sent to your address.

Not as an adult you can't. Birth certificates are only acceptable as ID for children. I don't know of any bank that accepts them for adults. This is because they are too easy to obtain. They are regarded as public documents and anybody can obtain them. I could get yours if I knew your date of birth and where you were born. Because of this, birth certificates are stamped "a certificate is not proof of identity". They prove that you were born, but not that the person with the certificate is you.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/what_is_evidence_of_identity

username

She is still at college, but as she is over the age of 18 cannot open an account without the ID she can't really obtain.

Invest in a passport or a driver's licence. It's money up front, however it will save hassle if you wish to open up any bank accounts or do anything official in future.

I'm surprised she hasn't got a provisional licence as many bars/pubs will ID anyone looking under 21/25 and won't serve you without ID when you're out, or even let you in the door.

Ask if the bank has an alternative ID policy, when I opened up another bank account I didn't have any photo ID, they allowed me to have certified letter from college, birth certificate and a bank card from another bank. That was several years ago, however - it maybe tighter now.

NINJA1200

Why don't UK have a simple ID card as any other country?
I will never understand this. I makes absolutely no sense at all...
We don't need passports because, we just need an ID card. That's all!

Archi_Bald

EarthBoy wrote: »

Not as an adult you can't. Birth certificates are only acceptable as ID for children. I don't know of any bank that accepts them for adults.

I know they are listed with some banks. Life is too short for me to find links to proof this.

But in any case, you can get a driving licence or a passport with the help of a birth certificate.

Archi_Bald

NINJA1200 wrote: »

We don't need passports because, we just need an ID card.

Why would I want an ID card if I can't travel out of he country with one of them?

JoeBloggs1

Get her to get a provisional driving license, they're only £20. She could either pay via some form of prepaid debit card (lots of shops sell prepaid mastercards) or give someone else the cash and get them to pay. How she's lasted this long without a bank account, I have no idea...