NS&I - Proof of identity

lhwjud

Trying to open an account at NS&I and was asked to send proof of identity such as passport or license etc. Does it mean I have to send the original document or photocopy will do? I think it's rather risky to send these document via post. Any suggestion?

nilrem_2

lhwjud wrote: »

Trying to open an account at NS&I and was asked to send proof of identity such as passport or license etc. Does it mean I have to send the original document or photocopy will do? I think it's rather risky to send these document via post. Any suggestion?

I agree, I hate having to send stuff like this, if you do send a copy then they will insist on a certified copy which again is a pain!

EdInvestor

Can you do it through your local post office?

BabyDragon_2

I have a relative who's just opening an NS&I ISA and got same problem

Our local post submaster will certify documents like that - I just did that with him for my A&L Direct saver and just had confirmation come thru that my application has been succesfull so I would try your local post office as suggested by EdInvestor.

They can charge up to £25 for the privledge (Mine charged me £5) but it's easier than loosing your important stuff thru the post I feel. It's pain but worth it in th end .

Best of luck :beer:

Satscene

I didn`t have to go through this with Icesave.
Why not send them registered delivery?

janbanan

I've asked at my local bank branch (Barclays in my case) twice and they were more happy to certify documents for me free of charge. Even if it was for a competitor...

I would never send originals via the post. I recently sent a letter recorded delivery and it's lost and can't be tracked.

EdInvestor

BabyDragon wrote: »

They can charge up to £25 for the privledge (Mine charged me £5) but it's easier than loosing your important stuff thru the post I feel. It's pain but worth it in th end .

You can buy N&SI products over the counter at the PO - they are an inhouse product, so to speak. They will just need to see the ID when they sell you the investment - they shouldn't charge you when it's for their own product.

oldagetraveller

To prove who I am, if it's on the list and you have one, I usually send, and find no problem with, my photo driving licence with the other required documents to prove address by Signed For Royal Mail. At least with the latest two part licence, if the posted bit gets lost then the counterpart is still in my possession and should make it easier when applying for a replacement.
Never thought of P.O. for certified copies, thanks for that.
However, I'd never send my passport through the postal system in spite of receiving it by that method!

missile

Strange, I was not asked to send anything when I opened up NS&I accounts. It said on the form that I MAY be asked, but fortunately I never was.

nilrem_2

missile wrote: »

Strange, I was not asked to send anything when I opened up NS&I accounts. It said on the form that I MAY be asked, but fortunately I never was.

I think they try to do electronic checks if possible but if this fails or is not possible for one reason or another they ask for documents.

This certified documents thing is damn stupid if you ask me, it causes hassle to honest folk but scammers and criminals just forge any name to certify their own copies! And why do they accept certification from a Doctor or Judge etc but not from an ordinary hard working person who may be more trusted anyway, not all Doctors and Judges are 100% honest!:eek:

oldbuffer

I was forced to send my birth certificate to claim a private pension which was then lost. When I complained I was given the address of where to buy a replacement.