Opening a bank account with no ID

freakyogre

Hello,

I'm writing this on behalf of my brother and just wondered if anyone can offer any advice.

To cut a very long story short – my brother decided to make himself homeless several years ago.

He is now in a position where he will need to sort out a bank account, but with the lack of ID, it’s a bit of an endless cycle as to where to start.

He does have a bank account, but he has lost the card to access it. He literally has no ID; no passport, driving license and obviously no utility bills. The only thing he has is his NI number and birth certificate, but for ID purposes, these prove very little.
I don’t know how he would prove to the bank that it is his account and that he is who he says he is, so a new account may be an easier option.

He wants to start working again, but again, without any proof of who he is, it’s extremely difficult to do so.
In order to apply for a driving licence he needs some sort of ID and proof of address…the problem continues!

The only thing I can think of to get him started is to apply for a passport, which would give him one form of ID, but I’m not sure this will help in the long run with opening a bank account/finding employment.
One other thing which may help is that our uncle is a notary public, so he may be able to vouch for my brother’s existence?!!

I’m happy for him to use my address as a ‘care of’ address if that helps at all, but perhaps selfishly, I don’t want any issues in the future with this and I definitely don’t want any link with regards to credit checks etc.

I’ve possibly missed something really obvious, so thought I’d ask on here as any suggestions/help would be extremely appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any help J

xylophone

I am wondering whether your uncle might approach his own bank and explain the situation - it is just possible that they might offer a basic bank account?

Gers

I haven't researched this option thoroughly though it may be of use. Whilst it's Home Office approved I don't know whether or not banks accept it.

http://www.citizencard.com/

p00hsticks

I don't have a driving licence or passport, although I'm not so "off the grid" as your brother. If he's claiming any benefits (such as JSA), then a recent letter from DWP is often quoted as being acceptable proof of ID. If he has an address and you can cope with waiting on the phone, then I've also called up HMRC and asked them to send a current tax coding notice and then successfully used this as ID verification to open a bank account.

HappyMJ

Gers wrote: »

I haven't researched this option thoroughly though it may be of use. Whilst it's Home Office approved I don't know whether or not banks accept it.

http://www.citizencard.com/

That card is only really accepted as a proof of age card to purchase alcohol and cigarettes or place a bet with a bookmaker.

It's not accepted as proof of ID to open a bank account.

Some airlines do accept it as photo ID for domestic travel within the UK. Train and bus companies also accept it for discount fares.

DCFC79

You say he has lost his bank card, ask for a replacement. Proof of address why not use the bank statements.

Futuristic

You can call your bank to say you want a replacement card sent, no documents needed as long as you have your account info?

Depending how far back he opened his account he probably hasn't set telephone banking security details so a recent statement may be required as they'll probably ask for balance etc. for verification

Payless_2

An internet account? I'm not sure how much ID you need for this.

Archi_Bald

Payless wrote: »

An internet account? I'm not sure how much ID you need for this.

You'll very likely be asked to pop into Branch with ID if they cannot find you on the ER and on CRAs.

agrinnall

Payless wrote: »

An internet account? I'm not sure how much ID you need for this.

The first check would be on the electoral roll, if not on there then it'll be back to providing ID.

Kernel_Sanders

The relevant Govt. Dept. will have a record of every NI contribution he's made. Register a new address and get some correspondence from them, then use that to get more ID elsewhere.