Difficulty certifiing document copies - difference between copy and 'original'

p00hsticks

MWT said:

The industry as a whole is going to have to get to grips with this issue soon.

I've just been through the process of providing proof of address for myself and my wife, we have no utility bills that are acceptable as we receive no paper copies of any of them.

Our Council Tax bill worked for me, but my wife's name is not shown on it.

Our bank accounts are all paperless, and the one credit card that isn't paperless in her name was no help as credit cards are not an acceptable proof...

In the end the only remaining option was her driving licence, which of course is only valid if you didn't need to use it for proof of identity...

In my experience a lot of banks will send you a paper copy of a statement as a one-off even if you have opted for paperless, as they are aware it's sometimes required for ID purposes - I've requested them before via the ironline banking websites.  The other source I have used in the past when required is to contact HMRC and ask them to send you a tax code notice in the post, as this is often accepted. And if you have the original copy of your birth certificate (i.e.e the one you parent(s) were given when registering the birth) this can be used too.   

MWT

My point is that it is often no longer possible to just rely on the documents you have to hand and must prepare to obtain the necessary documents some time in advance.

This is a change over recent years and removes the ability to move quickly on these matters at short notice.

So if nothing else, it is important to be aware of the need and to prepare to meet the requirements early, don't leave it until 'later' as it may not be as easy as you think.

kingstreet

Which lender won't accept a credit card statement as proof of address?

MWT

kingstreet said:

Which lender won't accept a credit card statement as proof of address?

In our case, the requirement was from 'more2life' ... or perhaps it was just our solicitor being over protective...

Somewhat academic though I guess as all our other cards were already paperless so not like we will always have one of those either...

DCFC79

I'd never considered this to be an issue, I assumed just printing them at home would be ok, luckily everyone was ok with what Is printed.

MWT

DCFC79 said:

I'd never considered this to be an issue, I assumed just printing them at home would be ok, luckily everyone was ok with what Is printed.

Given how easy it is to edit and change a PDF, home printed documents don't really prove anything...

Mickey666

MWT said:

DCFC79 said:

I'd never considered this to be an issue, I assumed just printing them at home would be ok, luckily everyone was ok with what Is printed.

Given how easy it is to edit and change a PDF, home printed documents don't really prove anything...

Or even if they are given to a solicitor for printing and certifying.

I know the UK generally seems to be against the introduction of ID cards but I do wonder if it's going to become inevitable.

MWT

Passport & a full driving licence still cover the majority of requirements for name and address verification but obviously that doesn't work for everyone.

Having worked extensively in Spain, France, Germany etc. I really don't see a problem with ID cards to be honest.

Could also go the route that most US states have done where the DMV will issue a 'non-driver' licence to be used purely as a form of ID as it is the single most pervasive form of ID in the USA.

csgohan4

alot of banks don't provide statements greater than 1 or 2 years. I always get my main account sent by post just in case I need it. Sometime paperless can be self defeating sadly