The Probate Journey Begins

RAS

Hi these are the guidelines for checking identity for DBS checks

ID checking guidelines for standard/enhanced DBS check applications - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Of course, the will writing company are entitled to ask for whatever documents they want, but their current practice is discriminatory as they aren't offering an alterative to those without photo ID, who tend to be the young and the old, or simply the poor.

I'd suggest he gets a replacement birth certificate  Research your family history using the General Register Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

And then gets together pensions, council tax, and either a utility or bank statement; preferably a few more just in case.

If they refuse to play ball after that a formal compliant pointing out that he's provided as much as is required for a DBS check would be in order. Are they members of any "professional" organisation?

BooJewels

RAS said:

Of course, the will writing company are entitled to ask for whatever documents they want, but their current practice is discriminatory as they aren't offering an alterative to those without photo ID, who tend to be the young and the old, or simply the poor.

I'd suggest he gets a replacement birth certificate  Research your family history using the General Register Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Or people like me, who don't drive or travel.  This is an issue that's becoming an increasing problem for me.

In respect of the replacement birth certificate - the national register has a big gap in the years that are centralised - something like from 1934 to 1984.  I fall in that gap, but found I could get it from the county council I was born and registered in - so that might be a quicker/easier option.  A replacement certificate costs £11.  I've ordered some, purely because I need to send originals or certified copies to more than one place at once.

RAS

You have to pay an extra £3 if you use the centralised system but don't have the index number. And it's issued in 4 days.

My local authority takes 8 weeks to provide a duplicate certificate although a priority one (2 days) is available at £35.

And I know what you mean about the problems; try doing an ID check on a 17 year old who's doesn't drive and has never been abroad?

poppystar

BooJewels said:

RAS said:

Of course, the will writing company are entitled to ask for whatever documents they want, but their current practice is discriminatory as they aren't offering an alterative to those without photo ID, who tend to be the young and the old, or simply the poor.

I'd suggest he gets a replacement birth certificate  Research your family history using the General Register Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Or people like me, who don't drive or travel.  This is an issue that's becoming an increasing problem for me.

Or people like me who still have a paper licence!

p00hsticks

RAS said:

I'd suggest he gets a replacement birth certificate  Research your family history using the General Register Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Many places won't accept a recently dated copy of a birth certificate as proof of id, because it really isn't. In this country anyone can order  copy of anyone elses  birth, marriage or death certificates, so it doesn't really help in proving that you are the named person at all. Often when you see identity requirements, if it lists birth certificate it will specify that it needs to have been issued within a year of the birth - i.e. the copy originally given to the parents when first registering the birth. (The link to ID checking guidelines that you yourself have provided specifies that a birth certificate is only acceptable if issued within 12 months of the date of birth so a replacement wouldn;t meet the requirement).

Whilst in principle I agree that there should be some cost-free way of proving your identity if you do not need / cannot afford photographic id such as a passport or driving licence, in reality it's not going to happen any time soon, and requirements for comanies etc to carry out such checks get more and more stringent.

I've recently caved in and obtained a passport soley as a means of proving my id for the purposes of executing an estate.My old passport was so out of date I had to go through the 'first time' process which - ironically - involved finding someone of a suitable standing who could vouch for me personally. If his passport is not so long out of date that he can just apply for a straight renewal, I'd suggest that he bites the bullet and just puts in to get it renewed. The cost works out at £7.20 a year. which in my view is worth it for the amount of aggro it's going to save over the next few years in proving my identity. 

BooJewels

I'm with you @p00hsticks - I've just been discussing with my son that I have no option now myself - just need to organise photos and someone to vouch for me.

I too spotted the 'within a year of birth' definition in the linked document - I'd just ordered a couple of copies, but as you say, they perhaps have little value - as anyone with enough info could order one.  My main concern was my marriage certificate - I am loathe to part with the original at the moment.

DancingBadger

If they refuse to play ball after that a formal compliant pointing out that he's provided as much as is required for a DBS check would be in order. Are they members of any "professional" organisation?

I seem to recall seeing somewhere on their website they belong to an organisation called PALS (Professional Association of Legal Services), but I've just looked again and can't find what I thought I saw.  Apart from the cost, this is another reason for not wanting to deal with them.

DancingBadger

Thank you for your suggestions and links.

I didn't realise before now how difficult life can be for people, especially the elderly I think, who don't have photographic ID.  (Apparently they won't be able to vote in the 2024 General Election without it.)

I've now ascertained there is a birth certificate on file for my BIL, but before ordering one and going through the rigmarole of him having to get his photograph taken and then finding someone to sign it to verify it's actually him, I thought it might be easier to order a replacement bus pass in the hope that would be acceptable, which I did this morning.

If BIL didn't live over 100 miles from me, wasn't fiercely independent, and didn't have a filing system which consists of piles of paper stuffed into random cupboards and drawers, this would be a lot easier. 

DancingBadger

By sheer fluke we found my BIL's driving licence, and I now have my sister's Will.  

There were three executors named in the Will - my BIL, his sister, and me.  BIL's sister has died and BIL wishes to step back and let me deal with the Probate application.  

I downloaded Form PA15 (which I think is the correct one) and BIL has signed it in front of one of his neighbours.  I might have missed it, but I couldn't see on the Government website what I should do with this form, and also how to notify them about the deceased executor.  Could someone please advise what I do next?

RAS

You'll need a copy of the death certificate for BIL's sister.