Certifying ID docs for a bank

43722

flaneurs_lobster said:

43722 said:

some solicitors will do this for £5-£10, it might be worth ringing a couple

Really? I thought the days of Tenner in Cash for an Affidavit (or similar) were long gone.

Even my GP charges £30 for doc ids these days.  

To clarify. Earlier this year I presented my ID documents at a local solicitor for certification. The cost was £5, in cash. The chap explained that the cash went to charity, and that they did not want to open a new account for simple transactions. A relative got their ID documents certified by another firm for nothing in the same week. I am not suggesting that all solicitors provide this service, I suggested that ringing round a couple might pay off. 

PRAISETHESUN

I'm surprised you can't get it done at your local Barclays branch, especially given they are the ones requesting the ID documents. Rather than asking them to "certify documents" instead rephrase it as "you asked me to present ID documents in branch, so here I am". I've never had issues getting ID documents certified by bank branch staff for internal bank use.

Also, IMO it's best to come prepared with copies you've already prepared. I have had one instance where the bank staff copied my ID on their ancient photocopier and then it got rejected for being "of unsuitable quality" even though they are the ones who sighted and copied it. I went back with higher resolution colour photocopies and they were happy to recertify them for their own use, but it did mean a second trip to the bank to get it sorted.

subjecttocontract

I usually send originals because it's easier. Look through the list and send the most obscure....Recently I got away with sending an HMRC document and a bank/credit card bill. Doesn't matter if I never see the documents again.

Cloth_of_Gold

Thanks for all the comments. I was quoted £50 by a solicitor to do it but went to the branch to see if this would be easier - and free. Perhaps because it's school holidays and lots of people are away, the branch was very quiet. I was seen immediately by a very pleasant and helpful member of staff. They checked my passport and ID and just confimed it on their computer system - no copies taken. They submitted the claim for me, electronically, and said if there are any issues the relevant section will write to me, otherwise the money will be transferred into the account I nominated to receive the funds, probably in about 2 weeks. 

I'm hoping they don't want to see originals of the countersignatory's ID becasue he has moved overseas, so that will be tricky. I don't want to have to wait months for him to be on a trip back as this will delay things but we'll just have to see. 

flaneurs_lobster

Cloth_of_Gold said:

Perhaps because it's school holidays and lots of people are away, the branch was very quiet. I was seen immediately by a very pleasant and helpful member of staff. 

Always been my experience when I've turned up at a branch of pretty much anything. Staff always seem keen to help, despite websites trying their best to promote online resources or, if very persistent, making an appointment for weeks ahead. 

Have had to play the "slightly bewildered older person" card to get past the gatekeeper/ATM cheerleader on occasion but not very often.

Of course, living in a location with a branch of pretty much all the national brands still available helps a lot. 

born_again

Cloth_of_Gold said:

I had a Barclays business account in my name for an association that I am involved with. The account wasn't used for some time and so the bank closed it. In order for them to send me the funds that were in the account I have to send, among other things, certified copies of two pieces of ID. It says these can be certified by a professional such as a solicitor or an accountant or by a member of Barclays branch staff. 

A friend of mine who is dealing with her late father's estate was askedWhen my friend went to a branch the staff initially said they didn't certify documents but did eventually relent, but reluctantly as a 'one-off' even though my friend showed them the letter from another part of Barclays saying the ID had to be certified by a branch.

I could get a solicitor or accountant to do it but I imagine that would cost me £50 at least, which I don't want to pay, especially as it's not my own money I will be recovering. Does anyone know if my friend's experience was unusual or do Barclays branches normally certify documents if it has been requested by another part of their company? 

Alos, does the certifyer have to make the copies or can you take in copies youself for them to certify?

Go to branch with originals & they will copy them onto the account.
Pointless going to the trouble of getting copies certified if going to branch.

Cloth_of_Gold

born_again said:

Cloth_of_Gold said:

I had a Barclays business account in my name for an association that I am involved with. The account wasn't used for some time and so the bank closed it. In order for them to send me the funds that were in the account I have to send, among other things, certified copies of two pieces of ID. It says these can be certified by a professional such as a solicitor or an accountant or by a member of Barclays branch staff. 

A friend of mine who is dealing with her late father's estate was askedWhen my friend went to a branch the staff initially said they didn't certify documents but did eventually relent, but reluctantly as a 'one-off' even though my friend showed them the letter from another part of Barclays saying the ID had to be certified by a branch.

I could get a solicitor or accountant to do it but I imagine that would cost me £50 at least, which I don't want to pay, especially as it's not my own money I will be recovering. Does anyone know if my friend's experience was unusual or do Barclays branches normally certify documents if it has been requested by another part of their company? 

Alos, does the certifyer have to make the copies or can you take in copies youself for them to certify?

Go to branch with originals & they will copy them onto the account.
Pointless going to the trouble of getting copies certified if going to branch.

As you will see, that's what I did. 

43722

Excellent money saving discussion and actions here.  I salute your courage, your strength, your indefatigability.

Cloth_of_Gold

Well, that was too good to be true. I have now received a letter saying that they want certified copies of my ID (and for a form to be completed. What was the point of my taking my ID into the bank and supplying all the information the form requires, as their website said I could? They also want the coutersignatory to sign a form. He is now living in the far east so that is going to slow things down. What a palaver.