Photo id for ISA mandatory?

masonic

eskbanker said:

masonic said:

eskbanker said:

happybagger said:

mills112 said:

 like everywhere else in the world,

Interesting comment...are you sure?

Indeed:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_identity_card_policies_by_country#Countries_with_no_identity_cards

A shorter list than I would have guessed.

Me too, although it's immediately preceded by those who have voluntary ones, including the sizable populations of India, USA, Mexico, etc, plus the largest European nations:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_identity_card_policies_by_country#Countries_with_non-compulsory_identity_cards

Reading some of those descriptions I can see some of these schemes are not so easy to pigeonhole! We'll no doubt end up in the middle list given the way the criteria have been applied to other countries.

BreakingGlass

MichaelAP said:

Kim_13 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Kim_13 said:

friolento said:

artyboy said:

badger09 said:

caper7 said:

I don't mind at all Nat West implementing whatever level of id verification they want, I just want to check if it's true that it's a mandatory UK regulation, given other banks have not requested photo id for an ISA.

Photo ID is not ‘a mandatory UK regulation’ for opening an ISA.  

Indeed, it's an anachronistic, if not downright disingenuous statement from Natwest. The law does not require it. Their own internal risk processes might require it. 

When it comes to KYC, banks have a tendency to blame the law for their own inflexible, outdated, or just excessively risk averse processes. It's like some sort of trump card they think no one will call BS on. Most of the time they are right.

What is inflexible, outdated or excessively risk averse about Government issued photo ID? Most countries in the world, including the UK, issue some form of it, as a convenient means for citizens to provide proof of their ID where required.

As of January 2026, there are approximately 42.9 million full driving licences held by drivers in the UK, the vast majority of which now are of the photo-ID variety. About 86% of the UK population holds at least one passport. That's around 58 million passports. Only about approximately 2.1 to 3.5 million UK adults (roughly 4% to 8% of the electorate) do not hold a valid passport or a driving licence. Whilst there is no law that requires you to produce a photo ID to your bank when applying for an ISA or other financial product, it seems the easiest document with which to prove you are who you say you are.

I can't see how insistence on photo ID could be seen as anything other than excessively risk averse and inflexible, since alternatives are refused no matter how many items you can provide to support that you are who you say you are. If it is good enough to vote with, it ought to be good enough to open an ISA (which would include accepting an out of date passport where the holder can be recognised from the photo or a proof of name change where this applies - it's full fee to change a name on a passport, but free on a driving licence, so most will leave the former until they actually need to get a new one.)

While I see the logic for a selfie, these are more likely to cause an issue for people with esotrophia for instance, if they are unable to look straight ahead sufficiently for the technology's satisfaction. Whatever adjustments might be in place for people in issuing the ID, there is no workaround if you cannot capture an acceptable selfie. Some might allow you to have whatever you can capture submitted to a human for checking eventually, but it is not unheard of for an application to be thrown out if the selfie doesn't go smoothly.

The only thing it isn't is outdated, since as you say, most people have one or the other. Photo ID is a convenient way to prove you are who you say you are - if you have one. 

In this case, I suspect that it is just the way NatWest have decided to do things. Saying it is legislation will shut the issue down the vast majority of the time - there is no point complaining to the bank about that, since they don't get a choice in legislation. This is taken from their page for Fixed Rate ISAs: 

"To open Fixed Rate ISAs, we’ll need your email address and mobile number. You can get started:

On our mobile app

Online

By telephone (for existing customers only)

In branch. Bring along your own digital device, such as a mobile or tablet. Our staff will then help you to open the account yourself"

The fact they ask for a digital device to be brought along suggests the branch option is only there for those who struggle with online, and that they will be following that process - not so they can check and accept other forms of ID. The online process keeps their costs down and their Fixed Rate ISAs have more favourable terms than many others, so it is probably how they fund those. You could try opening a different product in branch first with alternative ID, then an ISA application may go through as an existing customer. I wasn't asked for any when I applied as an existing customer 2.5 years ago.

It may be risk adverse but it is not excessively risk adverse, it may be inflexible but it is not excessively inflexible. 

The aversion that some people have to photo ID is frankly bizarre.

Opinions will vary on whether something is excessive.

I don't have an aversion to photo ID, but I do take exception people being expected to pay for something if they don't need it for any other purpose (i.e. they have no intention to travel or drive.) Especially since those who don't meet the medical standards to be issued with a driving licence through no fault of their own are then expected to get a passport, which is considerably more expensive. Those people automatically qualify for a bus pass.

The ID that someone can provide should be considered on a case by case basis to avoid excluding vulnerable people.

100% agree with you Kim_13
I am a severely disabled ex-serviceman who no longer can drive and the art of travel is a huge effort. As such. I have no travel requirement for a Passport or Driving License.
However, the times I have been asked to provide photo verification when they will not accept anything other than the two mentioned devices above is insulting to say the least.
I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.
I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

Have you got hold of a Veterans Card and tried using that for anything, including financial matters such as opening accounts?  According to the government it's supposed to be a 'case study' for wider ID role out.  So far I have only used mine to vote at the last local elections, and that was primarily to educate the polling station staff as they hadn't seen one before!

friolento

happybagger said:

 
,,,,,even that is not sufficient for some providers, who seem to insist on moving selfies.
  

A still selfie image doesn't prove that the person who uploaded the image is the person in the selfie. Therefore many companies are now asking for a short video. 

mills112

eskbanker said:

mills112 said:
the government had proposed ID card for everyone many years ago, like everywhere else in the world, but it did not receive public support as it was expensive per person.

My recollection is that public objections were more around principles, such as privacy and civil liberties, rather than cost?

i remember it was about cost as it was quite expensive per person.  yes, privacy and civil liberties was probably part of the upset, but it said that for a family of 5, the costs was quite a lot.

mills112

friolento said:

happybagger said:

 
,,,,,even that is not sufficient for some providers, who seem to insist on moving selfies.
  

A still selfie image doesn't prove that the person who uploaded the image is the person in the selfie. Therefore many companies are now asking for a short video. 

yeah, they do a selfie video rather than just one selfie.  it makes sense i suppose.

mills112

Section62 said:

x44 said:

MichaelAP said:

I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.

I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

I recently help someone apply online for a Blue Badge (this was one of the councils that have their own system) and the requirements for photo ID were quite clear. I ended up scanning their driving licence and uploading it to meet the council's requirements - and take a new photo of them for the actual image to appear on the Blue Badge.

Councils shouldn't insist on photo ID (passport/driving licence) because (as already discussed in the thread) some people don't have them, and people needing a blue badge are more likely to be in the group not having a driving licence or passport.

They should always provide a range of alternative channels for confirming ID/verifying the photograph.

x44 said:

I suppose it figures - you want a blue badge so you can park nearby so you obviously must have a driving licence!

You don't have to drive to get a blue badge.  And children as young as 3 (younger in exceptional cases) are eligible. 

mills112 said:

...
and obviously, anyone who drives, will have the driving licence.

Bit of an assumption.  Also many people have a non-photo driving licence, and unless the government legislates otherwise this will continue for several more decades.

if you have a non photo driving licence, it would make sense to change it to a photo one as that costs something like £20 isn't it?  that is cheaper than getting a passport if you only need it for ID purposes and you can't do anything without photo ID these days.

in fact a photo ID as well as a selfie is often needed now.

MichaelAP

BreakingGlass said:

MichaelAP said:

Kim_13 said:

MattMattMattUK said:

Kim_13 said:

friolento said:

artyboy said:

badger09 said:

caper7 said:

I don't mind at all Nat West implementing whatever level of id verification they want, I just want to check if it's true that it's a mandatory UK regulation, given other banks have not requested photo id for an ISA.

Photo ID is not ‘a mandatory UK regulation’ for opening an ISA.  

Indeed, it's an anachronistic, if not downright disingenuous statement from Natwest. The law does not require it. Their own internal risk processes might require it. 

When it comes to KYC, banks have a tendency to blame the law for their own inflexible, outdated, or just excessively risk averse processes. It's like some sort of trump card they think no one will call BS on. Most of the time they are right.

What is inflexible, outdated or excessively risk averse about Government issued photo ID? Most countries in the world, including the UK, issue some form of it, as a convenient means for citizens to provide proof of their ID where required.

As of January 2026, there are approximately 42.9 million full driving licences held by drivers in the UK, the vast majority of which now are of the photo-ID variety. About 86% of the UK population holds at least one passport. That's around 58 million passports. Only about approximately 2.1 to 3.5 million UK adults (roughly 4% to 8% of the electorate) do not hold a valid passport or a driving licence. Whilst there is no law that requires you to produce a photo ID to your bank when applying for an ISA or other financial product, it seems the easiest document with which to prove you are who you say you are.

I can't see how insistence on photo ID could be seen as anything other than excessively risk averse and inflexible, since alternatives are refused no matter how many items you can provide to support that you are who you say you are. If it is good enough to vote with, it ought to be good enough to open an ISA (which would include accepting an out of date passport where the holder can be recognised from the photo or a proof of name change where this applies - it's full fee to change a name on a passport, but free on a driving licence, so most will leave the former until they actually need to get a new one.)

While I see the logic for a selfie, these are more likely to cause an issue for people with esotrophia for instance, if they are unable to look straight ahead sufficiently for the technology's satisfaction. Whatever adjustments might be in place for people in issuing the ID, there is no workaround if you cannot capture an acceptable selfie. Some might allow you to have whatever you can capture submitted to a human for checking eventually, but it is not unheard of for an application to be thrown out if the selfie doesn't go smoothly.

The only thing it isn't is outdated, since as you say, most people have one or the other. Photo ID is a convenient way to prove you are who you say you are - if you have one. 

In this case, I suspect that it is just the way NatWest have decided to do things. Saying it is legislation will shut the issue down the vast majority of the time - there is no point complaining to the bank about that, since they don't get a choice in legislation. This is taken from their page for Fixed Rate ISAs: 

"To open Fixed Rate ISAs, we’ll need your email address and mobile number. You can get started:

On our mobile app

Online

By telephone (for existing customers only)

In branch. Bring along your own digital device, such as a mobile or tablet. Our staff will then help you to open the account yourself"

The fact they ask for a digital device to be brought along suggests the branch option is only there for those who struggle with online, and that they will be following that process - not so they can check and accept other forms of ID. The online process keeps their costs down and their Fixed Rate ISAs have more favourable terms than many others, so it is probably how they fund those. You could try opening a different product in branch first with alternative ID, then an ISA application may go through as an existing customer. I wasn't asked for any when I applied as an existing customer 2.5 years ago.

It may be risk adverse but it is not excessively risk adverse, it may be inflexible but it is not excessively inflexible. 

The aversion that some people have to photo ID is frankly bizarre.

Opinions will vary on whether something is excessive.

I don't have an aversion to photo ID, but I do take exception people being expected to pay for something if they don't need it for any other purpose (i.e. they have no intention to travel or drive.) Especially since those who don't meet the medical standards to be issued with a driving licence through no fault of their own are then expected to get a passport, which is considerably more expensive. Those people automatically qualify for a bus pass.

The ID that someone can provide should be considered on a case by case basis to avoid excluding vulnerable people.

100% agree with you Kim_13
I am a severely disabled ex-serviceman who no longer can drive and the art of travel is a huge effort. As such. I have no travel requirement for a Passport or Driving License.
However, the times I have been asked to provide photo verification when they will not accept anything other than the two mentioned devices above is insulting to say the least.
I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.
I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

Have you got hold of a Veterans Card and tried using that for anything, including financial matters such as opening accounts?  According to the government it's supposed to be a 'case study' for wider ID role out.  So far I have only used mine to vote at the last local elections, and that was primarily to educate the polling station staff as they hadn't seen one before!

Thanks…. Yes I have the Veterans Card. Unfortunately on all the occasions requiring photo ID they only give / allow options of either Passport, Euro Card or Driving License. Tried telling them I have other means of photo ID but it’s a fat blank reply. Thanks again for your support.

MichaelAP

x44 said:

MichaelAP said:

I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.

I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

I recently help someone apply online for a Blue Badge (this was one of the councils that have their own system) and the requirements for photo ID were quite clear. I ended up scanning their driving licence and uploading it to meet the council's requirements - and take a new photo of them for the actual image to appear on the Blue Badge. I suppose it figures - you want a blue badge so you can park nearby so you obviously must have a driving licence!

Just for comparison the UK passports last 10 years and costs £94. Estonia has the most integrated and compulsory ID system in existance and their ID costs £35 for residents and lasts for 5 years so £70 equivalent every 10 years - which is not far off our passport cost - except for Estonain citizens paying for their ID is mandatory: don't like it - tough sh*t: pay up!

Firstly, as I mentioned above; I can no longer drive. As such I do not hold a driving license. My blue badge is used for whoever transports me in THEIR vehicle.

Secondly, In reference to your last remark “ don’t like it - tough sh*t: pay up!
That is one of the most condescending remarks I have heard. That simple remark of yours sums up the attitude of those who do not understand people in the same situation as myself. We should not be forced to purchase something which will not be used for it’s desired requirement. Medically I will NEVER be able to travel.

Ocelot

MichaelAP said:

x44 said:

MichaelAP said:

I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.

I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

I recently help someone apply online for a Blue Badge (this was one of the councils that have their own system) and the requirements for photo ID were quite clear. I ended up scanning their driving licence and uploading it to meet the council's requirements - and take a new photo of them for the actual image to appear on the Blue Badge. I suppose it figures - you want a blue badge so you can park nearby so you obviously must have a driving licence!

Just for comparison the UK passports last 10 years and costs £94. Estonia has the most integrated and compulsory ID system in existance and their ID costs £35 for residents and lasts for 5 years so £70 equivalent every 10 years - which is not far off our passport cost - except for Estonain citizens paying for their ID is mandatory: don't like it - tough sh*t: pay up!

Firstly, as I mentioned above; I can no longer drive. As such I do not hold a driving license. My blue badge is used for whoever transports me in THEIR vehicle.

Secondly, In reference to your last remark “ don’t like it - tough sh*t: pay up!
That is one of the most condescending remarks I have heard. That simple remark of yours sums up the attitude of those who do not understand people in the same situation as myself. We should not be forced to purchase something which will not be used for it’s desired requirement. Medically I will NEVER be able to travel.

Far be it from me to intervene, but I suspect that x44's last sentence isn't a reference to your situation, but an example of how it is for Estonians?

mills112

MichaelAP said:

x44 said:

MichaelAP said:

I am told to go purchase a Passport just to identify myself……. Why should I? Why on earth should I purchase a Passport when I have no desire for travel simply to appease those with such shortsighted methods.

I have a Blue Badge card that has my photo but no…. It is not allowed.

I recently help someone apply online for a Blue Badge (this was one of the councils that have their own system) and the requirements for photo ID were quite clear. I ended up scanning their driving licence and uploading it to meet the council's requirements - and take a new photo of them for the actual image to appear on the Blue Badge. I suppose it figures - you want a blue badge so you can park nearby so you obviously must have a driving licence!

Just for comparison the UK passports last 10 years and costs £94. Estonia has the most integrated and compulsory ID system in existance and their ID costs £35 for residents and lasts for 5 years so £70 equivalent every 10 years - which is not far off our passport cost - except for Estonain citizens paying for their ID is mandatory: don't like it - tough sh*t: pay up!

Firstly, as I mentioned above; I can no longer drive. As such I do not hold a driving license. My blue badge is used for whoever transports me in THEIR vehicle.

Secondly, In reference to your last remark “ don’t like it - tough sh*t: pay up!
That is one of the most condescending remarks I have heard. That simple remark of yours sums up the attitude of those who do not understand people in the same situation as myself. We should not be forced to purchase something which will not be used for it’s desired requirement. Medically I will NEVER be able to travel.

they should allow people who don't need a passport or have a driving licence, the opportunity to buy an ID card, but unfortunately they don't do that so the alternative is to get a passport.

although i read on the news that they are going to introduce digital ID card soon, which you need to get a job, so that may be the way forward.