I want to swap banks but have no photo ID. Quickest solution?

T8T

Aged 60+, but no passport, because I’ve never been outside the UK, and driving license is the old paper style.

A quick google suggests an upgraded photo ID driving license, might suffice, but looks like a passport, would be required. Passport looks to be a 10 week process. I guess that’s the route I’ve got to take, unless someone knows a quicker workaround?

Currently with Barclays, but looking to swap to Starling or Monzo or First Direct or Atom.

Dizzycap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6672542/i-want-to-swap-banks-but-have-no-photo-id-quickest-solution

If you do not have a photo ID, banks will generally allow you to use a combination of non-photographic ID and proof of address. Alternative Proof of Identity (Choose 1 or 2):

• Valid older-style UK paper driving license
• Birth certificate
• Notification letter from the DWP confirming benefits
• HMRC documentation or tax notification
• A letter from your GP, social landlord, vicar, care home manager, or a homeless shelter

Proof of Address (Must be recent, usually under 3 months old):

• Council tax bill or tenancy agreement
• Utility bill (gas or electricity)
• Letter from your employer, college, or training provider [1]

Specialist Providers

Many high-street banks (like NatWest and Royal Bank of Scotland) have alternative document routes or basic account options. Some digital-first providers and agencies can also help facilitate a basic bank account with alternative checks if you lack traditional documents.

***Having said all that, I ended up getting a passport just for proof of ID which I'll never use for travel, but does the job for ID proof, although rather an expensive option:-(

friolento

TBH, your best choice would be to invest in a passport as this will save you from a lot of potential hassle. Second best option is a full DL. Once you got one of these, you can re-use for other purposes, such as more current account switches (many banks pay you to do this 😎) and creating a UK Government account to check / manage things like your state pension.

PRAISETHESUN

You could upgrade your paper licence to a photocard version, but long term you'd probably want a passport even if you have no intention to travel. If your licence were revoked or otherwise taken away, then you'd be back in the same situation you are in now.

Abbafan1972

I thought it was mandatory now to change driving licences to the photo one?

Section62

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035225#Comment_82035225

Only if you need to change details, or the paper licence expires (which it usually does when the holder turns 70).

Swapping from paper to photo does involve getting someone qualified to sign to say you are the person in the photo, and you'll need original ID documents. Costs vary according to method (e.g. free if you need to change address) so there are ways to (legally) save money if your circumstances fit a cheaper option.

I've not had a problem with banks having only a photo driving licence and not a passport, I wouldn't pay the extra for a passport unless a photo driving licence was reasonably refused as ID.

Keep_pedalling

A photo driving licence should be fine.

Ergates

You can save the £20 it costs to replace the paper driving license by moving house at the same time.

libra10

@T8T "Passport looks to be a 10 week process."

If you decide to obtain a new passport, I obtained one several months ago (through Post Office system), and it only took around 2 to 3 weeks before received.

Rudyson

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82035685#Comment_82035685

I'll second that. Applied online, had photo taken at a branch of Timpsons, who submit it for you, and had the passport two weeks to the day after applying, and that included a bank holiday. Email updates at every stage: application received, approved, sent to printers, put in post etc.

Nasqueron

If applying online ensure you are on the official sites not the clone/copy ones that don't have .gov.uk address