Verifying your identity
To open a new savings account for you, we need to verify your identity – even if you are an existing customer. To do this, we use an electronic verification system, and if this is successful, that's all we need to do. However in certain cases (for example if you are not listed on the electoral roll or you have recently moved house) we may need additional proof of identity. We may not be able to open an account for you unless suitable proof of name and address is provided.
Why do we need to verify your identity?
We have a responsibility to verify the identity of each applicant under regulations for prevention of financial crime and money laundering. Visit the Financial Services Authority (FSA) website for 
more information.
Documents we will accept
Below is a list of documents that we will accept as additional proof of identity.
We need to see one proof of name document and one proof of address document if you are applying in person at a branch. We will also need an additional third item from either list for postal applications.
Proof of name:
- Current signed passport (UK or foreign)
- Current EU or UK (full/provisional) photocard driving licence or full UK Driving Licence (old style)
- HM Revenue & Customs PAYE Tax Notification letter, SA302, SA310, issued in the last 12 months
- Other documents acceptable...
- Residence permit issued by Home Office to EU National on sight of own Country passport
- EU member state ID card
- Armed Forces ID card
- Original notification letter from a Benefits Agency confirming right to benefits issued in the last 12 months
- Signed Employers photo ID card
- Firearms Certificate
- Foreign National ID Card
Proof of address:
- Utility Bill showing current address (not a mobile phone bill) issued in the last 3 months
- Council Tax Bill issued in the last 12 months
- Bank/Building Society Statement showing current address issued in the last 3 months
- Other documents acceptable...
- HM Revenue & Customs PAYE Tax Notification letter, SA302, SA310, issued in the last 12 months
- Letter from Bank/Building Society confirming addresses and dates issued in the last 3 months
- Letter from commanding officer or military unit confirming residency in service quarters issued in the last 3 months
- Letter from college/university confirming in-house residency and dates issued in the last 3 months
- Letter from employer confirming residency in hospital accommodation (Medical Doctors Only) issued in the last 3 months
- Local Council rent card
- Correspondence from Local Authority over tenancy/Local Authority Tenancy Agreement
- Current EU or UK (full/provisional) photocard driving licence or full UK Driving Licence (old style)
- Credit Union Statement issued in the last 3 months
- Building Society Passbook showing current address
- Credit Card Statement showing current address issued in the last 3 months
- Mortgage Statement (most recent) from a recognised lender issued in the last 12 months
- Original notification of right to benefits from Benefits Agency (not a photocopy) issued in the last 12 months
- Current Post Office Re-Direction Letter
- Letter from solicitors confirming house purchase issued in the last 3 months
Please send original documents unless these are valuable documents such as passports, driving licence, ID cards or certificates. Copies of these valuable documents are only acceptable if they are certified by solicitors, accountants or bank/building society staff. Certified copies must include the full name, profession, business address and telephone number for the certifying party. The words "certified true copy" must be written or stamped on the documents, which should then be signed and dated by the certifying party. A document will not be accepted if any of this information is missing.
All communications with us may be monitored/recorded to improve the quality of our service and for your protection and security. Copies or details of Proof of Identity will be taken and retained by the Society.
Call us on 0845 1 200 100*
