When you open an account, by law we need to verify your identity and address. We will try and do this electronically but if we can’t you will need to provide some documents that will help us to. The list of acceptable documents you can use are listed below.
Two forms of identification are needed, one for Proof of Identity plus one for Proof of Address.
Options when providing ID
- You can upload your documents whilst completing your online application. If you consent to use biometric data and take a selfie, these documents do not need to be certified.
- You can upload your documents whilst completing your online application. If you choose to use our Document Uploader, these documents must be Certified.
- You can visit one of our local branches in NI and bring your original documents with you. These documents do not need to be certified. There is no need for an appointment.
Certification
We don’t need you to send us your original documents. Our Northern Ireland branch staff can certify copies from an original or you can go to one of the following:
- UK/ROI Registered Accountant
- Practising Legal Professional e.g. Solicitor, Barrister
- Commissioner of Oats/ Notary Public, Justice of the Peace
- Embassy/ Government Official
(You may be charged a fee depending on who you ask to certify your documents).
If you would like to open an account with us you will need to:
| 1. Complete an application | Apply online |
| 2. Prove your identity and address | We will try to do this electronically. If we are unable to, you will have to provide some documents to help us to verify your identity and address. See below for the full list of acceptable documents. This will show you the documents we will accept to prove your identity |
Acceptable documents for Online Application
Proof of Identity
| Document Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Passport (all countries) | Current, Valid. Not more than 10 years old |
| EU National Identity Card | Current and Valid Photographic with date of birth |
| EU/EEA Passport Travel Card | Current and Valid Not more than 5 years old |
| UK Driving Licence – Full or Provisional | Photocard only Current and Valid Not more than 10 years old |
| Irish Driving Licence – Full or Provisional | Photocard only Current and Valid Not more than 3 years old |
|
In addition to the above documents, we can also accept the following providing: 1. You are bringing the original documents to a branch in NI or 2. These documents have been certified. |
|
| UK Biometric Residency Permit | Current and Valid |
| EU/EEA/US/Canada/Australia Full Photo Card Driving Licence | Current and Valid No more than 10 years old |
| Electoral ID Card (NI Only) | Valid and in date |
| Current Firearms Certificate or Shotgun Licence | Valid and in date |
Proof of Address
| Document Type | Valid From |
|---|---|
| Original/electronic** household utility bill e.g. gas, electric, home phone/broadband, waste and water charges (not mobile phone or dongle contracts) | Dated within the last 6 months |
| Original HMRC/Revenue Commissioner correspondence, e.g. Tax Coding, etc. (excluding P60/P45/ National Insurance No correspondence) * | Dated within the last 6 months |
| Original/Electronic** financial institution statement from a regulated service provider e.g. Bank / Building Society / Credit Card / Credit Union statement | Dated within the last 6 months |
| UCAS letter confirmation of course acceptance and statement of application correspondence (3rd level students only) | Dated within the last 6 months |
| Current original correspondence from DWP/Department of Social Welfare relating to benefits/pension or social welfare claim* | Dated within the last 6 months |
| Current original letter from Government Dept/Agency relating to grants/entitlements | Dated within the last 6 months |
| UK/EU/EEA/USA/Canadian/Australian Photo card Driving Licence* | Not more than 10 years old |
| Current property tax | Dated within last 12 months |
| UK Local Authority Correspondence (e.g. rates / council tax) | Dated within last 12 months |
| Current original motor tax | Dated within last 12 months |
| Current original health/home/car insurance (must have access detailed) | Dated within last 12 months |
| Electoral Register search through a credit reference agency* | Unless using Electoral ID Card for identity |
*You cannot use the same document for Proof of Identity and Proof of Address. For example, if you have used your Driving Licence as Proof of Identity you cannot use this as your Proof of Address as well. You would need to use a different document such as a Utility Bill or any others listed above as Proof of Address.
** Electronic or digital versions of bills and statements can only be accepted where a passport, driving licence or EU ID card is provided as Proof of Identity. All documents produced by customers must be originals.