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Have you ever wondered why lenders ask for proof of Identification (ID) & address?
Have you ever struggled to supply the correct documents?
Advocate Finance is here to help!
What is Proof of Identification (ID) & Address
When applying for a mortgage/loan, lenders will ask for some standard requirements to prove who you are and where you live.
Proof cannot be used to cover proof of address and ID; you will need to supply 1 for each.
• Proof of address is needed to prove that you live at the address you stated.
• Proof of ID is required to confirm your identity (it proves you are who you say you are).
Lenders require these documents to perform their anti-money laundering checks and to keep them on file for their compliance purposes (it’s a standard practice performed by all lenders).
Here at Advocate Finance, we need these documents on file to comply with UK law.
Acceptable Proof of Address for a Mortgage/Loan
Proof of address must be valid and up to date. Most lenders ask for a document dated within the last three months, except council tax bills, which are issued annually.
If there is more than one applicant on the application, they will both need to provide separate documents, as one document cannot be used for multiple applicants.
Here’s a list of acceptable proof of address documents* (depending on the lender).
IMPORTANT: The certified document should be an original, not an internet / online copy. It is easy and quick to phone the document provider to post an original copy to your home address, which can then be certified.
| • Bank or Building Society Statement |
| • Council Tax Bill |
| • Utility Bill (Gas, Electricity & Water) |
| • Credit Card Statement |
| • Sky or Cable TV Bills |
| • Landline Telephone Bill (not a mobile phone bill) |
| • Mortgage Statement |
| • Life Insurance Policy (must be outside of the cancellation period) |
| • Motor Insurance Certificate (must be outside of the cancellation period – do not accept cover notes) |
| • HMRC documentation (PAYE Coding Notice/Tax Notification/Self-Assessment/Statement of Account/NI contributions bill). |
| • Notification letter from Benefits Agency/Local Authority confirming your right to benefits (Department for Works and Pensions, Job Centre Plus, Benefits Agency or Veterans Agency) |
Acceptable Proof of ID for a Mortgage/Loan
Here’s a list of the proofs that are acceptable forms of ID.
| • Valid UK/EU Passport |
| • Valid UK/EU Driving Licence |
| • Valid Non-UK/EU Passport with supporting proof of permission to reside/work in the UK |
| • HM Forces / Police officers photo card. |
Certified Copies of Proof of Address & ID
Lenders sometimes ask for the ID or address to be certified.
Professionals can certify if they have seen the original document or have the software to verify it’s authenticity electronically.
The person certifying must write this statement, followed by their full name, position & company, date, and regulated body and must wet sign them (not electronically).
“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”
Or, if the lender requests a TRUE LIKENESS certification (for documents with a photo of you), the person certifying will need to see the original document alongside yourself in person and write the statement below.
“I certify that this is a true likeness of NAME and I have seen the original document.”
Which Professionals can Certify these Documents?
It is generally the professionals from the list below, but it can be other professionals. Please contact us if you are unsure:
- Solicitor / Barrister
- Accountant
- Bank
- Post office – To find out more about this service click here
- Mortgage or Finance broker that is regulated by the FCA
How can Advocate Finance help?
If you’re looking to purchase/refinance an investment property or if you need a loan to help with refurbishments before letting the property out, Advocate Finance are specialist brokers with years of experience within the BTL industry.
We provide a FREE assessment on all our services.
Please contact us directly for more information, or use the Get in Touch With Us Today feature at the bottom of this page.
