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UK Proof of identity and address

What you need to open a bank account

Opening a bank account

If you're looking to open a bank account it's important to understand what you'll need to do it. This guide covers the types of documents you're likely to get asked for, and where you can find them. 

What do I need to open a bank account in the UK?

When you're applying for a bank account in the UK, you'll usually be asked for proof of address and proof of your identity. There are different types of documents that different banks accept for you to prove where you live and who you are.  Are you new to the UK?

Proof of ID

Identification is needed to prove you are who you say you are. This can include:
  • Your passport
  • A Full or Provisional UK Driving Licence (you can often use this to prove both your identity and address)
  • An EU ID card

How do you provide proof of ID when applying online?

Proof of address

Your bank will need to check your address, so they know where to send statements and any other information. Proof of address can include:
  • A recent utility bill
  • A recent bank statement
  • Tax documents
  • A Full or Provisional UK Driving Licence

How do you provide proof of address when applying online?

Why do banks ask for proof of ID and address?

It's important that banks work hard on processes that help prevent money laundering. This is when criminals try to disguise money that has been made illegally, to use it for their own future purposes.

To do this, criminals often attempt to open a bank account using fake or stolen ID. We try to stop this by verifying all of our new customers as genuine, by asking for proof of identity and often current address.

If you are applying online, we try our best to complete this electronically, using our security partners DigiDocs or HooYu, so the process is as easy as possible for you. This is why we ask you to have your ID at hand before you begin your application.

How do I prove my identity online?

We want to get your account up and running as soon as possible, so, if we can, we'll ask you to upload some documents as part of your application.

This is important, as it helps us check you are who you say you are.

We'll probably ask for;

Photo ID, such as: driving licence, passport or EU ID card

A short video or selfie to compare with your photo ID 

We might also need to see a proof of address, such as: a driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or tax document

Please make sure the documents you use exactly match the information you enter in your application.

If you don't have your documents with you, you can select to do this later. Once you've finished your application look out for an email and text from us and our security partners, HooYu or DigiDocs

If you're under 18, we may need some additional information. Please refer to 'What ID do I need if I'm under 18?' for guidance. 

Documents we can accept

The quickest way to get an account is to apply online, but if you haven't got the documents for online ID, we accept others when you return your documents to one of our branches or send them in the post to us. You'll need one item to confirm your identity and another document that we can accept as proof of your address. You may, however, use your Full or Provisional UK Driving Licence as proof of both your identity and address.

Documents we can accept in branch and by post:

Are you new to the UK?

If you're new to the UK or are arriving soon, you'll need to know your new UK address before applying, and enter this during your application. Once you've applied, we'll ask you for proof of identity and proof of UK address, which we'll need to verify before we open your account. 

Working in the UK

You may find it easier to get one of the following proof of address documents and apply online.
  • HMRC notification of National Insurance number​
  • HMRC notification of tax coding​
  • Visit the UK government website if you'd like more information on obtaining a HMRC document
  • Bank statement from an existing bank which is now addressed to your new UK address (this does not need to be from a UK bank)​

See which ID document we accept

International student

You may find it easier and quicker to obtain one of the following proof of address documents and apply online.
  • HMRC notification of National Insurance number​
  • HMRC notification of tax coding​
  • Visit the UK government website if you'd like more information on obtaining a HMRC document.  
  • Bank statement from an existing bank which is now addressed to your new UK address (this does not need to be from a UK bank)​
  • If you have lived in the UK for more than 3 years, you'll be eligible to apply for our student account.

Asylum Seeker

If you're an Asylum Seeker and are looking to open an account with us, please visit your local branch so they can help you complete an application.

You can use your ARC (Application Registration Card)  as proof of ID, so take this with you along with proof of address if you have this. Take a look at our list of acceptable documents to know what we can accept as proof of address.  

Open a bank account online

If you've got your proof of identity and proof of address documents ready, you can apply for a bank account online today. Take a look at the accounts we offer:

Our everyday current account

Our Select account is a basic bank account that gives you everything you need for your day-to-day banking needs:
  • Monthly fee free banking
  • Take care of your bank account on the go with our mobile app and Online Banking. Criteria apply. 
  • Pay however you like with Apple pay, Google Pay™ and contactless . Limits apply. 

To apply, you need to be 18+ and a UK resident.

Reward current account

With the Reward bank account, for a £2 fee you could:
  • Earn up to £5 a month back in Rewards
  • Redeem your Rewards as cashback, gift-cards or e-codes with a range of retailers
  • Even donate your Rewards to charity if you like

To apply, you need to be 18 or over and a UK resident. To hold this account, you need to pay £1,250 into an eligible NatWest account every month. To earn £5 rewards, you earn £4 a month back in rewards for 2 or more Direct Debits (at least £2 each) and an additional £1 a month back in rewards with 1 mobile app log in. 

Student current account

Are you in further education? Our Student bank account could be right for you:
  • Free from a monthly fee
  • Get a 4-year taste card that gets you 2 for 1 or 50% off food bills at restaurants across the UK
  • Lost your bank card? No worries. Simply lock it, then unlock once you find it

T&C’s apply. Eligibility criteria apply. 

Child & teen bank accounts

Bank accounts for those aged up to 17

Most of us learn about money from our parents. That’s why choosing a kid’s account is such a big deal.

T&C’s apply. Eligibility criteria apply. 

Why bank with NatWest?

FAQs - What you need to open a bank account

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