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UK proof of identity and address

What you need to open a bank account

Joint account cards

Want a NatWest bank account?

If you’re looking to open a NatWest bank account, you’ll need a few things first. Our guide covers the document types we’re likely to ask 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 to prove your identity and address. 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?

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Proof of address

Your bank will need to check your address, so they know where to send statements and any other info. 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?

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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, you have other options. 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.

To understand what ID you need and the options for applying, follow the buttons below.

What's your age?

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If you are applying for an account for a child or teenager, select their age.

Why do banks ask for proof of ID and address?

  1. We work hard to prevent money laundering. This is when criminals try to disguise money that has been made illegally to use it for their own benefit.
  2. Criminals often attempt to open a bank account using fake or stolen ID. We try to stop this by verifying all our new customers with proof of identity and often their current address.
  3. If you’re applying online, we try to complete this electronically using our security partners DigiDocs or Mitek so please have your ID to hand before you begin your application.

How can you prove your identity online?

We want to get your account up and running as soon as possible so we’ll ask you to upload some documents. To do this you’ll need access to a device that has a camera. 

This helps us check you are who you say you are.

We'll ask for:

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

A 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, Mitek or DigiDocs

If you're under 18, we may need some additional information. Please refer to the  'Documents we can accept' section of this page and select 'Under 18' for guidance. 

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​.
  • 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)​.

 

Visit the UK government website if you'd like more information on obtaining a HMRC document.

See which ID documents we accept

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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​.
  • 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)​.

 

Visit the UK government website below, if you'd like more information on obtaining a HMRC document.

 

  • If you have lived in the UK for more than 3 years, you'll be eligible to apply for our student account.
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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.  

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Open a NatWest bank account online

Choose from our full range of bank accounts and apply online with us today. 

To apply you must be 18+ and a UK resident. Specific account eligibility criteria applies.

Why bank with NatWest?

Here 24/7

You can talk to us wherever and whenever you choose using video banking. This 24/7 service can help you keep on top of your goals with a free financial health check.

Help with financial health

It’s also possible to access our digital financial health check. The process only takes a few minutes and can help get your finances back on track.

Security matters to us

Security is important to us. That’s why we give you the option of being able to lock and unlock your debit card. If you or the other joint account holder misplaces a card, you can easily keep your finances safe until you find it.

All on the app

This is all done via the NatWest mobile app. This tool is helpful to manage your joint account and stay in control of your finances on the go.

FAQs - What you need to open a bank account