For online applications:

You will be advised if you need to send us any identification at the end of the application process. Your online account will not become active until any identification has been received and verified.

For postal applications:

This will mean returning your application and funds to you so that you can provide the further proof we need.

For applications in person at a branch:

This will mean that we are unable to open your account immediately unless you have proof of your identity with you.

Therefore, you may wish to provide additional proof of your identity with your application.

Providing proof of identity with your application

For applications in person at a branch:

You should supply one document from each of the examples.

For postal applications:

• You should supply one original document from each of the examples.
• A third item, which can be chosen from either list, will also be needed.

For security reasons, please do not send an original passport or driving licence through the post. Instead, you can send copies of these documents which should be certified by a solicitor, accountant or bank official.

Copies or details of Proof of Identity will be taken and retained by the Society.

• See a full list of acceptable ID or
• Visit your local branch to discuss your options.
  

Acceptable documents

Certified copies

We accept copies of documents certified by solicitors, accountants or bank/building society staff. Certified copies must include 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.

If any of the above information is missing we are unable to accept the copied documents.

Acceptable ID

Opening an account in a child's sole name

If you are opening an account for a child, we will need to verify the identity of the child.
If you are opening the account in one of our branches in person, we will require 2 forms of identification. We need to see one proof of name document, which can be any from the list below.

• Birth Certificate
• Adoption Certificate
• Passport showing minors photograph

We also need to see one proof of address, which can be in the form of the following:

• Most recent Child Benefit Book/Notification Letter
• Verification of parents'/guardians address (please see Documents we will accept)
• Confirmation of UK address by college or university
• Tenancy agreement or student accommodation contract
• Confirmation of temporary address from the householder with whom the student is living e.g. current council tax bill in householder's name

If you are opening the account through the post we will also require one further piece of identification, which can be either name or address.

Opening an account for a child with a Trustee

If the Account is being opened in Trust, we may require identification for the Trustee please see Verifying Your Identity.

In addition to this we will need proof of name for the child. We will require one piece of name identification from the list above.

If the child resides with the trustee then address ID is not required, if the child does not reside with the trustee then one piece of address ID is required showing the child’s address. It is likely this piece of ID will be in the name of the child’s parent or guardian.