NS&I outlines documents for savers to verify identity | Personal Finance | Finance

NS&I has issued a statement to clarify the documentation required for savers to verify their identity.

In accordance with UK law, NS&I must confirm the identity and address of a saver when they apply to invest in a premium bond or register for online and phone services. The savings bank may also periodically request savers to reconfirm their identity to update or validate their records.

Typically, a credit reference agency is used to check a saver’s identity, but this method is not always successful. As a result, savers may be asked to provide additional proof of their identity or that of a family member.

One saver queried NS&I on X, formerly Twitter, about the suitability of a specific document as proof. Daniel Lowe asked: “We have to prove child’s name and address. The only document we have is a birth certificate. Can we send a certified copy of that? If not will you return the original.”

Responding to the query, NS&I’s help account stated: “When providing documents for a child under 16’s evidence of identity, a birth certificate alone would suffice – it can be a photocopy, certified copy or original, certified and original copies will be returned to you.”

Full list of documents to help prove identity and address

NS&I has provided clarification on its website, stating that customers will typically need to provide at least two documents from List A (to confirm identity) and List B (to verify address). It’s crucial to remember that the same document cannot be used to prove both your identity and address.

NS&I clarifies on its website that you will generally need to send at least two documents from a List A (to prove your identity) and a List B (to prove your address). It’s important to note that you are not allowed to use the same document to prove both your identity and address.

Evidence for identity

• A copy of your current, valid full passport. The copy must show nationality, place and date of birth, passport number, expiry date, photograph and signature. It must also legibly show the full strip of data as it appears across the bottom of the page. You do not need to include any blank pages or pages containing visa stamps.
• A copy of your current, valid full GB or Jersey-issued (full or provisional) photocard driving licence with signature or ‘old style’ driving licence if relevant.
• A certified copy of your current, valid Guernsey, Isle of Man or Northern Ireland issued (full or provisional) photocard driving licence with signature or ‘old style’ driving licence.
• Armed Forces ID card. This must be certified by your commanding officer.
• Home Office issued UK biometric residence permit listing your full name and date of birth.
• Firearms certificate or shotgun licence.
• HM Revenue & Customs tax document that is less than one year old eg tax assessment, statement of account, notice of coding (P45s and P60s are not acceptable). Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• Letter from the relevant benefits agency confirming your receipt of benefits or state pension. Must be issued in the last 12 months.

Evidence for address

• Household utility bill, eg gas electric, water or fixed line telephone but not mobile phone bill. Must be no more than 3 months old.
• A copy of your current, valid full GB or Jersey-issued (full or provisional) photocard driving licence with signature or ‘old style’ driving licence if relevant.
• A certified copy of your current, valid Guernsey, Isle of Man or Northern Ireland issued (full or provisional) photocard driving licence with signature or ‘old style’ driving licence, if relevant – providing it shows your address.
• Bank, building society or credit card statement. Must be no more than 3 months old.
• Bank, building society mortgage statement. Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• Local authority tax bill (eg council tax). Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• Solicitors letter confirming recent house purchase or land registry confirmation (in this case, you’ll also need to send proof of your previous address).
• HM Revenue & Customs tax document eg tax assessment, statement of account, notice of coding. P45 and P60s are not acceptable. Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• Letter from relevant benefits agency confirming your receipt of benefits or state pension. Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• Rental or tenancy agreement issued by local authority. Must be issued in the last 12 months.
• New style medical card (listing name, address, health service number and date of birth).
• For applications in residential care, a letter on headed stationery from the management of the care home confirming residency.

Full details of what evidence is applicable for all kinds of savers can be found on NS&I here.