Verifying your identity guide

Why do we need you to prove your identity?

When you open a savings account, or apply for a mortgage, we need to verify your identity to proceed with your application. We do this to make it harder for criminals to use stolen identities, to help protect you against fraud and to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. If you’re an existing customer we may ask you to reconfirm your identity on other occasions such as when you change your name or address or if you haven’t used your account in a long time.


What documents do we need?

We use an electronic verification system when you open a savings account. If we can’t verify your identity in this way, you’re under 18, or if you’re applying for a mortgage, then you’ll be asked to provide us with one item from List A and one item from list B.

It’s advisable to bring these documents with you when you apply. Please note that we will only accept the original or certified copies of these documents.


List A: to prove who you are

A current signed passport or EU member state ID card

A current UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional) showing your current address and an unexpired photograph*

A current full UK old style driving licence*

An HM Revenue & Customs tax notification, e.g. tax assessment, statement of account or notice of coding (P45s and P60s are not accepted) – less than 12 months old*

Evidence of entitlement to state benefits, pension or tax credits – less than 12 months old*

A firearms certificate or shotgun licence

A current Blue Badge disabled driver’s pass

An older or disabled person’s bus pass issued by your local authority

A UK Armed Forces ID card

A police warrant card

Under 18s only - A birth certificate


List B: to prove where you live

A utility bill – less than three months old, not a mobile phone bill

A council tax bill for the current year

A bank, building society or credit card statement – less than three months old

A mortgage statement – less than 12 months old

A television licence renewal for the current year

A student loans acceptance letter or annual statement – less than 12 months old

A local council tenancy agreement

A local housing association tenancy agreement – private tenancy agreements are not accepted

A solicitor’s letter confirming a recent house purchase or land registry confirmation – less than three months old

A current UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)  showing your current address and an unexpired photograph*

A current full UK old style driving licence*

HM Revenue & Customs correspondence for the current tax year*

Evidence of entitlement to state benefits, pension or tax credits – less than 12 months old*

* Please note that although some items appear in both lists you can’t use the same item to confirm both your name and address: two separate items are required. 


Under 18s only 

Any item above in the name and address of your parent/guardian with whom you live or a letter from your school, college or workplace confirming your name and address.

If you’re opening an account for someone under 18 we will still need to verify your identity so identification from List A & B may be required. We will need ID from List A for the child and if they don’t live with you, we will also require ID from list B showing the child’s address.

We’ll take copies of the ID you’ve provided and retain these for our records. These are required to fulfill statutory obligations and won’t be used for any other purposes.

If we can’t verify your identity, we won’t be able to proceed with your application.

How can I submit these documents?

Online (for savings only)

Our Cambridge Verify app allows you to prove your identity quickly and securely. You will need either a current signed passport or UK photocard driving licence to prove who you are,  you’ll then be invited to upload one of the items from list B above to prove where you live. Simply download our app here to get started.

In person 

If you’re visiting one of our branches, it’s advisable to bring these documents with you when you apply.

Via Post

We don’t recommend sending valuable original documents such as a passport or driving licence through the post and we won’t accept any liability for loss or damage to these documents. You can either come into branch or send a certified copy.  Details on how to certify a document can be found below.

 

Verifying your income (for mortgages only)

In addition to an item from List A and List B, for mortgages we will also need:

• Your proof of income – your last three months’ payslips and your latest P60. If you are self-employed, your previous two years’ accounts / SA302 with tax year overview statement
• Your last three months’ bank statements showing your income

These documents can be online print-outs, but please make sure they show your name, address and account details as well as the company logo.

How to certify a document

Documents can be certified by one of the following:

• Accountant
• Minister of religion
• Bank/building society official
• Police officer
• Dentist
• Post Office official (postmaster/sub-postmaster)
• Doctor
• Solicitor
• Independent financial adviser

The person certifying the documents should be in current employment, based in the UK and must not be related to any person named on the account. Certified copies must include the 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 must then be signed and dated by the certifying party.

A document won’t be accepted if any of this information is missing.