What is proof of address?

When you want to open a bank account, apply for a loan, or send money abroad This document helps the bank or institution with identity verification to ensure security and compliance with legal regulations.

In this guide, we cover what is proof of address and the types of documents you can use.

Key takeaways

• Proof of address is a document that confirms your residential address.
• Common examples include utility bills, bank statements, and government correspondence.
• To be accepted, the document must be issued by a recognised authority, contain your full name and residential address, and be dated within the last three months.

What is a proof of address?

Proof of address is an official document that verifies your residential address. The proof of address must be current, include your full name, and come from a credible source, such as a utility company or financial institution. This document is typically required by financial institutions, government agencies, and other organisations to confirm where you live as part of their verification processes.

Proof of address vs proof of residency

Proof of address and proof of residency are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. Proof of address specifically verifies the location where you currently live, using documents like utility bills or bank statements.

A proof of residency is a document that verifies where you live and confirms your legal right to reside in a specific location. This document is often required when you apply for government services, enrol in schools, register for voting, or complete immigration processes.

Common examples of proof of residency include utility bills, rental agreements, voter registration cards, or government-issued IDs that display your current address. It may also involve documents like a visa or residency permit to prove your legal status in the country.

Why is proof of address and identity needed?

Banks and financial institutions often need you to provide both identity documents and proof of address documents. These documents are used by the bank to comply with Anti-money Laundering (AML) regulations and Counter-terrorism Financing (CFT) laws. By verifying identity and your address, these institutions ensure that the funds are being used legally and responsibly.

When using the Western Union money transfer app, you’ll need to verify your identity once you reach the £800 sending limit. This is to put your financial security first and prevent any illegal activities. Once you have submitted identity documents, your spending limit will increase.

What counts as proof of address?

To be accepted as proof of address, a document must include key criteria. These include:

• The document must contain your full name and match your government-issued identification documents.
• The document must contain your current residential address.
• The document must be issued from a recognised authority body, such as a government agency, bank, or utility company.
• The proof of address must be dated and recent, typically issued within the last three months.

Different banks and financial institutions may also have specific requirements for proof of address. It’s always best to check for any stipulations before submitting your proof of address to avoid delays or denials.

What types of documents are accepted as proof of address?

Here are some of the most accepted types of documents for proof of address in the UK:

• Utility bills: Electricity, gas, or water bills are often used because they directly connect to your place of residence.
• Council tax bill: A council tax bill is issued annually, usually in March, for the upcoming financial year. This makes it a valid proof of address for the current council tax year, if it doesn’t date back further than 12 months.
• Bank statements: A recent statement from your bank showing your full name and address can serve as proof.
• Government correspondence: Letters from governmental bodies, such as tax documents or voter registration confirmations, are typically accepted.
• Rental agreement: A signed rental agreement or lease that includes your name and the address of the property can serve as proof of address.
• Insurance documents: Home, car, or health insurance policy documents that show your residential address may also be accepted.

What documents are not accepted?

Not all documents are accepted as proof of address. Here are some examples of what usually cannot be used:

• Mobile phone bills: These are often excluded due to their lack of verifiable connection to a fixed residence.
• Personal letters: Any form of informal correspondence, such as a letter from a friend or relative, is not acceptable.
• Expired documents: Any document that is outdated or expired will typically be rejected.
• Receipts: Receipts, even from recognized businesses, generally do not contain sufficient information to verify a residential address.
• Documents showing only a P.O. Box: Documents that list only a P.O. Box address are typically not accepted, as they do not verify a physical residence.

How to get a proof of address?

Obtaining proof of address is usually quick and easy as it involves using documents you likely already receive regularly. For example, you can use a utility bill or bank statement that has been delivered within the last three months. These documents are widely accepted as they contain your full name and current address.

If you receive electronic statements from your bank, you can often download a PDF version that serves as proof of address. This method is convenient if you need to provide documentation on short notice.

If you require a more specific document, you may request a formal letter from your bank or a government body that verifies your address. These letters are usually easy to obtain and are accepted by most organisations requiring proof of address.

What to do if you don’t have any proof of address documents

If you are new to a country and don’t yet have proof of address documents, there are still ways to provide the necessary verification. Here are some options:

• Ask your landlord: One option is to ask your landlord for a formal rental agreement or a letter confirming your residence. If you’re staying with family or friends, they can provide a letter stating that you live with them, accompanied by one of their utility bills.
• Ask your employer: If you have recently started a job, you can request a letter from your employer that confirms your address.
• Ask your university: If you are a student, your university can often provide a letter or official document that confirms your residence, particularly if you are living in student accommodation.

Registered address for your company

To have a registered business in the UK, you legally need to have a valid UK address. This is necessary because all official correspondence, such as legal documents and tax information, will be sent to this address. It also ensures that your business is recognised by UK authorities.

If you don’t want to use your home address, you can opt for a virtual address. A virtual address gives your business a professional UK address without needing a physical office space. It’s a convenient option that meets legal requirements and helps maintain your privacy.

FAQs

What can I use as proof of address?

You can use documents like utility bills, bank statements, or government letters that show your full name and current residential address. These documents must be recent, usually issued within the last three months, and come from a credible source.

What is proof of UK address?

Proof of UK address is a document that verifies your residential address within the United Kingdom. Examples include utility bills, council tax bills, and bank statements issued by a UK-based institution.

What comes in proof of address?

A proof of address document typically includes your full name, current residential address, and the date of issue. The document must be from a reputable source like a utility company, bank, or government agency.