Whether it was your new employer adding you to their payroll, or a long-lost friend inviting you to their wedding, you’ve probably been asked for your address a bunch of times over the years.
In the financial world though, having concrete proof of where you live is all the more important. If you want to open a bank account or take out credit (like a credit card, loan, or mortgage) you may need to prove your address as part of the lender’s identity checks.
You may also be asked for photo ID (such as your passport or driving licence) to confirm you are who you say you are.
Proof of address is a document from a trusted source that shows where you live. It must include your full name and address.
Different lenders will have different policies when it comes to what they will and won’t accept as proof of address. If you’re not sure, give your bank a call and see what they’re happy with before you go rummaging through all your paperwork.
You’ll typically need to provide at least one document to show where you live. The good news is that there are plenty of options when it comes to finding something that can be used to prove your address.
Some lenders might accept older documents, but the time frames above are a good guideline.
Ideally, you’ll have recent proof of address documents on hand. If not, contact your:
If you’ve lost your driving licence, it can take around 3 weeks to get a replacement.
You may be able to download proof of address documents from your online accounts with your bank and utility company, etc. But generally speaking, most lenders will only accept original documents as it helps them to rule out any fraudulent activity.
A lot of people think you can't prove your address if you’re not on the household bills, but that's not true.
Depending on the lender, you may be able to use alternative documents, such as a driving licence, current account statement, or a benefits letter instead. We recommend giving the lender a quick call to find out what they will accept from you.
You could get your name added to a utility bill, if the person you’re living with is happy to go along with it.
Read on to find out what documents are needed for a credit card.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Adele is a personal finance writer with more than 10 years in the finance industry behind her. She writes clear and engaging guides on all things loans for Ocean, as well as contributing blogs to help people understand their options when it comes to money.
Sign up for tips on how to improve your credit score, offers and deals to help you save money, exclusive competitions and exciting products!
