Proof of identity

[lowrie333]

Hi, I need some help trying to get a friend a bank account. The problem is that they don't have any form of idenitity, and haven't got their birth certificate as they were adopted. They are living in rented accommodation and so don't have any bills from there that they can use as proof of address. Any ideas?

[Champagne]

Well I'm assuming that they had to produce some form of ID to secure rental accommodation?

Do they have a driving licence or passport? If not, I suggest speaking directly to the bank to find an alternative solution.

[Mike10451045]

You could obtain a birth cert from the registry office at where they were born.

Also the adoption cert could be used.

Champagne is right contact the bank they could help.

[lowrie333]

Thank you for your answers.  I have already told him to go to the bank in person and see what they can do. 

[Sammy Snake]

Banks won't usually accept birth certificates as ID for adults.  You usually need a passport or driving licence although speak to them and they may be able to get over proving identity.

As for proving the address, have they not got a tenancy agreement that would confirm their address and even if it is rented, surely they get bills of some sort?  Your friend should show up on the electoral register possibly.

It is a legal requirement that Banks follow these proceedures to confirm the identity and address of prospective customers.

[AliFlump]

How about a Citizen Card? My Auntie used it to come back from Jersey with as she didnt have a driving licence or a passport.

[miss_chase]

They could ask for a reference letter from their employer (or school).

But I agree, ask at the bank.

x

[spudqueen]

Just because someone is adopted doesn't mean they can't have a birth certificate. I was adopted by my mother and step father and have an adoption certificate and also a short birth certificate. As Sammy Snake says though, a birth certificate is no proof of identity, it only proves that someone with that name was born, not that the person standing in front of you is that person!

When we were selling our house a couple of years ago I needed proof of identity and had to get a new driving licence (with photo) and also got a new passport (even though I hadn't been abroad for 10 years).