Proof of address: what counts in the UK
Written by
Emily Tye
Reviewed by
Amy LancashireProof of address is a recent document that shows your full name and current home address, issued by an organisation that has a reason to know where you live. Common examples are a bank statement, a council tax bill, a utility bill or a UK photocard driving licence.
There's no single official list of what counts. Banks, lenders and some other businesses have to check who you are, but the law doesn't say which documents they must accept. Each organisation sets its own rules, so something one accepts, another might turn down.
You might be asked for proof of address when you open a bank account or apply for a credit card or loan, for example.
What counts as proof of address?
Most organisations accept a document from this list, as long as it's recent and shows your name and current address:
a UK photocard driving licence
a bank, building society or credit union statement
a council tax bill
a gas, electricity or landline phone bill
a recent letter from HMRC about your tax
a benefit letter or statement from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
a mortgage statement
Whichever you use, it will usually need to show:
your full name, matching the name on your application
your current address
a recent date, often within the last 3 months for statements and bills, or the last 12 months for a council tax bill
What usually won't be accepted?
Mobile phone bills
Documents in someone else's name, even if you live at the same address
Out-of-date documents, such as a statement from 5 months ago when they've asked for one from the last 3
Photos or scans that are blurry or cut off part of the page
You might not need a document at all
Proof of address isn't always about paperwork. Firms can verify your identity electronically, using your name, address and date of birth.
Being on the electoral roll helps here. Electoral roll data helps lenders confirm your name and address.
How do I get proof of address without bills in my name?
You might not have bills in your own name if you rent a room with bills included, live with family or have just moved. These 5 steps can help.
Update your driving licence. If you live in Great Britain, updating your driving licence address is free, and your new licence should arrive within a week if you apply online. You can keep driving while you wait. You have to do this anyway: you can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't tell the DVLA when your address changes.
Update your bank and use your next statement. Change your address with your bank, then use a statement that shows the new address. Check whether the organisation accepts a PDF from online banking or needs a paper copy.
Tell your council you've moved in. If you're responsible for paying council tax, your council will send you a bill. Council tax bills are widely accepted and often count for up to 12 months.
Update your address with HMRC. You can tell HMRC you've moved online or in the HMRC app. Any letters HMRC sends you afterwards, such as a tax code notice, will then show your current address.
Register to vote, if you're eligible. Registering to vote takes about 5 minutes online, and you'll need your National Insurance number. Being on the register helps organisations confirm your address electronically.
Moving house? Our guide on changing address and credit scores covers what else to update.
If you're a student
Many universities can give you a letter confirming you're a student, showing the address they hold for you, and some let you download one from your student portal. JMLSG guidance specifically mentions a confirmation letter from a university or college, on headed paper, as an option for students. If you're exempt from council tax as a student, a council tax exemption certificate may also be accepted.
If you're new to the UK
Not having UK paperwork yet is a common problem, and the industry guidance recognises it. It tells firms to take into account that new arrivals often find it hard to provide standard proof of address.
These may help while you’re getting set up, depending on the organisation:
a letter from your UK employer confirming your address
a letter from your university or college, if you're here to study
a UK bank statement, once you've opened an account
a council tax bill, once you've registered with your council
Your credit history from another country doesn't move with you, so it's also worth knowing how credit cards for newcomers work.
If you don't have a fixed address
If you're staying in a hostel, a shelter or with friends, some services don't need proof of address at all. In England, the NHS says you don't need ID or proof of address to register with a GP, and you can use a temporary address or the surgery's own address.
For banking, JMLSG guidance says that when someone can't provide standard documents, firms can accept a letter from an appropriate person who knows them. Some banks can also help people living in shelters or refuges. If a charity or support worker is helping you, ask them what's available locally.
How do I make sure my proof of address is accepted?
Check the organisation's own list before you send anything
Make sure your name and address match your application exactly
Check the document is dated inside their window
If you're uploading a photo, make sure the whole document is visible, with all 4 edges showing
Proof of address FAQs
There are a range of financial products available that may suit your needs. We encourage you to research your options carefully and consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decisions. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
