Providing proof of identification and address

We are required by law to verify the identification and address of our clients. This is so we can comply with the Money Laundering Regulations. We have to verify the full name, date of birth and residential address of all clients, and where appropriate company directors, in accordance with strict industry standards and government approved guidelines.

How we do this?

Face to Face

Each person can arrange to bring original documents to our office. We need to see each person to verify that the image on the document is the person it is supposed to be be.

Biometric checks

If you have a biometric passport (all UK passports issued after 2006 are) then we can send a link to you via our app.

Certified copies

If you are unable to call into our office with the original documentation then you will need to be able to provide copies certified by an approved certifier, as explained below.

What documents do we accept?

Each individual will need to let us have:

  • One document from List A, and
  • One document from List B

If you cannot provide a document from List A, we may in certain circumstances be able to accept three documents from List B. Please speak to us if you cannot provide any document from List A

List A List B
A valid passport A valid UK photocard driving licence (but not of it is also being provided under List A)
A valid full UK photocard driving licence A UK bank current account statement less than 3 months old
A valid Armed Forces ID card A UK credit card statement less than 3 months old
A firearm and shotgun certificate
A gas, water or electricity bill less than 3 months old
A council tax bill less than 3 months old
A mortgage statement from your existing lender for the mortgage accounting year just ended

Certified copies

If you are unable to call into our office with your own original documentation, we may be able to accept certified copies provided that the certification complies with the following:-

  1. The copies are certified by one of the following, who must not be related to you:-
    • a financial advisor authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority
    • a practicing solicitor/licenced conveyancer/chartered legal executive
  2. The certified copies must contain:-
    • wording such as this “I certify this document is a true copy of the original” and where the document contains a photograph of the individual the words “and a true likeness of the individual”. This means that you will need to be in presence of the person carrying out the certification, as they must be able to compare the photograph to you.
    • the full name of the person certifying.
    • the address of the company of the person certifying.
    • the job title of the person certifying.
    • the date the document was certified.
    • the signature of the person certifying.
    • the professional register number/identifier of the certifier. This is because we must be able to check the certifier against their professional register.

Please note that the above only applies in relation to individuals resident in the UK. There are special rules for clients who are not resident in the UK, where documentation may have to be certified by an authorised Embassy or Consular official, or formerly notarised.

Questions

If you have any questions then please speak to our team.