Which documents count as proof of address?

Need to prove your address? We’ve created a guide to show you the documents you can use.

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Jason Loewenthal

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Sometimes you need to prove where you live. There are many reasons for that, such as when you’re applying for a new bank account or registering at a government agency, for example. It’s not always easy to know which documents you could use to prove your address, so read on if you want to know more.

Which documents count as proof of business address?

You’ll need to prove your business address for a range of legal, regulatory or operational reasons. These could include when you register your business, for tax reporting, deliveries, audits, legal notices, communicating with customers or to build your reputation and credibility, among other things.

Here is a list of documents that can be used to prove your business address:

  • Utility bill (issued in the last 3 months)
  • Office lease or rental agreement
  • Bank statement (that shows your address)
  • Letters from a government agency or local authority
  • HMRC documents
  • Property deed (if you’re the owner)
  • Insurance documents

If you don’t have proof of address

In some cases people don’t have a proof of address or are unable to provide one. This could be for totally legitimate reasons, especially if you’ve only recently arrived in the UK or you’re sub-letting a room and your name isn’t on any lease or utility bills.

If you find yourself in this situation, then there are some banks that will allow you to open an account without proof of address.

Digital banks can be a good option when you don’t have proof of your address, but some high-street banks also offer accounts, though they often come with limitations, at least initially.

E-money providers and banks that don’t always require a proof of address include:

  • Monzo
  • Revolut
  • Monese
  • Suits Me
  • Wise
  • Starling

If you prefer to open an account in a branch, options include:

  • HSBC
  • Metro Bank
  • Lloyds Bank
  • TSB

If you don’t have proof of business address

Many digital banks and e-money providers also offer business accounts. As with personal accounts, they don’t always require proof of address to open an account. You’d still need to fulfil other criteria, so it’s best to check before you apply. Potential options include:

  • Monzo
  • Revolut
  • Monese
  • Suits Me
  • Wise
  • Starling

Bottom line

There’s a range of documents available to prove your address and in most cases you’re likely to have multiple types. This could be anything from a bank statement or utility bill to a letter from a government agency or paperwork for your insurance.

If you don’t have proof of address, for whatever reason, there are some banks and e-money providers that will let you open personal and business accounts, though you’d still need to provide other documents.

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Senior writer

Jason is a writer and editor. He worked as a senior subeditor for Finder for 5 years and in that time became familiar with a wide range of financial products and services. Before that, he worked for Australian Associated Press. He has a BA from Macquarie University in Australia. Jason loves to help other people find new ways to save money. See full bio

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