What counts as acceptable proof of address in the UK?

What is a proof of address, and why is it required?

A proof of address is an official document that verifies your residential address. Organisations require proof of address to comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures. These rules legally oblige them to confirm a customer’s identity and address to prevent financial crime.

Since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), verification requirements have become stricter across the board. Providing valid proof of your address is a non-negotiable step for most financial and legal processes.

Is proof of address the same as proof of residency?

While related and sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same. Proof of address verifies your current place or location of residence at a specific point in time. Non-residents may also be required to provide proof of their overseas address.

Proof of residency is usually a broader term related to your legal right to live in the UK, often requiring different documents like visas, residence permits, or a share code. For most day-to-day business needs, you will be asked for proof of address.

Are proof of address requirements part of identity verification?

Yes. Identity verification is a two-part process. First, you need proof of identity, who you are, (like a passport or driving licence) to prove who you are. Second, you need proof of address to prove where you live. You will almost always need to provide two separate documents to satisfy both requirements. 

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, Your Company Formations verifies a director’s identity for Companies House free of charge when you form the company with us. An organisation will not accept a single document as proof for both your identity and your address.

Acceptable Proof of Address Documents

Most UK organisations accept a standard range of documents, but you should always confirm which documents they prefer. The document must clearly show your name and current address and be dated within a specific timeframe.

Companies House publishes the list an authorised agent must use when checking documents. 

• Group A is photo ID: a passport, a photocard driving licence, a biometric residence permit or card, and similar. 
• Group B includes a bank or building society statement, a mortgage statement, a UK council tax statement, a utility bill, an insurance policy, or a local authority or social housing rental agreement – and each of those must be for your current address. 

The agent needs two documents in total: two from group A, or one from each group.

Utility Bills (Gas, Electricity, Water)

A recent utility bill is one of the most common forms of proof of address. It must be for a fixed service at your property, such as gas, electricity, or water. Most banks and agents ask for a document issued within the last three months, but the timeframe is set by the organisation, not by law.

Council Tax Bill

Your council tax bill for the current financial year is a widely accepted proof of address. It is considered a reliable document because it is issued by your local council. Most banks and agents ask for a document issued within the last three months, but the timeframe is set by the organisation, not by law.

Building Society or Bank Statements

A statement from a UK bank or building society is excellent proof of address. The statement must show your name and residential address. Most banks and agents ask for a document issued within the last three months, but the timeframe is set by the organisation, not by law. 

UK Driving Licence

A valid UK photocard driving licence can be used as proof of address, provided it shows your current home address. However, if you use your driving licence as proof of identity, you cannot use it as proof of address in the same application.

HMRC or Government Correspondence

Many banks accept a recent HMRC or DWP letter, though it is not on the Companies House list of accepted documents.

Since 18 November 2025, every director and PSC must verify their identity with Companies House. As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, Your Company Formations verifies every director’s identity free of charge as part of forming the company.

What documents do not count as proof of address in the UK?

Many documents that show your name and address are not accepted because they don’t prove a fixed link to the property. Commonly rejected documents include:

• Mobile phone bills
• TV licence or TV subscription service bills (e.g., Sky, Virgin Media)
• Invoices for goods or services
• Insurance documents – often rejected by banks, but Companies House accepts an insurance policy showing your current address as a group B document.

These documents will not be accepted because they aren’t tied to a fixed residential address the way a utility or council tax bill is.

A utility bill means a bill for a service supplied to your address – gas, electricity, water, landline, or broadband – and Companies House requires it to be for your current address. A mobile phone bill is usually not accepted as a utility bill; check the organisation’s own list.

What other documents can I use as proof of address if I do not have bills?

If you don’t have utility bills or a bank statement in your name, getting proof of address can be challenging but not impossible.

• For individuals new to the UK: If you are new to the UK, you may not have the standard documents. Some financial institutions, particularly app-based providers such as Wise Business, are more flexible and may accept a utility bill or bank statement from your home country.
• For UK residents living with family or in shared housing: If you live with family or in a shared house and don’t have bills in your name, some organisations may accept a letter from the homeowner or lead tenant. This letter should confirm that you live at the address. You will likely need to provide it alongside a copy of their council tax bill or a recent utility bill.
• Alternative documents some organisations may accept: Depending on the organisation, you may be able to use alternative documents. It is best to check with them directly to find out which documents are acceptable. Potential alternatives include:
  • A tenancy agreement or mortgage statement
  • A letter from a solicitor or accountant on headed paper confirming your address
  • A letter from your university or college (for students)

What proof of address documents are accepted while opening a business bank account?

When you open a bank account in the UK for your business, the bank is required to verify the home address of every director and person with significant control (PSC).

• Why banks require proof of your home address: Banks require proof of your address to comply with strict anti-money laundering regulations. They need to verify the identity of the individuals running the company to prevent financial crime. This involves confirming both who you are (proof of identity) and where you live (proof of address).
• Common pitfalls: Address mismatches and rejections: The most common reason for a bank application to be delayed or rejected is an address mismatch. Banks cross-reference the information you provide with Companies House records. Even a small difference in formatting can trigger a flag. Other common issues include:
  • Outdated documents: Most banks and agents ask for a document issued within the last three months, but the timeframe is set by the organisation, not by law.
• Traditional vs. challenger banks: A quick comparison: Address verification policies vary significantly between banks.

  If you want an account that opens in an app rather than at a branch appointment, Revolut Business lets you hold, exchange and send money in over 30 currencies and is currently paying a £100 welcome bonus to new business customers.

  • High-street banks: usually the strictest rules.
  • App-based providers: Generally offer more flexibility and work well for non-residents.