Skip to main content of page

Proving your identity

Whether you're a new or existing customer, we need to confirm your identity when you open a new account with us. This is to help stop criminals from using financial products or services for their own benefit. Find out how to provide your ID documents to us, including for child accounts.

What's on this page

Children's accounts and FlexOne

Our children’s accounts are for children (under the age of 18 years).

FlexOne is our children's account (for 11- to 17-year-olds). If you’re an existing Nationwide customer, we’ll let you know if you need to show us your ID at the end of your application.

View children’s and FlexOne ID requirements

Existing Nationwide customers

If we need proof of your name and address, you can usually provide it online or by visiting your local branch. Once we've received your account opening application, we'll write to you with instructions if you need to do this.

New Nationwide customers

You'll need to provide ID so we can verify your name and address.

You can usually do this in one of two ways:

If you choose to post your ID, we'll return your original documents within 7 days of receiving them.

Check the tables in the 'ID documents we accept' section to see which documents can be posted and which need to be taken to a branch.

Please send original documents only. We cannot accept statements or bills printed from the internet.

If we're unable to verify your identity, we won't be able to continue with your application.

Information:

Sometimes we verify your identity using information from credit reference agencies. This won't affect your credit rating.

ID documents we accept

Use the guidance in the sections below that applies to you.

Proof of name

We can accept any of the documents from the table below. If you're sending your document by post, we recommend sending a certified copy rather than the original to reduce the risk of it being lost in the post.

If you are using a Full or Provisional UK Driving Licence, you can use it as proof of both your name and address.

If you can't view the whole table, swipe, scroll, or rotate your phone to show more > > >

Documents that can prove your name when opening an account, and how to supply them.
Type of document Applying in branch Applying by post
Valid UK Passport Yes No
Full or Provisional UK Driving Licence Yes No
UK State Benefit Entitlement* Yes No
UK Armed forces identity card Yes No
HMRC-issued correspondence that tells you about your tax code or tax obligations dated in the last 12 months* Yes Yes
Disability blue badge Yes No
Northern Ireland Voters Card
 Yes Yes
UK Home Office Application Registration Card Yes No
UK Home Office Biometric Residence Permit Yes No
EEA National identity card Yes No
EU/EEA Driving Licence Yes No
Non-UK Passport Yes No
UK Home Office eVisa Yes No

*For HMRC and Benefit documents, you cannot use the same document as proof of both your name and your address. Each document can only be used to prove one of these.

Proof of current address

We cannot accept any proof of address from Nationwide, Virgin Money or The Mortgage Works.

We can accept any of the documents from the table below:

If you can't view the whole table, swipe, scroll, or rotate your phone to show more > > >

Documents that can prove your address when opening an account, and how to supply them.
Type of document Applying in branch Applying by post
A bank statement dated within the last 3 months from a UK bank or building society Yes Yes
A credit card statement dated within the last 3 months from a UK bank, building society or credit union Yes Yes
A mortgage statement dated within the last 12 months from a UK lender Yes Yes
A gas or electricity bill dated within the last 3 months Yes Yes
A TV or broadband bill dated within the last 3 months Yes No
A Council Tax bill dated within the last 12 months Yes Yes
UK State Benefit Entitlement within the last 12 months* Yes Yes
Local Authority Letter within the last 12 months Yes No
A tenancy agreement issued by a council, housing association, or letting agent Yes No
A letter from a college or university in England confirming your enrolment in further or higher education dated within the last 12 months Yes Yes
A letter confirming your Education Maintenance Allowance including payment details dated within the last 12 months. This must show the allowance, the period it covers and and payment schedule. Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland only Yes Yes
A letter from a school, college or university in England confirming your bursary and payment details dated within the last 12 months Yes Yes
A letter from HMRC about your tax code or tax obligations dated within the last 12 months* Yes Yes
A non-UK mortgage statement for a property dated within the last 12 months Yes No
A non-UK bank statement dated within the last 3 months Yes No

*For HMRC and Benefit documents, you cannot use the same document as proof of both your name and your address. Each document can only be used to prove one of these.

Having trouble providing ID? We may still be able to help

We are here to help if you have difficulties getting any of the documents listed on this page. There may be other forms of identification we can use to help you open an account. We may also be able to help you if you’re living in a homeless shelter or refuge.

You can contact your local branch if you need help.

Related links

Loading...