Why do you need to provide proof of ID?
As an accountancy, requesting client identification is a critical legal and regulatory requirement. This process is integral to our compliance with anti-money laundering laws, ensuring we verify the identity of our clients when establishing or continuing our professional relationship. It’s not merely procedural; it’s a vital measure to prevent financial crimes and maintain the legitimacy of financial transactions.
Our regulatory body, the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), mandates that we collect appropriate identification from all clients. This step is crucial for thorough anti-money laundering (AML) checks, confirming the authenticity of our clients. This diligence is key to maintaining trust and security in our client relationships, assuring both compliance and the integrity of our services.
Acceptable forms of ID
| Proof of name and passport/driving licence options | Proof of address and utility bill options |
|---|---|
| Current signed passport | Utility bill (gas, electric, satellite television, landline phone bill) issued within the last three months |
| Original birth certificate (UK birth certificate issued within 12 months of the date of birth in full form including those issued by UK authorities overseas such as Embassies High Commissions and HM Forces) | Local authority council tax bill for the current council tax year |
| EEA member state identity card (which can also be used as evidence of address if it carries this) | Current UK driving licence (but only if not used for the name evidence) |
| Current UK or EEA photocard driving licence | Bank, Building Society or Credit Union statement or passbook dated within the last three months |
| Full old-style driving licence | Original mortgage statement from a recognised lender issued for the last full year |
| Photographic registration cards for self-employed individuals in the construction industry - CIS4 | Solicitors letter within the last three months confirming recent house purchase or land registry confirmation of address |
| Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency | Council or housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year |
| Firearms or shotgun certificate | Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency (but not if used as proof of name) |
| Residence permit issued by the Home Office to EEA nationals on sight of own country passport | HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand dated within the current financial year |
| National identity card bearing a photograph of the applicant | Electoral Register entry or NHS Medical card or letter of confirmation from GP’s practice of registration with the surgery |
Documents we will not accept include, but are not limited to
- Provisional driving licence
- Mobile phone bills
- Credit card statements
- One of our letters
