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Verifying your ID online
We want to get your account up and running as soon as possible so we’ll ask you to upload some documents. To do this you’ll need access to a device that has a camera.
This is important, as it helps us check you are who you say you are
We'll ask for;
- Photo ID, such as: driving licence, passport or EU ID card.
- A selfie to compare with your photo ID.
- We might also need to see a proof of address, such as: a driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or tax document.
Please make sure the documents you use exactly match the information you enter in your application.
If you don't have your documents with you, you can select to do this later. Once you've finished your application look out for an email and text from us and our security partners, Mitek or DigiDocs.
If you’re under 18, we may need some additional information. Please refer to ‘What ID do I need if I’m under 18?’ for guidance.
What's your age?
Information Message
If you are applying for an account for a child or teenager, select their age.
What's your nationality?
Information Message
The nationality you select should match the details on your application and the nationality on your ID.
Select your account type
Do you have any of the following forms of photo ID?
We accept the following forms of photo ID
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents listed?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form.
- Benefits Agency Documents
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Credit Union statement
- Mortgage Statement/Solicitor Mortgage correspondence
- HMRC letter
- Council Tax bill
- Full or provisional UK driving licence.
Apply for a bank account online today
If you have your documents ready, you can apply for a bank account online today.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that could suit your needs.
Do you have proof of your student status?
To confirm you’re a student and eligible for this account we require your unique 16-digit UCAS code. If you can’t find your code, please contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468 before starting the application. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub (opens in new tab).
Do you have any of the following photo ID?
We need to verify your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
We accept the follow forms of photo ID
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
You're all set. Ready to apply?
Looks like you have all the ID we need. If you're ready to apply you can do this online today by following the below link.
Does your student status document prove your UK address?
We need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years. We can do this by you providing us with your address.
If you have been able to provide proof of your student status, then this can also be used as your proof of address.
If your proof of student status has no address on it, then we'd recommend you get one of the above documents and then come back and apply with us later.
You're all set. Ready to apply?
Looks like you have all the ID we need. If you're ready to apply you can do this online today by following the below link.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Looks like you don't have photo ID
Based on your answers, you don't have photo ID but do have
- Proof of your student status
- Proof of address
If this is the case, we'd recommend you get photo ID and return to your application later once you have it. This is the only way to get you set up to apply for a student account online.
If you need a reminder of what photo ID we can accept, you can see this at the top of this page.
A student account might not be the best account for you
We can't offer you a student account without proof of your student status.
We recommend you get proof of your student status and then apply later. If you're not a student then you can apply for one of our other accounts instead.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that suits you.
Select your account type
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Benefits Agency document
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Credit Union statement
- Mortgage Statement/Solicitor Mortgage correspondence
- HMRC letter
- Council Tax bill
- Full or provisional UK driving licence.
Do you have a valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or UK Government share code?
To support your photo ID, we need to see your valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or a UK Government share code to prove your right to reside in the UK.
For more information or to apply for a share code, please vist gov.uk.
Please choose from the below options
Welcome to the UK
Here at the Royal Bank of Scotland we want to help. For us this means giving you access to free and simple UK banking and support both online and in our branches with our basic bank account designed around you.
If you're interested in opening an account with us click the link below to find out how to apply.
Applying for a bank account in branch
If you're an Asylum seeker and are looking to open an account with us, please visit your local branch so they can help you complete an application.
You can use your ARC (Application Registration Card) as proof of ID, so take this with you along with proof of address if you have this. Take a look at our list of acceptable documents below to know what we can accept as proof of address.
Are you a student and have lived in the UK for 3 or more years?
You can only apply for a Student account if you have lived in the UK for more than 3 years.
If you have lived in the UK for 3 or more years, we then are not able to offer you a student account with us.
Do you have proof of student status?
To apply for our student account, you'll need proof of your UK student status. The simplest and fastest way to show us you're a student is by using your UCAS status code. This is a 16-digit code emailed to you by UCAS and will be unique to you. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub (opens in new tab).
If you can't find your UCAS status code, you can contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468 who will reissue the code within 24 hours.
If you don’t provide your UCAS number in the application form, we’ll accept any of the below documents as proof of your UK student status. You’ll need to manually upload one of the below documents after you submit your Student account application.
- Letter from UCAS
- Letter of acceptance
- Enrolment offer
- Enrolment certificate
- Student loan or finance letter
- Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS)
- Local education authority award letter.
Do you have any of the following photo ID?
We need to verify your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
We accept the follow forms of photo ID:
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form.
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Does your student status document prove your UK address?
We need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years. We can do this by you providing us with your address.
If you have been able to provide proof of your student status, then this can also be used as your proof of address.
If your proof of student status has no address on it, then we'd recommend you get one of the above documents and then come back and apply with us later.
Do you have any of the proof of address documents listed below?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Looks like you don't have photo ID
Based on your answers, you don't photo ID but do have
- Proof of your student status
- Proof of address
If this is the case, we'd recommend you get photo ID and return to your application later once you have it. This is the only way to get you set up to apply for a student account online.
If you need a reminder of what photo ID we can accept, you can see this at the top of this page.
A student account might not be the best account for you
We can't offer you a student account without proof of your student status.
We recommend you get proof of your student status and then apply later. If you're not a student then you can apply for one of our other accounts instead.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that suits you.
What's your nationality?
Information Message
The nationality you select should match the details on your application and the nationality on your ID.
What's your age?
To make sure you get the right ID for the account you'd like to apply for, we need to narrow down your age a bit more.
What type of account do you want?
We offer our student account to students that are 17 years old. If you are a student then this could be the right account for you.
If you want to apply for a student account we'll need your unique 16-digit UCAS code when you apply. Follow the 'Student account' option to find out more.
Do you have photo ID?
We need to check your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
This has to be your photo ID and not your parent or guardian's. Your photo ID must be valid and in date.
We'll need you to have either:
- A Passport
- A UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- A PASS card
- An ID card from an EU or EEA country
Do you have a proof of address?
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Council Tax bill
- HMRC letter
- Bank, building society or credit union statement.
Information Message
It must show your name and address, and be an original copy. We can't accept downloaded copies of letters or mobile phone bills.
Apply for your account today
If you have all your documents ready you can apply online for a bank account today. You will complete your application completely online.
Does your parent or guardian have an account with us?
Without your own photo ID, you can apply with the help of a parent or guardian who has an account with us.
Your parent or guardian must have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland to be able to help with your application.
Do you have a UK birth or adoption certificate?
We can use your birth certificate, along with your parent or guardian's account to identify you when applying online.
Once you're done with the application, we'll need your parent or guardian to either pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can get your account up and running.
Good news, you can apply online for your account
It looks like you have all the right ID to start your application online.
As you don't have photo ID, we'll need your parent or guardian to pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can complete your application.
Before you start, we need you to check the following:
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
- We might also need to check a proof of address document when we set up your account. Check out the 'Proof of address we accept' list below to see what we might ask for.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Get the right ID before applying
Sorry, you can't apply for an account at the moment because we need you to prove your identity and address.
You have the option to either:
- Get the right documents to apply yourself. You can use this tool to understand what ID we can accept.
- Apply with the help of a parent or guardian.
If you apply with a parent or guardian, they must be a Royal Bank of Scotland customer.
Once they've applied, got their welcome email and their Online Banking details, come back to our website and start your application. Simple!
How to get the ID you need to apply
Even though your parent banks with us, we'll still need to see some ID from you to open an account.
You can apply online with your birth certificate, you can get a copy of your certificate from:
- England and Wales:
The General Register Office - Scotland:
The National Records of Scotland - Northern Ireland:
The General Register Office for Northern Ireland
Once you have a copy of your birth certificate, we'll need your parent or guardian to pop into branch or post us this so that we can complete your application.
We might also need you to check the following:
- You have a proof of address ready from the following list. We might also need to check this as we set up your account.
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will also need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. We can use your birth certificate to do this. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Does your parent or guardian have an account with us?
Your parent or guardian must have a bank account with the Royal Bank of Scotland for you to apply for a child or teen account with us.
If they don't have an account with us, they can check out our current account hub to apply for an account.
Do you have photo ID?
We need to check your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
This has to be your photo ID and not your parent or guardian's. Your photo ID must be valid and in date.
We'll need you to have either:
- A Passport
- A UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- A PASS card
- An ID card from an EU or EEA country.
Good news, you can apply online for your account
It looks like you have all the right ID to start your application online.
Before you start, we need you to check the following:
- You have a proof of address ready from the following list. We might also need to check this as we set up your account.
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will also need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Do you have a UK birth or adoption certificate?
We can use your birth certificate, along with your parent or guardian's account to identify you when applying online.
Once you're done with the application, we'll need your parent or guardian to either pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can get your account up and running.
Good news, you can apply online for your account
It looks like you have all the right ID to start your application online.
As you don't have photo ID, we'll need your parent or guardian to pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can complete your application.
Before you start, we need you to check the following:
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
- We might also need to check a proof of address document when we set up your account. Check out the 'Proof of address we accept' list below to see what we might ask for.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Your parent or guardian must have a current account with us to open your account
You can't apply just yet because we need your parent or guardian to have an account with us. Fancy having them join the Royal Bank of Scotland? They can check out our account options below.
After they've opened their account and got their Online Banking sorted, visit our Revolve account page and start your application.
Eligibility conditions & criteria apply.
Apply for a NatWest Rooster Money account
If you are under 11, you can't get a bank account with us just yet but you can get a NatWest Rooster Money account instead.
With Rooster Money, you can get a prepaid debit card for kids between the ages of 6 and 17.
You can find out what ID options you need to get Rooster Card on our Rooster Money page.
What's your age?
To make sure you get the right ID for the account you'd like to apply for, we need to narrow down your age a bit more.
What type of account do you want?
We offer our student account to students that are 17 years old. If you are a student then this could be the right account for you.
If you want to apply for a student account we'll need your unique 16-digit UCAS code when you apply. Follow the 'Student account' option to find out more.
Do you have a passport?
We need to check your photo ID (passport) in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
This has to be your photo ID and not your parent or guardian's. Your photo ID must be valid and in date.
Your passport must:
- Be valid and in date
- Include your full name
- Include your date of birth
- Have a photo that resembles you
- Be supported by a VISA / Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) OR a valid UK Government share code.
To apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk.
Do you have a valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or UK Government share code?
To support your photo ID, we need to see your valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or a UK Government share code to prove your right to reside in the UK.
This has to be your BRP or share code and not your parent or guardian's, and it must be valid.
For more information or to apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk.
Do you have a proof of address?
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricity bill)
- Council Tax bill
- HMRC letter
- Bank, building society or credit union statement
Information Message
It must show your name and address, and be an original copy. We can't accept downloaded copies of letters or mobile phone bills.
Apply for your account today
If you have all your documents ready you can apply online for a bank account today. You will complete your application completely online.
Do you have a valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or UK Government share code?
As part of your application, we need to see your valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or a UK Government share code to prove your right to reside in the UK.
This has to be your BRP or share code and not your parent or guardian's, and it must be valid.
For more information or to apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk.
Does your parent or guardian have an account with us?
Without your own photo ID, you can apply with the help of a parent or guardian who has an account with us.
Your parent or guardian must have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland to be able to help with your application.
You're nearly ready to apply
As you don't have photo ID, we need you to get a few more documents before you can do your application online.
You should obtain photo ID to accompany your Biometric Residency Permit or UK Government share code, and then you can apply online with us.
We may also need you to check the following:
- You have a proof of address ready from the following list. We might also need to check this as we set up your account.
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will also need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
If you can't apply online and need more help then check how we can help below.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Next steps to apply
Call us
If you're unable to apply digitally and need the help of one of our colleagues please give us a call to see how we can support. If you have special circumstances, for instance you are in care, sheltered accommodation, permanent care, a children's home or in care and living at home then please call us.
Does your parent or guardian have an account with us?
Your parent or guardian must have a bank account with the Royal Bank of Scotland for you to apply for a child or teen account with us.
If they don't have an account with us, they can check out our current account hub to apply for an account.
Do you have a passport?
We need to check your photo ID (passport) in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
This has to be your photo ID and not your parent or guardian's. Your photo ID must be valid and in date.
Your passport must:
- Be valid and in date
- Include your full name
- Include your date of birth
- Have a photo that resembles you
- Be supported by a VISA / Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) OR a valid UK Government share code.
To apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk.
Good news, you can apply online for your account
It looks like you have all the right ID to start your application online.
Before you start, we need you to check the following:
- You have a proof of address ready from the following list. We might also need to check this as we set up your account.
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will also need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Do you have a UK birth or adoption certificate?
We can use your birth certificate, along with your parent or guardian's account to identify you when applying online.
Once you're done with the application, we'll need your parent or guardian to either pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can get your account up and running.
Good news, you can apply online for your account
It looks like you have all the right ID to start your application online.
As you don't have photo ID, we'll need your parent or guardian to pop into branch or post us your birth certificate so that we can complete your application.
Before you start, we need you to check the following:
- You have a proof of address ready from the following list. We might also need to check this as we set up your account.
- If you have a different last name from your parent, we will also need to see a proof of relationship to open your account. Check the following list to see what documents we can accept.
Proof of address documents we accept
We may need to check that your address is right during your application. Check the following list to see if you have one of these documents.
We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.
Your parent or guardian must have a current account with us to open your account
You can't apply just yet because we need your parent or guardian to have an account with us. Fancy having them join the Royal Bank of Scotland? They can check out our account options below.
After they've opened their account and got their Online Banking sorted, visit our Revolve account page and start your application.
Eligibility conditions & criteria apply.
Apply for a NatWest Rooster Money account
If you are under 11, you can't get a bank account with us just yet but you can get a NatWest Rooster Money account instead.
With Rooster Money, you can get a prepaid debit card for kids between the ages of 6 and 17.
You can find out what ID options you need to get Rooster Card on our Rooster Money page.
The UK government links are to an external website, and we are not responsible for their content.
New to the UK?
If you're new to the UK or are arriving soon, you'll need to know your new UK address before applying, and enter this during your application.
Once you've applied, we'll ask you for proof of identity and proof of UK address, which we'll need to verify before we open your account.
FAQs - What you need to open a bank account
Why do banks ask for proof of ID and address?
It's important that banks work hard on processes that help prevent money laundering. This is when criminals try to disguise money that has been made illegally, to use it for their own future purposes.
To do this, criminals often attempt to open a bank account using fake or stolen ID. We try to stop this by verifying all of our new customers as genuine, by asking for proof of identity and often current address.
If you are applying online, we try our best to complete this electronically, using our security partners Digidocs or Mitek, so the process is as easy as possible for you. This is why we ask you to have your ID at hand before you begin your application.