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Proof of identity and address

What you need to open your bank account

Can I apply for a bank account?

We offer a range of bank accounts, with different features that may fit your needs.

For most of our current accounts, you need to be:

  • Aged 18+ 
  • A UK resident.

There are a few exceptions. Our Revolve account is for young people; you can apply between the ages of 11 - 17. For our Student bank accounts, you need to be aged 17+.

Some of our accounts have extra eligibility criteria required to apply. If applicable, you can find these on the webpage for the account you're interested in, or in our Current Account Terms & Conditions.

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. 

Documents we can accept

The quickest way to get an account is to apply online. If you don't have the correct ID documents, you have other options. 

To apply for an account online, you'll need: 

  1. A valid photo ID to confirm your identity
  2. A document with your current address

If you have a full or provisional UK driving licence, you can use this as proof of both your identity and address.

We know that sometimes you might not have the right documents. To find out what ID you need and how to apply, select the buttons below to choose your path. 

What's your nationality?

Information Message

The nationality on your ID documents should match the details on your application.

What type of account are you applying for?

Information Message

To apply for an adult current account you must be aged 18+. You can apply for a child or teen account if you are aged 11-17. For our Student bank account you must be 17+. 

ID you need to apply for a current account

You can apply for an account online with us if you have: 

 

  1. A proof of ID from the following list
  2. A proof of address documents from the following list

 

If you have a proof of address document but not a proof of ID, you can still apply online. If you choose to apply this way, you will need to provide us with the original copy of your document in 14 days of applying. Select the 'Applying without photo ID' button below to find out more.

Proof of ID

We accept the following forms of photo ID:

  • Passport
  • Full or provisional UK driving licence
  • EU/EEA driving licence
  • EU/EEA national ID card.
Information Message

Proof of address

We accept the following documents: 

Information Message

Need some more help before applying?

  1. To apply for one of our main proof of address documents, click the 'Find out how' button below. After reviewing your documents, you can return here to apply online.
  2. If you have any of our additional proof of address documents, you can use one of these instead. Please note, this might take a bit longer to open your account.
  3. You can also apply online without photo ID. If you choose this option, you'll need to send us the original document within 14 days.

Select a document from the following list to find out how to use this as proof of address

Once you've received your proof of address document in the post, you can use this with your proof of ID to apply for a bank account online

Do you have any of our alternative ID documents?

It may be easiest for you to obtain photo ID or one of our alternative ID documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

If you are able to obtain one of our main proof of address documents and photo ID, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

Apply online without photo ID

You can apply for an account with us online without photo ID, but you will need to give us your original documents within 14 days.

Apply in branch

It's important to us to keep you and your money safe which is why we need certain documents to open a bank account.  If you're unable to provide these we may be able to help you in exceptional circumstances.

Start your online application without photo ID

You can apply for an account with us online without photo ID, but you will need to give us your original documents within 14 days

If this sounds like a good option for you, then follow the link below for more information on the accounts you can apply for.

What age are you?

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. 

Information Message

If you are aged 11-15, you can only open an account if your parent or guardian already has an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland. If they don't, they can check out our current account hub to apply for an account. 

Aged 16-17: ID you need to apply for an account

If you're aged 16-17 you can apply online with: 

 

  1. A valid photo ID and 
  2. A recent proof of address document.

 

Find out more information about the documents you will need to apply below.

 

If you are not able to provide this, you will need to apply with the help of a parent or guardian. Your parent or guardian must have a Royal Bank of Scotland account for you to apply with their support. 

 

If you need some more help to apply, review the options under the 'Need more help to apply' section below.

Proof of ID

We accept the following forms of 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.
Information Message

Proof of address

We accept the following documents: 

Information Message

Need more help to apply?

  1. If you want to obtain a proof of address document listed above to help you apply online, click the 'Get proof of address' button below. After reviewing your documents, visit the Revolve account page to apply.
  2. If you can't obtain one of the documents we've mentioned above without incurring a cost, click the 'Alternative documents' button below. If you use one of these documents you will need to apply over the phone and your account will take longer to open. 

Proof of address documents we accept

We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.

Proof of relationship documents we accept

If you are applying with the support of a parent or guardian, we might need to see a proof of relationship document.

We'll only ask for this if your last name is different from your parents. If you have changed your name we may also need to see proof of name change. 

You can use the following documents as proof of relationship: 

  • Birth/Adoption certificate
  • Legal guardianship
  • HMRC/Benefits letter
  • Child arrangement order
  • Foster care agreement.

Check our alternative proof of address documents

It may be easiest for you to get photo ID or one of our main proof of address documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help.  It will take longer and we might need to see alternative documentation. 

Proof of relationship documents we accept

If you are applying with the support of a parent or guardian, we might need to see a proof of relationship document.

We'll only ask for this if your last name is different from your parents. If you have changed your name we may also need to see proof of name change. 

You can use the following documents as proof of relationship: 

  • Birth/Adoption certificate
  • Legal guardianship
  • HMRC/Benefits letter
  • Child arrangement order
  • Foster care agreement.

Next steps to apply

Apply online

If you are able to get one of our main proof of address documents and photo ID, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

Apply in branch

It's important to us to keep you and your money safe which is why we need certain documents to open a bank account. If you're unable to provide these we may be able to help you in exceptional circumstances.

Aged 11-15: ID you need to apply for an account

If you are 11-15 years old your parent or guardian must have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland for you to apply for an account with us.

 

We will also need you to provide a valid photo ID so that we can check you are who you say you are. 

 

If you don't have photo ID we will need to see your UK birth or adoption  certificate so that you are able to apply online. 

Parent/guardian's account

Your parent or guardian must have an account with us for you to apply.

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 on our current account hub.

After they've opened their account and got their Online Banking sorted, visit our Revolve account page and start your application. 

Information Message

Proof of ID

We accept the following documents: 

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.
Information Message

UK birth or adoption certificate

If you don't have photo ID, you can use your birth or adoption certificate to apply.

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.

Information Message

Need more help to apply?

If you can't obtain one of the documents we've mentioned above without incurring a cost, click the 'More help' button below. 

 

If you use one of these documents you will need to apply over the phone and your account will take longer to open. 

You don't have the right ID to apply yet, but we can help

To apply for a Child or Teen account online, we need to see the following ID: 

  1. Photo ID, such as a passport
  2. A UK birth or adoption certificate

We have alternative ID options that you could use instead. If you choose to use one of these options, you will need to apply on the phone and it will take longer to open your account. 

We'll also ask for proof of relationship if your last name is different from your parents. You can see the documents we'll accept as proof of relationship below.

Check our alternative proof of address documents

It may be easiest for you to get photo ID or one of our main proof of address documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help.  It will take longer and we might need to see alternative documentation. 

Proof of relationship documents we accept

We'll only ask for this if your last name is different from your parents. If you have changed your name we may also need to see proof of name change. 

You can use the following documents as proof of relationship: 

  • Birth/Adoption certificate
  • Legal guardianship
  • HMRC/Benefits letter
  • Child arrangement order
  • Foster care agreement.

Next steps to apply

Apply online

If you are able to get photo ID or your UK birth or adoption certificate, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

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, our Rooster 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.

ID you need to apply for a student account

You can apply for a student account if you are a student aged 17+ and living in the UK.

 

To be eligible for an account, we need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years.

 

If you are eligible then we'll need to see the following ID: 

 

  1. Proof of your UK student status
  2. A valid photo ID
  3. A recent proof of address document. 

 

Find out more information below. Once you're ready to apply, you can visit our Student account page to get started. 

Proof of student status

We need this code to prove your student status.

Apply online with your UCAS code:

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). 

 

Uploading proof of student status after your application:

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 or certificate
  • Student loan or finance letter
  • Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS) letter
  • Local education authority award letter.
Information Message

Proof of ID

We accept the following documents: 

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
  • An EU/EEA driving licence
  • An ID card from an EU or EEA country.
Information Message

Proof of address

We accept the following documents:

 

Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form. 

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. 

Information Message

What type of account are you applying for?

Information Message

To apply for an adult current account you must be aged 18+. You can apply for a child or teen account if you are aged 11-17. For our Student bank account you must be 17+. 

ID you need to apply for a current account

You can apply for an account online with us if you have: 

 

  1. A valid passport, supported by a valid Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) or UK Government share code.
  2. A proof of address documents from the following list.

 

If you are unable to provide these documents, choose an option from the 'Need more help before applying?' section on this page.

Proof of ID

We can accept a non-UK/EU passport supported by a valid BRP or share code.

Your passport must be:

 

  • Valid
  • In date (not expired)
  • Match the details provided in your application.

 

Your passport must be supported by a valid Visa/Biometric Residence Permit or a UK Government share code. 

 

For more information or to apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk

Information Message

Need some more help before applying?

  1. To apply for one of our main proof of address documents, click the 'Get proof of address' button below. After reviewing your documents, you can return here to apply online.
  2. Check if you have any of our alternative documents by selecting the 'Alternative documents' button. If you do, you can use one of these instead. Please note, by using one of these documents it will take longer to open your account. 
  3. If you don't have any of our alternative documents, select the 'More help' button to see your options. 

Select a document from the following list to find out how to use this as proof of address

Once you've received your proof of address document in the post, you can use this with your proof of ID to apply for a bank account online

Do you have any of our alternative ID documents?

It may be easiest for you to obtain photo ID or one of our alternative ID documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help.

Ready to apply?

Apply online

If you are able to obtain one of our main proof of address documents and photo ID, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

Apply online without photo ID

You can apply for an account with us online without photo ID, but you will need to give us your original documents within 14 days.

Apply in branch

It's important to us to keep you and your money safe which is why we need certain documents to open a bank account. If you're unable to provide these we may be able to help you in exceptional circumstances.

Please choose from the below options:

You might be eligible for one of our accounts through one of the options below. Select the button which describes your circumstances. 

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. 

Find your nearest branch.

How to apply without access to ID

We work hard to stop criminals from opening bank accounts using fake or stolen ID. We try to do this by verifying all our new customers with proof of identity and address documents. 

If you don't have these documents, we may still be able to support you if you meet the following criteria:

  • Have the right to reside in the UK.
  • Don't have access and have never had access to any banking facilities in the UK e.g. a bank account with us or anyone else in the UK.
  • Are unable to get the documents mentioned previously without cost.

Please visit us in branch to see how we could help.

What age are you?

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. 

Information Message

If you are aged 11-15, you can only open an account if your parent or guardian already has an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland. If they don't, they can check out our current account hub to apply for an account. 

Aged 16-17: ID you need to apply for an account

If you're aged 16-17, you can apply online with: 

 

  1. A passport, supported by a valid Biometric Residency Permit or a valid UK Government share code
  2. A recent proof of address document.

 

Find out more information about the documents you will need to apply below.

 

If you are not able to provide this, you will need to apply with the help of a parent or guardian. Your parent or guardian must have a Royal Bank of Scotland account for you to apply with their support. 

 

If you need some more help to apply, review the options under the 'Need more help to apply' section below.

Proof of ID

Your passport must be supported by a valid BRP or share code.

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

Information Message

Proof of address

We accept the following documents: 

 

Your document must show your name and address, and be an original copy. We can't accept downloaded copies of letters or mobile phone bills.

Information Message

Need more help to apply?

  1. If you want to obtain a proof of address document listed above to help you apply online, click the 'Get proof of address' button below. After reviewing your documents, visit the Revolve account page to apply.
  2. If you can't obtain one of the documents we've mentioned above without incurring a cost, click the 'Alternative documents' button below. If you use one of these documents you will need to apply over the phone and your account will take longer to open. 

Proof of address documents we accept

We've also included how to get one of these documents to help you with your application.

Proof of relationship documents we accept

If you are applying with the support of a parent or guardian, we might need to see a proof of relationship document.

We'll only ask for this if your last name is different from your parents. If you have changed your name we may also need to see proof of name change. 

You can use the following documents as proof of relationship: 

  • Birth/Adoption certificate
  • Legal guardianship
  • HMRC/Benefits letter
  • Child arrangement order
  • Foster care agreement.

Check our alternative proof of address documents

It may be easiest for you to get photo ID or one of our main proof of address documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help. It will take longer and we might need to see alternative documentation. 

Next steps to apply

Apply online

If you are able to get one of our main proof of address documents and photo ID, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

Apply in branch

It's important to us to keep you and your money safe which is why we need certain documents to open a bank account. If you're unable to provide these we may be able to help you in exceptional circumstances.

Aged 11-15: ID you need to apply for an account

If you are 11-15 years old your parent or guardian must have an account with the Royal Bank of Scotland for you to apply for an account with us.

 

We will also need you to provide a valid photo ID so that we can check you are who you say you are. 

 

If you don't have photo ID we will need to see your UK birth or adoption  certificate so that you are able to apply online. If you don't have this document, take a look at the 'Need more help to apply?' section of this page to see what your options are.

Parent/guardian's account

Your parent or guardian must have an account with us for you to apply.

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 on our current account hub.

After they've opened their account and got their Online Banking sorted, visit our Revolve account page and start your application. 

Information Message

Proof of ID

We can accept a non-UK/EU passport supported by a valid BRP or share code.

Your passport must be:

 

  • Valid
  • In date (not expired)
  • Match the details provided in your application.

 

Your passport must be supported by a valid Visa/Biometric Residence Permit or a UK Government share code. 

 

For more information or to apply for a share code, please visit gov.uk

Information Message

UK birth or adoption certificate

If you don't have photo ID, you can use your birth or adoption certificate to apply.

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.

Information Message

Need more help to apply?

If you can't obtain one of the documents we've mentioned above without incurring a cost, click the 'More help' button below. 

 

If you use one of these documents you will need to apply over the phone and your account will take longer to open. 

You don't have the right ID to apply yet, but we can help

To apply for a Child or Teen account online, we need to see the following ID: 

  1. A passport, supported by a valid Biometric Residency Permit or UK Government share code.

We have alternative ID options that you could use instead. If you choose to use one of these options, you will need to apply on the phone and it will take longer to open your account. 

We'll also ask for proof of relationship if your last name is different from your parents. You can see the documents we'll accept as proof of relationship below.

Check our alternative proof of address documents

It may be easiest for you to get photo ID or one of our main proof of address documents so that you can complete your application digitally. This is because it is quicker to apply with us online.

If that's not possible, please check the following list to see how we can help. It will take longer and we might need to see alternative documentation. 

Proof of relationship documents we accept

We'll only ask for this if your last name is different from your parents. If you have changed your name we may also need to see proof of name change. 

You can use the following documents as proof of relationship: 

  • Birth/Adoption certificate
  • Legal guardianship
  • HMRC/Benefits letter
  • Child arrangement order
  • Foster care agreement.

Next steps to apply

Apply online

If you are able to get photo ID or your UK birth or adoption certificate, you can use these documents to apply online.

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.

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, our Rooster 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.

ID you need to apply for a student account

You can apply for a student account if you are a student aged 17+ and living in the UK.

 

To be eligible for an account, we need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years.

 

If you are eligible then we'll need to see the following ID: 

 

  1. Proof of your UK student status
  2. A valid passport, supported by a valid Biometric Residency Permit or UK Government share code
  3. A recent proof of address document. 

 

Find out more information below. Once you're ready to apply, you can visit our Student account page to get started. 

Proof of student status

We need this code to prove your student status.

Apply online with your UCAS code:

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). 

 

Uploading proof of student status after your application:

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 or certificate
  • Student loan or finance letter
  • Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS) letter
  • Local education authority award letter.
Information Message

Proof of ID

Your passport must be supported by a valid BRP or share code.

We need to check your photo ID (passport) in the online application process,  this will be done by our partner Mitek. 

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

Information Message

Proof of address

We accept the following documents:

 

Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form. 

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. 

Information Message

Looking to open a savings account?

If you want to open one of our Instant Access Savings accounts, you must be a current account customer. If you want to open one of our Fixed Term accounts, or ISA's, you'll need to provide proof of ID and address. 

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.