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What is Safe Custody?

What is Safe Custody?

Safe Custody is closing

We have made the difficult decision to close our Safe Custody service. We’re sorry for the inconvenience this may cause, and we wanted to give you as much notice of this as possible so you can make other arrangements.

Until the Safe Custody service closes you can still access your item(s) as normal, although you may consider removing your item(s) permanently before the service closes.

We’ll be writing to you over the coming months, letting you know how you can remove the item(s) safely and securely.

Take a look at our FAQs for more information. You can also give us a call on 0800 096 5417 (overseas +44 150 652 7986) or use Relay UK on 18001 0800 096 5417 quoting the reference Safe Custody 01. Lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, closed on bank holidays. You can also call us with your Sign Video service.

Once you let us know you are happy for us to post your item, we’ll aim to return it to you as soon as possible. Allowing for potential Royal Mail strikes this could take up to 6 weeks. Please note, not all items can be posted and will need to be collected from the branch.

Frequently asked questions

To have your item posted to you

To collect your item(s) from a branch

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The identification you need

When you visit the branch, you will need to bring your debit card so we can identify you by Chip and PIN. If you don’t have a debit card, you’ll need to provide proof of identity from the following list:

  • Valid signed UK passport with future expiry date
  • Valid full UK driving licence photocard with future expiry date
  • Valid UK provisional driving licence with future expiry date

If you don’t have one of the above forms of ID, you’ll need to provide one original document from the proof of identity list and one original document from the proof of address list below. It doesn’t matter which documents you choose, but you can’t use the same item to confirm both your identity and address.

Proof of identity

  • Valid, signed EU passport with future expiry date
  • Valid Non-UK/EU passport to be supported by a visa with more than six months left to run
  • Valid Military ID photocard issued by the British Armed Forces with future expiry date
  • Valid EU/EEA National ID photocard with future expiry date
  • Valid full EU/EEA driving licence photocard with future expiry date
  • Valid Biometric Residence Permit - with more than six months left to run
  • Benefits book or original notification letter from the Benefits Agency (including Dept of Work and Pensions) and/or Job Centre Plus confirming your current right to benefits
  • Valid OAP travel pass

Proof of address (this must show your current home address and be the original document)

  • Utility bill from the last six months. Internet access bills are only acceptable if shown with an original introductory supplier letter that is dated within the last six months and matches your name and address (mobile phone bills aren’t acceptable)
  • Council Tax bill or payment book less than 12 months old
  • A bank, building society or credit card statement less than six months old
  • Mortgage statement less than 12 months old
  • Current local council rent card or tenancy agreement (private tenancy agreements aren’t acceptable)

Safe Custody Service Fees

Boxes / Parcels up to 508mm x 382mm x 305mm £45 including VAT
Boxes / Parcels larger than 508mm x 382mm x 305mm £65 including VAT
Sealed Envelope £25 including VAT
Holding Wills £20 including VAT

These charges are applied yearly between November and January. It will appear on your statement as "CHG" with the corresponding amount listed above.

For further information or to arrange viewing/withdrawing your Safe Custody item, please contact a branch.

Royal Bank of Scotland branch locator
Find your nearest branch using our branch locator.

There is a charge of £10.00 to view an item that is held in Safe Custody. This fee is charged each time the item is viewed.

Please note: 24 hours notice is required for viewing items.