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Essential Documents: Identity Verification

Why do I need to hold lots of documents? Surely one document is enough?

It is important to make sure you always have a second form of identity and evidence of your address ready when applying for college, jobs or a PVG check. You will be asked for at least three original documents to confirm you are who you say you are. Most of these documents have been covered in other parts of the hub and can be found below (have links to passport, birth certificate, address etc.) The reality is that everyone needs to be sure that you say who you are for their sake. It isn't anything personal, everyone has to display these documents!

What are the three documents? 

You will be asked for at least one document from ‘Group 1’ and two documents from either Group 1, Group 2a and/or Group 2b. One needs to show your current address. All the options are listed below but don’t worry if it looks a lot - remember you only need three items and we have guides on many of the essential documents elsewhere on the hub. Please speak to a connector or Hub team member if you have any questions or find this list overwhelming. 

I have them, now what? 

Keep your documents together in a safe place within your home. Make sure it’s a private space and somewhere you won’t forget! We recommend getting a wee folder or plastic wallet to put them all in. Keeping them all in one place means that you won't be scrambling to find all the documents everytime you need them.

Documents and their Grouping

Group 1 

  • Current valid Passport 

  • Current Driving Licence  

  • Birth Certificate 

  • Adoption certificate 

Group 2a 

  • Birth Certificate 

  • Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate (UK and Channel Islands). 

  • Adoption Certificate (UK and Channel Islands). 

  • Current UK Driving License

Group 2b 

  • Mortgage Statement** 

  • Bank/Building Society Statement** 

  • Bank/Building Society Account Opening Confirmation Letter* 

  • Credit/Debit Card Statement* 

  • Financial Statement ** - e.g. pension, endowment, ISA (UK). 

  • P45/P60 Statement ** 

  • Council Tax Statement (UK & Channel Islands). ** 

  • Utility Bill (UK)* – not mobile telephone bill. 

  • Benefit Statement* - e.g. Child Allowance, Pension 

  • Letter from Head Teacher or College Principal (16 - 19 year olds in full time education) 

Please note: If a document in the listed above has the following signs, the document should be: 

  • * - less than 3 months old. 

  • ** less than 12 months old.