How to Get a Proof of Address in the UK With 6 Methods

If you’re new to the UK or need proof of address for the first time, it can be tricky, especially if you don’t have bills in your name. Many banks, landlords, and service providers ask for proof, but it’s not always clear what documents are accepted.

This guide covers what counts as proof of address in the UK, alternative options beyond utility bills, and solutions for those without traditional proof. We’ll also explore banking alternatives for those without a UK address to help you stay compliant.

Proof of address is an official document that confirms where you live in the UK. It must include your name and residential address and is commonly required by financial institutions, landlords, and government agencies for compliance, security, and eligibility purposes.

Since proof of address verifies that you actively reside at and can be reached at a specific location, institutions typically require documents linked to your name and address, such as recent utility bills or credit card statements. However, the type of document accepted and its validity period can vary.

For example, most banks in the UK accept utility bills and bank statements dated within the last 3–4 months when opening a bank account, while a council tax bill is valid for 12 months.

Here’s a list of commonly accepted documents as proof of address in the UK:

Not only do you need an approved document, but it must also meet specific conditions to be valid, such as being recent and officially issued. These conditions include:

• Proof of address cannot be the same as proof of identity: Proof of address and proof of identity must be separate documents. For example, if you use your driving licence as ID, you’ll need a different document, like a utility bill, for proof of address, even if the institution allows a driving licence for both.
• Documents must be recent: All documents must be recent within a specific timeframe, typically 3 - 12 months, depending on the type of document and the organisation requesting them.
• Handwritten documents are not accepted: Handwritten bills and letters are usually not accepted, as documents must come from an official source.
• Copies may not be accepted: Institutions typically require original documents to verify authenticity, so photocopies and screenshots are generally not accepted. Online documents, including printouts, may or may not be accepted depending on the institution, so it’s best to check beforehand.
• Documents must contain specific information: The proof of address documents should show your full legal name, current address, date issued and the issuing authority. 

This example shows the key details that must appear on a valid proof of address:

If you live in the UK or own property, you should receive regular utility bills, such as electricity, gas, or water bills, either by post or digitally. If these bills are in your name, they are one of the simplest and most reliable forms of acceptable proof of your home address, typically valid for 3 to 4 months as they indicate active use of the specified address.

If the bills aren't in your name because you live with others, you can either get your name added to the bills by registering with the provider, or you could ask the primary account holder to help verify your address through a letter. Some entities accept a written affidavit from a person living in the same household. 

If you've just arrived in the UK, setting up a utility account is a good way to ensure you have proof of address in the future.

Council tax is an annual fee paid to your local council in the UK, and the funds collected are utilised to support various services such as waste collection,  street lighting, police, and so on. 

You can check your mail for the annual council tax bill, which is usually sent out in March or April. You can also manage these bills online. If you can’t find it, you will need to contact your local council in the UK for information specific to your location. [1]

This tax is paid by the household, making the bill a valid proof of address as long as it dates back no more than 12 months.

Bank statements are commonly relied upon as proof of address since a trustworthy source, like banks, is the issuer. 

If you have an account or cards with a UK bank, make sure your registered address matches your most updated residential address. If it does, you can use the bank statement from the last three months as proof of your address.

If you need proof of address for a bank account or loan application, the statement needs to be from a different bank than the one you’re applying to.

Official letters or statements from government entities can be used as proof of address as long as they have your full legal name, address, date, and an issuing authority on the paper.

For example, you can use documentation from

• HM Land Registry - A government entity responsible for maintaining and recording property ownership in England and Wales.
• HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) - The UK's tax authority. Tax-related documents often contain the taxpayer's registered address, providing a reliable confirmation of residence.

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant outlining the terms and conditions of renting a property. If you've rented a place, you may be able to provide a lease agreement stating your residence at the current address as proof of address.

If you're a university student living in campus accommodation, a university accommodation letter issued by your institution may also be accepted. This letter confirms your residence and is often used as proof of address for banking and official purposes.

You can reach out to your landlord or university administration for assistance. They may be able to help you with the documents or even provide a letter confirming your address, known as a “proof of residency letter” or an “affidavit of residence”.

In some cases, a mortgage loan or insurance that indicates ownership of the property and residency at the address can also be used as proof of address. 

If you have a mortgage, your mortgage provider should send an annual mortgage statement, usually in January. You can also contact them for recent documentation if necessary. 

While you can use a mortgage as proof of address, you usually can’t use a mortgage statement from the same bank when applying to that bank.

If you've recently arrived in the UK, you may not have typical documents like utility bills or bank statements with your updated UK address just yet. 

Some institutions and high street banks allow for alternative documents, such as the following:

• A document from your educational institution (university, college, or language school) if you're moving to the UK for studies. Your UCAS details or a letter from the Student Loan Company may also be accepted.
• A confirmation letter from your employer verifying your address. 
• Some institutions may accept a written affidavit from a person you reside with.
• EU/EEA driving licences, but it's essential to consider that the address on that existing EU licence most likely needs to be a UK address.

In the past, EU residents who had just moved to the UK could open a bank account using their European address. Unfortunately, following the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit), the opportunities for those with addresses outside the UK have diminished.

If you're new to the country or planning to move but haven’t yet relocated, obtaining proof of address can be challenging. In the meantime, here are some alternative ways you can access banking services in the UK.

Open an Account Before Arriving in the UK

If your home bank has a correspondent banking relationship with a British bank, there is a possibility that they can set up a UK bank account for you.

There are also some cases where you can open an account with a UK bank from outside the UK. For example, you can apply for a UK account with HSBC while still outside the country. [2]

However, to qualify for these accounts, you’ll typically need to meet certain eligibility criteria, such as the minimum income requirement. While proof of address is usually required, some banks may be flexible, and it may not necessarily need to be a UK address, depending on your current location.

Open an International Account

You might also be interested in an international account, which many UK banks offer. These accounts are designed for non-residents who may not have the option to supply proof of address in the UK yet.

Examples of banks that offer international accounts are:

1. Barclays International Bank Account - Available for non-UK residents and those planning to move to the UK.
2. HSBC International Bank Account – Allows you to open an account overseas before arriving in the UK, with access in over 30 destinations.
3. Lloyds International Current Account – Offers flexibility with 3 currencies (GBP, EUR, USD) and fee-free international payments. Applicants must provide details about their country of residence, the country they are applying from, and their destination. Eligibility also requires meeting a gross annual income threshold.
4. NatWest International Account –  Designed for individuals managing finances in the UK and internationally. Available to residents of eligible countries listed on the NatWest International Select Account and NatWest Cash Management Account pages.

However, international bank accounts often need a large initial deposit and require a certain amount of minimum payments each month.

Alternative to Traditional Banks 

Lastly, consider looking into financial institutions beyond conventional banks. 

Some fintech providers, which typically hold money service licences but are not traditional banks, may have a more flexible list of accepted documents for proof of address or identity.

Since these providers often offer services in multiple locations, they may ask for proof of address in your current location instead, not necessarily an address in the UK. 

Examples of such alternatives are:

• Revolut account: Revolut is a global neobank that recently obtained a UK banking licence. It operates in several locations and offers accounts in over 29 currencies, including GBP, EUR, and USD. You can use the account for everyday spending and international transfers. Revolut may request proof of address if necessary, but they support multiple locations. This means that Revolut may accept proof of address from your current location.
• Wise multi-currency account: Wise provides both personal and business multi-currency accounts, offering access to 40 currencies across 160 countries. With a Wise account, users can receive, send, and spend money internationally.

Getting proof of address in the UK can be challenging, especially if you're new to the country or don’t have bills in your name. However, there are alternative accepted documents you can use. If you lack traditional proof, consider options like a letter from your university, employer, or a government-issued document. The key is to check the specific requirements of the institution requesting it to ensure your document is valid.