UK Proof of Address: What Counts and How to Get It [2026]

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 breaks down what proof of address is, which documents usually work, and the quickest ways to get one when you’re missing the standard paperwork. We’ll also guide you on how to pick the right option for common situations, like living with family or flatsharing.
Let’s get into it.

Proof of address is an official document that shows where you currently live in the UK. It usually includes your name and current residential address. Some organisations also call this proof of residency. 

Here’s what a typical proof of address looks like:

You’ll usually be asked for it when opening a bank account, renting a property, registering with a general practitioner (GP), or setting up services with a utility company. It’s also used for identity and address verification (KYC) to reduce fraud and meet anti-money laundering requirements.

Requirements and eligibility checks vary by organisation, so check whether they accept PDFs and whether your document is recent enough. In many cases, they want something from the last three months.

Organisations don’t all accept the same proof of address documents, but the options below are commonly used. We’ve split them into two groups to make it easier to find what fits your situation.

Start with these standard documents first. These are the options that usually work for most organisations:

These can help if you don’t have the standard options in your name yet. Acceptance varies, so check the organisation’s list first.

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.
• 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. 

If you need proof of address, start with a simple check. “Do you already have an official record that shows your name and your UK address?”

If yes, you can usually reuse something you already have. If not, the goal is to obtain one solid document in your name at your UK address.

Start with something you can access right now. This is usually the quickest route because you’re reusing an existing record.

The options below start with what you can get right away, then move to what you may need to request.

If you don’t have an accepted document yet, aim to obtain one solid proof in your name at your UK address. 

These are ordered from the lowest setup to the ones that take longer.

If you’ve just arrived, just moved, or don’t have bills in your name yet, proof of address can feel hard to figure out. But don’t worry, here are a few reliable options you can pick from depending on your case:

If you are new to the UK, start with official letters that confirm where you live. You may be able to use

• 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 headed letter from your employer that states your UK address 
• A signed agreement from your landlord, local council, or housing association 

If you already have a UK bank account and your address on file, request a bank address letter or paper statement. You might use an EU/EEA driving licence, but it usually needs to show your 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 live with family or share accommodation, your name may not appear on household bills. In this situation, try to obtain at least one official document issued in your own name that confirms your address.

Some options include:

• A headed letter from your employer or university confirming your address
• A letter from a social landlord or accommodation provider
• A bank or government confirmation letter

If you cannot yet get a document in your own name, some organisations may accept supporting proof from the person you live with, such as:

• A signed and dated letter confirming you live at the address, together with one of the property owner’s official documents (for example, a council tax bill, utility bill, or bank statement)
• A confirmation form signed by both of you, if required
• A statutory declaration or affidavit confirming your residence. This is signed in front of a solicitor or authorised witness and sometimes also by the main tenant or homeowner. However, because this is considered a fallback option, confirm acceptance before arranging one.

Some documents may show your address using “care of” (often written as c/o). This means the mail is being sent to you via someone else at that address, for example, if you are staying with a family member whose name is on the property. Not all organisations accept this format as proof of address, so it’s best to check their requirements.

If you’ve recently moved house, your documents may not yet show your new address. Start by updating at least one official record so you have proof that matches where you now live.

You can try using

• A Royal Mail redirection confirmation letter
• Council tax registration or your first council tax bill once issued
• Your tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord
• A change-of-address confirmation from your DWP, or DVLA
• A bank address confirmation letter or paper statement (after your bank has updated your address)

Use a document you can download immediately. A recent bank statement PDF is often the fastest option if it shows your full address. An official letter you already have can also work if it is addressed to you and dated recently. Avoid screenshots unless they clearly say they accept them.

Use documents issued to you at the address instead. Update your address with your bank, then request a bank address letter or paper statement. A headed employer or university letter can be another option where letters are accepted. 

If you are in a temporary accommodation or do not have a fixed address, acceptance rules can vary widely — so always check first what the organisation is willing to accept. Some may allow third-party confirmation showing where you receive correspondence.

You may be able to use:

• A letter from a shelter, hostel, GP surgery, or support worker
• A signed letter from a local authority or recognised charity
• A confirmation letter from a housing or support organisation

Any letter should clearly include your name, the address being used for correspondence, and the issuer’s details.

If you need help arranging suitable proof, speak to Citizens Advice or a housing support worker for guidance.

If your proof of address gets rejected, you don’t need to start over. You just need to find the one thing they didn’t like and switch to a version they’ll accept.

Use the steps below:

• Ask what failed and what they accept
  Check the rejection message first. If it just says “not accepted,” ask what requirement you missed. This could be the issue date, the document type, or whether they require a printout, original documents, or a letter from government agencies.
• Switch your approach if you’re stuck uploading
  If the upload keeps failing, try an in-person check if that’s an option. Organisations often accept a wider range of acceptable proof and original documents in person than they do through uploads.
• Replace it with a stronger document
  Don’t keep resubmitting the same file. Pick a stronger replacement from the table above, such as a bank address letter, a paper statement, or a council tax letter in your name.
• Match the details exactly
  Before you resubmit, make sure your application matches the document’s name and address format, including flat number and postcode.

Proof of address can feel like a hassle at first. The good news is you only need one valid proof of address that the organisation will accept. Pick the place you’re applying to, check their list, then choose the easiest document you can get in your name at your UK address.

Once you’ve got one that works, keep it easier for next time. Save a recent statement or letter when you receive it, so you don’t have to search for one again. And when you are unsure, ask what they accept before you upload anything. It saves you the back and forth.