Verification Requirements
For Individuals and Sole Traders
(e.g., private mailbox users, sole trader business users)
- We need to verify the identity of the applicant and any additional mail recipients.
For Entities
(e.g., registered companies, partnerships, charities)
- We require identity verification for the applicant, all directors, any Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) holding 25%+ ownership, and Persons with Significant Control (PSC).
- If a UBO is a legal entity, additional information may be required. We will reach out if needed.
- We also require proof of principal trading address, if different from the Registered Office.
ID Verification Process
- Your identity is typically verified electronically within minutes.
- You’ll receive an ID verification link via email and text for each person we need to verify. Completing this allows us to meet Customer Due Diligence requirements and confirm your service instantly.
- In some cases, additional ID may be requested. We will contact you if further verification is necessary.
- ID copies are stored according to our privacy policy and AML compliance requirements and are only shared with authorities if legally required.
Accepted Documents
Photo Identification (Proof of Identity)
- Passport
- Driver’s Licence (with photocard)
- National Identity Card
Proof of Address (must display name and address and be issued within the last three months unless otherwise noted)
- Utility bill (gas, electric, television, landline)
- Local authority council tax bill for the current tax year
- Current UK driving licence (if not used for identity proof)
- Bank, Building Society, or Credit Union statement
- Original mortgage statement from the last full year
- Solicitor’s letter (recent house purchase or land registry confirmation)
- Council/housing association rent card or tenancy agreement for the current year
- Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency (but not if used as proof of name)
- HMRC self-assessment letters or tax demand (current financial year)
- Electoral Register entry
- NHS medical card or letter from a GP practice confirming registration
Proof of Principal Trading Address (must display name of the business and address and be issued within the last three months unless otherwise noted)
- Bank statement
- Utility bill
International Customers
If you reside outside the UK or EU, we may not be able to verify your identity electronically. We will contact you if additional identification documents are required. We accept identity documents certified by a bank, financial institution, lawyer, or notary.
Certifying Documents
The following professionals can certify documents:
- Bank/Building Society Official
- Solicitor or Notary
- Post Office Official
- Councillor
- Minister of Religion
- Dentist
- Chartered Accountant
- Local Town Hall Official
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Doctor
The following persons cannot certify documents:
- Those related to you
- Living at the same address; or
- In a relationship with you
Instructions for Certification
Bring the original and a photocopy to the certifier, who should:
- Write “Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me”
- Sign and date it
- Print their name and add their occupation, address, email, and phone number
Understanding the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) / Person of Significant Control (PSC)
A UBO or Person of Significant Control (PSC) is an individual who:
- Owns or controls 25% or more of shares or voting rights; or
- Has control over the company’s management (e.g., CEO, COO, CFO).
If No One Owns 25% or More
We will perform KYC checks on individuals exercising control over the company’s management, such as board members, CEO, COO, or CFO.
Finding UBO / PSC Information
Companies House maintains a register of PSCs and shareholders for UK-incorporated entities, accessible to the public. We will monitor for PSC, UBO changes, but you must also notify us of updates.
Required Documents for Overseas Registered Company UBOs
For companies registered outside the UK, we need proof of ID and address from the UBOs listed on acceptable documents based on their country. Please contact us for a list of acceptable documents.
For any questions, please contact our customer support team.
