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Proof of Identity

In order to progress with your loan application you may be asked to provide proof of identification. We accept a number of different forms of ID, but you only need to submit one from the list below.

If you choose to submit either a EU or EEA member state identity card or a non-EU passport you will also need to submit proof of your address separately.

Please note, we can only accept scanned copies of original physical documents as proof of ID. The documents must be in colour, black and white copies will not be accepted. Please ensure that all edges and corners of the documents are visible, and no photo flash has obscured any wording or numbers.

Find out how to scan and upload your documents.

Privacy Policy

All sensitive data and personal information provided to The Start Up Loans Company as part of your application is encrypted and stored securely. We will only ever use your data to inform the loan application process, to notify you of changes to our services, or to provide you with marketing information that you request. We will not pass your information to third parties for their marketing purposes.

Privacy Policy

UK or EU passport

Your passport must:

  • Be valid
  • Not have expired

What we need to see on your passport:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Photograph
  • Signature
  • Expiration date
  • Date of birth
  • Machine readable zone (MRZ)
passport icon diagram showing date of birth, MRZ and expiration date

EU or EEA member state identity card

If you decide to submit your ID card as proof of identity, you must also provide proof of address.

Your ID card must:

  • Be valid
  • Not have expired

What we need to see on your identity card:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Photograph
  • Signature
  • Expiration date
  • Machine readable zone (MRZ)
  • Date of birth OR Address

Accepted forms of proof of address:

  • UK driving licence
  • Utility bill
  • Government issued letter
  • Personal bank account or credit card statement
  • Council tax bill
  • Housing benefit entitlement

Find out more about acceptable forms of proof of address.

ID Card Iconn showing back and front. Front showing signature, expiration date, name and surname and photo. back showing MRZ.

Non-EU passport

If you are submitting a non-EU passport as proof of ID, you must also provide proof of UK residency.

Your Non-EU passport must:

  • Be valid
  • Not have expired

What we need to see on your non-EU passport:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Photograph
  • Signature
  • Expiration date
  • Date of birth
  • Machine readable zone (MRZ)

Accepted forms of proof of residency:

  • UK Naturalisation Certificate
  • UK Residence Card
  • UK Residence Document
  • UK Visa
passport icon diagram showing date of birth, MRZ and expiration date
visa icon diagram

UK Driving Licence

Please note that you cannot submit your driving licence as both proof of ID and proof of address. If you are required to submit a proof of address, there are a number of other documents we can accept.

Your licence must:

  • Be valid
  • Not have expired
  • Have been issued in the UK
  • Be a photo card provisional or full licence

What we need to see on your UK Driving Licence:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Photo
  • Address
  • Date of birth
  • Expiration date
  • Signature
  • Back of the driving licence
driving license icon

UK military ID

Your UK military ID must:

  • Have been issued by the UK military
  • Not have expired

What we need to see on your UK military ID:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Photo
  • Date of birth
  • Signature
UK military ID Icon

What if I do not have any of these documents?

If for any reason you do not have any of these documents, then you must provide a copy of two different letters issued by Government departments dated within the last 12 months.

Two Government letters

Example government departments:

  • HM Revenue & Customs (we do not accept P60 or P45 documents)
  • Child Support Agency
  • Department for Work & Pensions
  • Benefits Agency
  • Jobcentre Plus

Each letter must:

  • Be dated within the last 12 months
  • Have been received through the post
  • Have been sent to your current address
  • Be submitted in full, including any extra pages

What we need to see on your government letters:

  • Current legal name and surname
  • Address
  • Issuers letterhead
  • Date
  • Your date of birth or National Insurance Number
hmrc government letter icon