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Verifying your ID online
We want to get your account up and running as soon as possible so we’ll ask you to upload some documents. To do this you’ll need access to a device that has a camera.
This is important, as it helps us check you are who you say you are
We'll ask for;
- Photo ID, such as: driving licence, passport or EU ID card.
- A selfie to compare with your photo ID.
- We might also need to see a proof of address, such as: a driving licence, utility bill, bank statement or tax document.
Please make sure the documents you use exactly match the information you enter in your application.
If you don't have your documents with you, you can select to do this later. Once you've finished your application look out for an email and text from us and our security partners, Mitek or DigiDocs.
If you’re under 18, we may need some additional information. Please refer to ‘What ID do I need if I’m under 18?’ for guidance.
Select your nationality
Information Message
The nationality you select should match the details on your application and the nationality on your ID.
Select your account type
Do you have any of the following forms of photo ID?
We accept the following forms of photo ID
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents listed?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form.
- Benefits Agency Documents
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Credit Union statement
- Mortgage Statement/Solicitor Mortgage correspondence
- HMRC letter
- Council Tax bill
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
Apply for a bank account online today
If you have your documents ready, you can apply for a bank account online today.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that could suit your needs.
Do you have proof of your student status?
To apply for our student account, you'll need proof of your UK student status. The simplest and fastest way to show us you're a student is by using your UCAS status code. This is a 16-digit code emailed to you by UCAS and will be unique to you. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub (opens in new tab).
If you can't find your UCAS status code, you can contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468, who can reissue the code within 24 hours.
If you don’t provide your UCAS number in the application form, we’ll accept any of the below documents as proof of your UK student status. You’ll need to manually upload one of the below documents after you submit your Student account application.
- Letter from UCAS
- Letter of acceptance
- Enrolment offer
- Enrolment certificate
- Student loan or finance letter
- Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS)
- Local education authority award letter.
Do you have any of the following photo ID?
We need to verifty your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
We accept the follow forms of photo ID
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
You're all set. Ready to apply?
Looks like you have all the ID we need. If you're ready to apply you can do this online today by following the below link.
Does your student status document prove your UK address?
We need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years. We can do this by you providing us with your address.
If you have been able to provide proof of your student status, then this can also be used as your proof of address.
If your proof of student status has no address on it, then we'd recommend you get one of the above documents and then come back and apply with us later.
You're all set. Ready to apply?
Looks like you have all the ID we need. If you're ready to apply you can do this online today by following the below link.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Looks like you don't have photo ID
Based on your answers, you don't have photo ID but do have
- Proof of your student status
- Proof of address
If this is the case, we'd recommend you get photo ID and return to your application later once you have it. This is the only way to get you set up to apply for a student account online.
If you need a reminder of what photo ID we can accept, you can see this at the top of this page.
A student account might not be the best account for you
We can't offer you a student account without proof of your student status.
We recommend you get proof of your student status and then apply later. If you're not a student then you can apply for one of our other accounts instead.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that suits you.
Select your account type
Do you have the following photo ID?
- Non-UK/EU passport
Your passport must be supported by a valid Visa/Biometric Residence Permit.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Credit Union statement
- Mortgage Statement/Solicitor Mortgage correspondence
- HMRC letter
- Benefits Agency document
- Council Tax bill
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
Do you have a British Residence Permit?
Your British Residence Permit must be valid.
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Credit Union statement
- Mortgage Statement/Solicitor Mortgage correspondence
- HMRC letter
- Benefits Agency document
- Council Tax bill
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
Start your online application without photo ID
You can apply for an account with us online without photo ID, but you will need to give us your original documents within 14 days.
If this sounds like a good option for you, then follow the link below for more information on the accounts you can apply for.
Please choose from the below options
Welcome to the UK
Here at the Royal Bank of Scotland we want to help. For us this means giving you access to free and simple UK banking and support both online and in our branches with our basic bank account designed around you.
If you're interested in opening an account with us click the link below to find out how to apply.
Applying for a bank account in branch
If you're an Asylum seeker and are looking to open an account with us, please visit your local branch so they can help you complete an application.
You can use your ARC (Application Registration Card) as proof of ID, so take this with you along with proof of address if you have this. Take a look at our list of acceptable documents below to know what we can accept as proof of address.
Are you a student and have lived in the UK for 3 or more years?
You can only apply for a Student account if you have lived in the UK for more than 3 years.
If you have lived in the UK for 3 or more years, we then are not able to offer you a student account with us.
Do you have proof of student status?
To apply for our student account, you'll need proof of your UK student status. The simplest and fastest way to show us you're a student is by using your UCAS status code. This is a 16-digit code emailed to you by UCAS and will be unique to you. You'll also be able to find this by logging into the UCAS Hub (opens in new tab).
If you can't find your UCAS status code, you can contact UCAS on 0371 468 0468 who will reissue the code within 24 hours.
If you don’t provide your UCAS number in the application form, we’ll accept any of the below documents as proof of your UK student status. You’ll need to manually upload one of the below documents after you submit your Student account application.
- Letter from UCAS
- Letter of acceptance
- Enrolment offer
- Enrolment certificate
- Student loan or finance letter
- Students Awards agency for Scotland (SAAS)
- Local education authority award letter.
Do you have any of the following photo ID?
We need to verifty your photo ID in the online application process, this will be done by our partner Mitek.
We accept the follow forms of photo ID:
- Passport
- UK Full or Provisional Driving Licence
- EU/EEA Driving Licence
- EU/EEA National ID Card
Do you have any of the following proof of address documents?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form.
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Does your student status document prove your UK address?
We need to be able to prove you have been a UK resident for the last three years. We can do this by you providing us with your address.
If you have been able to provide proof of your student status, then this can also be used as your proof of address.
If your proof of student status has no address on it, then we'd recommend you get one of the above documents and then come back and apply with us later.
Do you have any of the proof of address documents listed below?
Your proof of address document must match the details in your application form
- Utility bill (e.g. gas or electricty bill)
- Bank statement
- Full or provisional UK driving licence
If you are a UK based student we recommend that you use your home address instead of your campus address. This helps us verify your documents quickly. You can still choose for your card and pin number to be sent to your campus address later in the application.
If you don't have one of these documents, you can use one of the documents that we ask for to verify your UK student status.
Looks like you don't have photo ID
Based on your answers, you don't photo ID but do have
- Proof of your student status
- Proof of address
If this is the case, we'd recommend you get photo ID and return to your application later once you have it. This is the only way to get you set up to apply for a student account online.
If you need a reminder of what photo ID we can accept, you can see this at the top of this page.
A student account might not be the best account for you
We can't offer you a student account without proof of your student status.
We recommend you get proof of your student status and then apply later. If you're not a student then you can apply for one of our other accounts instead.
Take a look at our range of accounts to find one that suits you.
Select the options below to take a look at the different documents:
The UK government links are to an external website, and we are not responsible for their content.
New to the UK?
If you're new to the UK or are arriving soon, you'll need to know your new UK address before applying, and enter this during your application.
Once you've applied, we'll ask you for proof of identity and proof of UK address, which we'll need to verify before we open your account.
FAQs - What you need to open a bank account
Why do banks ask for proof of ID and address?
It's important that banks work hard on processes that help prevent money laundering. This is when criminals try to disguise money that has been made illegally, to use it for their own future purposes.
To do this, criminals often attempt to open a bank account using fake or stolen ID. We try to stop this by verifying all of our new customers as genuine, by asking for proof of identity and often current address.
If you are applying online, we try our best to complete this electronically, using our security partners Digidocs or Mitek, so the process is as easy as possible for you. This is why we ask you to have your ID at hand before you begin your application.