Bank of Ireland UK Certified Copy Guide (UK): UK Practising Solicitor (England & Wales): Certified True Copy of ID + Proof of Address

If Bank of Ireland UK has asked you for a certified copy (or certified true copy) of your documents, the fastest way to avoid rejection is to match their requirements exactly:

• Use an acceptable document (and within the permitted age window)
• Make a clear copy
• Have it certified by an accepted professional
• Include the exact wording + required certifier details
• Post the certified copies to the address they specify

This guide covers the two most common categories:

1. Certified copy of ID
2. Certified copy of proof of address

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What “certified copy” means

A certified copy is a copy of an original document that a qualified person confirms is a true copy of the original they have seen.

Bank of Ireland UK accepts black-and-white copies, as long as the certification is completed correctly and the certifier is eligible.

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1) Acceptable documents: Certified copy of ID

Choose one of the following (check the age limits carefully):

• Full UK/EU passport — no more than 10 years old
• Paper-style UK driving licence — no more than 51 years old
• Full or provisional photocard driving licence — no more than 10 years old
• Disabled persons card (photo & reference) — no more than 10 years old
• Pension / allowance / benefit book — must show full name, valid and in date
• Shotgun or firearm certificate — must be valid and in date

Tip: If you have a current passport, it is usually the simplest option.

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2) Acceptable documents: Certified copy of proof of address

Choose one document that shows where you live now:

• Utility bill (electricity, gas, water, or landline phone) — no more than 3 months old
  Mobile phone bills are not accepted.
• Council tax bill — no more than 13 months old
• Solicitor letter confirming the purchase of the property lived in — no more than 3 months old
• Credit card or bank statement — no more than 3 months old
• Mortgage statement — no more than 13 months old
• Tax coding notice — no more than 13 months old
• Northern Ireland electorate identity card — no more than 10 years old

Tip: A recent bank statement (within 3 months) is often the easiest proof of address to source quickly.

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Who can certify your documents

Bank of Ireland UK lists accepted professionals including:

• Accountant
• Attorney
• Bank or building society official
• Barrister
• Commissioner of Oaths
• Embassy / Consulate / High Commission (of the country of issue)
• Financial Conduct Authority-registered broker or financial adviser
• Justice of the Peace
• Police officer
• Solicitor or licensed conveyancer

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How to certify correctly

The certification must include one of the following statements (any one is acceptable):

• “I certify this is a true copy of the original document”
• “True certified copy of the original document”
• “Certified copy of original, original document seen”

It must also include:

• Full name
• Signature
• Contact phone number
• Date of certification
• Business stamp (if they have one)
  If no stamp: include company name and address

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A “safe” certification template

Use this block on each copied document (or on an attached certification sheet where appropriate):

Certified True Copy
I certify this is a true copy of the original document.

Full name: __________________________
Profession / role: ___________________
Company name: _______________________
Business address: ____________________
Contact phone number: _______________
Signature: __________________________
Date: ____ / ____ / ______
Business stamp (if available): _______

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Posting requirements

Bank of Ireland UK requires certified documents to be posted to their address.
They also ask you to write the mortgage account number on each document so they can review it faster.

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Common reasons documents get rejected

• The document is too old (outside the permitted 3 / 13 / 10-year limits)
• The certifier didn’t include a phone number or date
• Missing company address (or stamp where available)
• Wording does not clearly confirm it is a true copy / original seen
• The certifier is not on the accepted list, or is certifying their own / close relative’s documents

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How Ginkgo Advisory Limited can help

If you want this handled cleanly and bank-ready, we can support end-to-end:

Solicitor-certified copies (ID + address)

• Remote certification by a UK practising solicitor (England & Wales) regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority
• Certification text formatted to match Bank of Ireland UK’s accepted wording and required details
• Document pre-check to ensure you’re using the right type of ID/address proof and within the correct time window

Practical handling

• Clear instructions for what to send/present
• Fast turnaround options (subject to availability)
• Guidance on preparing a posting pack so the bank can review quickly

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FAQ

Do certified copies have to be in colour?

Bank of Ireland UK states they accept black-and-white copies, provided the certification is completed correctly.

Can I use a mobile phone bill as proof of address?

No — Bank of Ireland UK does not accept mobile phone bills as proof of address.

Does every page need to be certified?

For multi-page documents, it is safest to certify each page (or ensure the certification clearly covers all pages and the pages are securely bound as one set). If the bank has given stricter instructions for your case, follow those.

Can a solicitor certify my ID and proof of address?

Yes. A practising solicitor (England & Wales) is listed as an accepted professional.