Certified Copy of Passport by a UK Solicitor for Overseas Banks and KYC

Overseas banks, lawyers and compliance teams often ask for certified identity documents. They may request a passport copy, proof of address or both.

A certified copy of passport by a UK solicitor confirms that the copy matches the original shown to the solicitor. Therefore, you can provide reliable identity evidence without sending your passport to the receiving organisation.

However, every bank and authority sets its own rules. Some require a wet-ink signature, while others accept a clear digital copy. A few also ask for notarisation or an apostille.

Ginkgo Advisory provides passport and proof-of-address certification for clients in the UK and overseas. We also review the receiving organisation’s instructions before preparing the copies.

Can a UK solicitor certify a passport copy?

Yes. GOV.UK lists solicitors and notaries among the professionals who may certify documents. It also names passports, driving licences, bank statements and utility bills as common examples.

The solicitor must compare the copy with the original. Next, they add the certification wording, signature, date and professional details.

Still, the organisation requesting the copy has the final say. Therefore, check whether it accepts certification from a UK solicitor before you start. GOV.UK also advises applicants to confirm any special rules with the receiving organisation.

What is a certified copy of a passport?

A certified passport copy is a copy that a professional has checked against the original passport.

The certification usually confirms one clear point. It states that the copy matches the original document seen by the solicitor.

By contrast, basic copy certification does not automatically confirm the holder’s identity. It also does not guarantee that the passport remains valid.

For this reason, some banks ask for both a “true copy” and a “true likeness” statement. The second statement confirms that the passport photograph matches the person whom the solicitor saw.

Why do banks ask for certified identity documents?

Banks and other regulated firms must identify their customers and verify their identities. Compliance teams often call this process KYC, which means “know your customer”. The FCA also uses the term customer due diligence.

In practice, many organisations ask for one document that proves identity. They may then request another document that confirms the current home address.

For example, a passport may support your name, date of birth and nationality. Meanwhile, a bank statement or utility bill may support your address.

HMRC guidance also identifies passports, utility bills and bank statements as common documents for customer identity checks.

As a result, the bank can review your documents while you retain the original passport.

When might you need a certified passport copy?

A certified copy of passport by a UK solicitor can support many overseas and financial matters.

Common examples include:

• Opening or updating an overseas bank account
• Completing KYC or anti-money-laundering checks
• Buying or selling property abroad
• Applying for a foreign mortgage
• Managing an overseas investment account
• Registering a company in another country
• Completing a visa or residence application
• Handling probate or inheritance matters
• Joining a professional body
• Proving identity to an overseas lawyer or accountant

However, the exact rules depend on the bank, authority and destination country. Always obtain written instructions where possible.

Which passport pages should the solicitor certify?

Most organisations ask for the passport photo page. This page normally contains the holder’s key personal details.

However, some recipients want more. For instance, they may ask for:

• The signature page
• Visa pages
• Residence endorsements
• Pages containing entry or exit stamps
• Every used passport page
• A complete copy of the passport

Therefore, do not assume that the photo page will always be enough. Send the full checklist to the solicitor before certification.

What proof of address can a solicitor certify?

GOV.UK gives several examples of documents that a professional may certify. These include bank statements, credit-card statements, utility bills and council-tax bills.

In addition, some organisations accept a driving licence, mortgage statement or government letter. Yet the bank or authority decides which documents meet its rules.

A suitable proof of address should usually show:

• Your full name
• Your current home address
• The document date
• The issuer’s name or logo
• Any required account or reference details

Many organisations also set a date limit. For example, a bank may ask for proof from the previous three months.

Consequently, you should check the date rule before arranging certification. A correctly certified document can still fail if the bank considers it too old.

Can a solicitor certify an online bank statement?

Often, yes. However, the receiving organisation controls acceptance.

First, download the full statement directly from the bank. The file should clearly show your name, address, statement date and bank details.

Next, confirm whether the receiving body accepts a digital original. Some organisations want a posted statement or a copy stamped by the issuing bank instead.

For that reason, we review the source and format before certification. A screenshot, edited file or cropped mobile image may not provide enough information.

What wording does a UK solicitor use?

GOV.UK gives the following standard wording:

“Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me.”

The solicitor should then sign and date the copy. They should also add their printed name, occupation, address and telephone number.

However, an overseas bank may ask for extra information. This may include:

• The solicitor’s email address
• The solicitor’s SRA number
• The practice name
• A professional stamp
• A true-likeness statement
• Confirmation that the solicitor met the passport holder
• Confirmation that the copy remains clear and complete

Therefore, we use the recipient’s wording when it is clear, suitable and accurate.

A common combined statement may confirm that the copy matches the original and that the photograph resembles the holder. However, no single expanded statement suits every bank or authority.

True copy, true likeness and identity verification

These terms sound similar. However, they cover different checks.

True-copy certification

A true-copy statement confirms that the copy matches the original document shown to the solicitor.

True-likeness certification

A true-likeness statement confirms that the passport photograph matches the person whom the solicitor saw.

Identity verification

Identity verification goes further. The solicitor may check the document, the person, supporting data and possible fraud risks.

Therefore, tell us exactly what the receiving organisation needs. A simple true-copy statement may not meet a full KYC request.

Does the solicitor need to see the original passport?

Yes. GOV.UK tells applicants to take both the original document and the photocopy to the person providing certification.

The solicitor then compares the personal details, photograph, passport number and dates. They also check whether the copy remains complete and clear.

Accordingly, a scan sent by email does not, by itself, allow the solicitor to confirm that it matches the original. The solicitor needs a suitable way to inspect that original.

Can a solicitor certify a passport remotely?

Remote certification may work in suitable cases. However, the receiving organisation must accept the proposed process.

Legal-sector guidance recognises risk-based digital identity checks. For example, a solicitor may use live video to view the client’s face and original photo ID. The solicitor can then compare that document with the scanned copy.

During a remote check, the client may show the original passport beside their face. The solicitor may also request more evidence or electronic identity checks.

Nevertheless, remote identity verification and certified-copy rules do not mean the same thing. Some banks insist on an in-person meeting, physical inspection or original wet-ink certification.

Therefore, Ginkgo Advisory checks the recipient’s requirements first. We may request postal or in-person inspection when a remote process does not provide enough confidence.

How to get a certified copy of passport by a UK solicitor

1. Send the recipient’s instructions

First, provide the bank’s email, form or certification checklist.

This step helps us identify the correct wording. It also shows whether the recipient needs a solicitor, notary or apostille.

2. Provide clear document scans

Next, send a colour scan of the passport photo page.

Also provide the proof of address when the bank or authority requests one. Every edge of the document should remain visible.

3. Complete the original-document check

The solicitor then inspects the original passport.

Depending on the case, we may use a live video call, postal inspection or an appointment. Do not post your original passport until we confirm the correct process.

4. Complete any identity check

Some recipients only need a true-copy statement.

Others also ask the solicitor to confirm the holder’s identity or likeness. In that case, the solicitor completes the necessary checks before signing.

5. Prepare each certified copy

After that, the solicitor signs and dates each copy.

They also add the correct wording, full professional title and contact details. Where suitable, the certification can include a professional stamp and SRA details.

6. Receive the finished documents

Finally, we provide a clear scan for online submission where appropriate.

We can also return wet-ink copies by post or international courier.

Does the solicitor need to certify every page?

The answer depends on the receiving organisation.

For a passport, the bank may only need the photo page. However, another authority may request a full passport copy.

Multi-page bank statements may also need special treatment. For example, the recipient may require a signature on every page or a statement that covers the complete document.

Therefore, provide the whole document before certification. Do not remove blank pages, terms pages or transaction pages unless the recipient allows it.

Does a certified passport copy need a solicitor’s stamp?

Not always. GOV.UK focuses on the wording, signature, date, printed name, occupation and contact details.

However, many overseas organisations expect a professional stamp. Others ask for an SRA number or full practice details.

As a result, a stamp can support the certification. Yet it cannot correct missing wording, an absent signature or an unsuitable certifier.

How recent must the certification be?

No single validity period applies to every bank and authority.

Instead, each receiving organisation sets its own date rule. Some accept certification for several months, while others ask for a very recent copy.

Also, an expired or replaced passport may make an older certification unsuitable. Therefore, arrange certification close to the planned submission date.

Proof of address often carries a separate age limit. Check that rule as well as the certification date.

Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?

No. A solicitor and a notary perform different professional roles.

A solicitor-certified copy may work when the recipient asks for a lawyer, solicitor or recognised professional. By contrast, you should use a notary when the instructions expressly say “notarised”, “notarial certificate” or “notary public”.

The FCDO advises applicants to check whether the receiving body needs an original, a certified copy, a solicitor’s signature or a notary’s signature.

Consequently, you should not select the service from the document name alone. The receiving organisation’s wording matters most.

Does a certified passport copy need an apostille?

Not in every case. Many bank and KYC requests only need certification unless the recipient asks for legalisation.

An apostille confirms a UK public signature, stamp or seal for use abroad. It does not replace the receiving organisation’s own identity checks.

The FCDO can legalise copies of documents such as passports and driving licences after a UK solicitor or notary certifies them. However, the overseas authority must accept that route.

Therefore, ask three questions before ordering an apostille:

• Does the recipient require an apostille?
• Will it accept a solicitor-certified passport copy?
• Does it require a paper apostille or an e-Apostille?

Paper and electronic apostilles follow different processes. In particular, an e-Apostille needs a PDF that a UK solicitor or notary has electronically signed.

Some countries also require an embassy stamp and approval from their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Therefore, confirm the full legalisation chain before certification.

Solicitor certification, notarisation and apostille compared

Service	What it confirms	When you may need it
Solicitor-certified copy	The copy matches the original seen by the solicitor	Banks, KYC checks, professional bodies and official applications
True-likeness certification	The passport photograph matches the person seen	Identity checks that request likeness wording
Notarised copy	A notary certifies the copy as a notary	Matters that expressly require notarisation
Apostille	The FCDO checks the UK signature, stamp or seal	Overseas use when the recipient asks for legalisation
Embassy legalisation	The relevant embassy adds another official check	Country-specific legalisation processes

Although these services appear similar, they do not perform the same function.

Common passport-certification mistakes

Small errors often cause delay. Therefore, review the instructions before the solicitor signs the copy.

Common problems include:

• The solicitor did not inspect the original
• The copy cuts off part of the passport page
• The photograph or passport number appears unclear
• The certification wording does not meet the request
• The certification lacks a date
• The copy omits the solicitor’s contact details
• The professional title appears incomplete
• The proof of address is too old
• The names differ across the documents
• The client provides a screenshot instead of a full statement
• The bank asked for a notary rather than a solicitor
• The overseas authority required an apostille
• The applicant uploaded a scan when the bank wanted wet ink

Fortunately, an early document review can prevent many of these problems.

Frequently asked questions

Can any UK solicitor certify my passport?

A practising solicitor can usually offer passport-copy certification. However, not every solicitor provides this service.

In addition, the receiving body may set special rules about the certifier’s location, independence or professional details.

Can a relative who is a solicitor certify my passport?

GOV.UK says the certifier should not be related to you, live at your address or be in a relationship with you. Therefore, choose an independent professional.

Can a UK solicitor certify a foreign passport?

A UK solicitor can often certify a foreign passport copy after inspecting the original.

Still, the receiving authority must accept a UK solicitor’s certification. Separate apostille or legalisation rules may also apply.

Do I need to send my original passport?

Not always. A suitable live check may work when the receiving organisation accepts remote certification.

However, some cases require postal or in-person inspection. We will not certify a passport from an email scan alone.

Can I use a black-and-white passport copy?

Some recipients accept black-and-white copies, while others require colour.

A clear colour copy usually presents the photograph and document details more clearly. Therefore, check the instructions before printing.

Does the solicitor certify every passport page?

Usually, the receiving body requests the photo page.

Yet some authorities need extra pages or a complete passport copy. Always follow the exact checklist.

Can one certification cover my passport and bank statement?

Many organisations require separate certification on each document.

Therefore, send the full document set before the solicitor prepares the copies.

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

Some organisations reject mobile-phone bills, while others accept them.

The receiving organisation’s document list decides the answer. Do not rely on a general proof-of-address list alone.

Can a solicitor certify a downloaded PDF statement?

Yes, in suitable cases.

However, the solicitor must understand the source of the file. The receiving bank must also accept an electronic statement.

Does a solicitor’s stamp make the copy valid worldwide?

No. A stamp does not create universal acceptance.

Each bank, authority and country applies its own rules. Some also require notarisation, an apostille or embassy legalisation.

Can I receive a digital certified copy?

Yes, where the receiving organisation accepts a scanned or electronically signed document.

However, some applications still require an original wet-ink copy.

Does certification prove that my passport is genuine?

Basic copy certification confirms that the copy matches the original shown to the solicitor.

It does not replace checks by the passport authority, border agency or receiving bank.

Can a solicitor certify proof of address without a passport?

Yes. A solicitor can certify a suitable bank statement, utility bill, council-tax bill or other accepted document after reviewing the source document.

However, the receiving organisation may still ask for separate identity evidence.

Arrange passport and proof-of-address certification

A correctly certified copy can prevent avoidable KYC delays. However, the wording and format must fit the receiving organisation’s rules.

Ginkgo Advisory provides a certified copy of passport by a UK solicitor for clients in the UK and overseas. We can also certify suitable proof-of-address documents.

Our service may include:

• Review of the bank or authority’s instructions
• Passport-copy certification
• Proof-of-address certification
• True-likeness wording where suitable
• Remote verification for suitable cases
• Wet-ink hard copies
• Digital certified scans
• UK apostille support
• International courier return

Ginkgo Advisory provides an independent solicitor certification service. We do not act for the receiving bank, embassy or overseas authority.

Final acceptance always rests with the organisation requesting the documents. Therefore, clients should obtain its latest instructions before submission.