When you remortgage, refinance, or apply for a new mortgage in the UK, your bank, building society, or solicitor will almost always require certified true copies of your identification and proof of address.
This requirement applies whether you are:
- Remortgaging an existing UK property
- Refinancing to release equity
- Switching lenders
- Applying as a UK resident or non-resident
- Living overseas or completing the process remotely
Incorrect certification is one of the most common causes of mortgage delays and rejections.
This guide explains exactly what a certified true copy means, when it is required, who can certify documents, the precise wording lenders expect, and how to avoid rejection.
What This Guide Covers
In this guide, you will learn:
- What a certified true copy means for UK mortgages and remortgages
- When banks and building societies require certified copies
- The difference between digital AML checks vs certified documents
- Who is authorised to certify documents for UK lenders
- Exact certification wording accepted by banks and solicitors
- Common mistakes that cause document rejection
- Special considerations for overseas and non-UK resident borrowers
Why UK Banks and Building Societies Require Certified Copies
UK mortgage lenders operate under strict AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and KYC (Know Your Client) regulations.
Before approving or completing a mortgage or remortgage, lenders must:
- Verify your identity
- Confirm your residential address
- Assess financial and fraud risk
- Retain auditable evidence of checks
If acceptable documents are not provided, the lender cannot proceed, regardless of credit score or affordability.
This requirement applies to:
- High-street banks
- Private banks
- Building societies
- Specialist and international lenders
What Is a Certified True Copy?
A certified true copy is a copy of an original document that an authorised professional certifies after seeing the original.
The certification confirms that:
- The copy is a true and complete copy of the original document
- For photo ID, the image is a good likeness of the person presenting it
Scans, screenshots, and self-certified copies are not accepted unless explicitly approved by the lender.
Exact Certification Wording Accepted by UK Banks
Incorrect or incomplete wording is one of the top reasons for rejection.
For Documents Without a Photograph
“I certify that this document is a true copy of the original.”
For Photo ID (Passport / Driving Licence / ID Card)
“I certify that this is a true copy of the original and a good likeness of the individual.”
Mandatory Details the Certifier Must Add
Every certified copy should clearly include:
- Printed full name
- Signature
- Professional title
- Practising certificate or licence number
- Date of certification
- Contact address
- Telephone number or email
Missing any one of the above regularly leads to rejection.
Who Can Certify Documents for UK Mortgage & Remortgage Applications?
Most UK banks and solicitors accept certification from recognised, regulated professionals.
Commonly accepted certifiers include:
- UK practising solicitor
- Notary Public
Each lender sets its own internal policy, particularly for overseas certification.
Always confirm acceptance before certifying documents abroad.
Documents Commonly Required for Remortgage & Refinance
1) Proof of Identity (Photo ID)
You will usually need one of the following:
- Valid passport
- UK or EU photo driving licence
- National identity card
- Biometric residence permit
2) Proof of Address
Most lenders require one or two documents, such as:
- Bank or building society statement (usually within 3 months)
- Utility bill (usually within 3 months)
- Council tax bill (current year)
- HMRC or government correspondence
- Mortgage statement or tenancy agreement
Important:
The same document is rarely accepted as both ID and address proof.
Digital AML Checks vs Certified True Copies
Many lenders use digital AML platforms such as Thirdfort, Credas, or SmartSearch.
Digital checks may be sufficient only if:
- You are UK-resident
- Your data matches UK databases
- You are on the electoral roll
- Your documents are UK-issued
You will still need certified true copies if:
- You live outside the UK
- You are a non-UK resident borrower
- You recently moved address
- Your documents are overseas-issued
- The lender applies enhanced due diligence
Overseas borrowers should assume certification is required unless confirmed otherwise.
Common Reasons Certified Copies Are Rejected
Banks and solicitors most often reject documents because:
- Certification wording is altered or incomplete
- “Good likeness” is missing for photo ID
- Licence or practising certificate number is omitted
- Certification date is missing or outdated
- Certifier cannot be independently verified
- Address proof exceeds permitted date limits
- Bank statements are redacted or partial
Practical Tips for Remortgaging & Refinancing
Before certifying documents:
- Confirm exact document requirements with your lender or solicitor
- Check issue dates carefully — many documents expire quickly
This prevents delays, repeat courier costs, and missed completion dates.
About Ginkgo Advisory
Ginkgo Advisory assists clients with AML-ready certified true copies for UK mortgages, remortgages, and refinancing — including overseas and non-resident cases.
We arrange online certification with the involvement of UK practising solicitor, ensuring documents meet the verification standards expected by UK banks, building societies, and solicitors.
Contact Us
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167-169 Great Portland Street, 5/F, London
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