Lloyds Bank certified copy guide: Certified copy and certified true copy for ID and proof of address (2026)

If Lloyds Bank can’t verify your identity electronically, you may be asked to send one proof of identity document and one proof of address document to complete your application.

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The two rules that matter most

• Send 1 ID document + 1 proof of address document.
• All documents must be unexpired (not expired).

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Certified copy vs certified true copy

For Lloyds, these are usually used the same way:

A qualified certifier confirms they have seen the original document and that your copy matches it.

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Who can certify your documents

You can certify documents either:

• In a Lloyds Bank branch, or
• By a lawyer or an accountant who is a member of a recognised professional body.

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The exact certification wording to use

The certifier should write:

“I have seen the original document and I certify this to be a true copy of the original.”

And they must also add:

• Signature
• Printed name
• Date
• Professional capacity (e.g., solicitor / accountant)
• Practice stamp (where appropriate)
• Letter headed paper
• Certify every page (not just page 1)

If any of these are missing, banks often reject the submission.

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Proof of identity (ID): common accepted examples

Choose one from the ID list you were given. Common examples include:

• Unexpired passport
• Unexpired UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) (front and back)
• EU/EEA driving licence (unexpired, with photo and signature)
• National identity card (where accepted, with photo and signature)
• Official letters from HMRC / DWP (within the required time window)

Tip: If your ID has a front and back, submit both sides.

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Proof of address: common accepted examples

Choose one proof of address document (and keep within the date window stated):

• Utility bill (typically last 6 months)
• Council tax statement (typically last 12 months)
• Bank statement showing transactions (typically last 6 months)
• Mortgage statement (typically last 12 months)
• HMRC correspondence (excluding P45/P60, typically last 12 months)
• Solicitor’s letter for a house purchase (typically last 3 months)
• Local authority rent statement (typically last 3 months)

Most common rejection: the document is too old, doesn’t show your full name, or doesn’t show your current address.

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Common rejection reasons (avoid these)

• Expired ID
• Certification missing the exact wording
• No printed name / date / professional capacity
• Not on letter headed paper
• Only the first page is certified (every page must be certified)
• Photo/scan is unclear, cropped, or missing pages

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How Ginkgo Advisory can help

If you want the fastest “done once, done right” route, Ginkgo Advisory can:

• Arrange UK practising solicitor certification using the exact wording Lloyds Bank expects
• Ensure letter headed paper, stamp, and all pages certified
• Check your chosen documents against validity and date windows before certification
• Produce a clean, bank-ready pack so you avoid back-and-forth and delays