Nationwide Building Society: certified copy / certified true copy (UK): Proof of identity and proof of address for KYC / AML checks

If Nationwide Building Society (or “Nationwide”) asks you for documents, it’s usually for KYC / AML checks (to meet UK anti-money laundering rules and protect customers).

The most common reason people get delayed is simple: they send the wrong type of document (photocopy vs original vs certified), or they send identity when Nationwide needs address proof (or vice versa).

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What Nationwide accepts (the 3 submission routes)

Nationwide’s own guidance sets out three ways to provide identification documents:

• Take original documents into a Nationwide branch
• Send original documents by post (they return them)
• Use a professional person to certify copies, then post the certified pack
• Nationwide usually needs two things:
  • Proof of name (identity)
  • Proof of current address (address proof)

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Proof of identity (proof of name): common Nationwide examples

Examples Nationwide lists include:

• UK passport (Nationwide may tell you to take valuable documents like passports into branch)
• UK photocard driving licence
• EU ID card

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Proof of address: common Nationwide examples

Examples Nationwide lists include:

• Utility bill (gas / electric / landline; typically within 3 months)
• Council tax bill (typically within 12 months)
• Water bill (typically within 12 months)
• Mortgage statement (typically within 12 months)

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Certified copy vs certified true copy (what Nationwide means in practice)

For Nationwide, “certified copy” and “certified true copy” mean the same.

Their process is usually:

• You bring original identity + original address proof to a professional person
• They take photocopies
• They complete Nationwide’s Certification of ID form confirming they saw the originals and the copies are true
• You post the form + copies to Nationwide

Nationwide’s examples of acceptable certifiers include roles like solicitors and accountants.

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Important exception: some Nationwide requests require originals only

Not every Nationwide process accepts certified copies. For example, Nationwide cannot accept photocopies or certified copies and requires valid ID in branch for business “change contact details”.

So the safest approach is: follow the exact Nationwide instruction in the email/letter/form you received, then match the route (branch vs post vs certified pack).

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How Ginkgo Advisory can help (Nationwide certification, done cleanly)

If you want the “certified copy” route done with the lowest rejection risk, Ginkgo Advisory can help by:

• UK practising solicitor remote / online certification for your ID and address documents
• Checking you have the right pairing: one proof of name + one proof of address, within Nationwide’s date windows
• Completing Nationwide’s Certification of ID form correctly (traceable details, consistent formatting)
• Quality control of copies and pack order, so Nationwide receives what their process expects

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FAQs (Nationwide Building Society)

Can I email scans instead of posting?
Nationwide’s guidance is built around branch checks, posting originals, or posting a certified pack.

Do I have to post my passport?
Nationwide warns against posting valuable documents like passports and encourages taking them into branch.

What if I don’t have the listed address proofs?
Nationwide’s guidance says to contact them to discuss options if you cannot provide what’s listed.

Why is Nationwide asking for this?
Because firms must carry out customer due diligence under the UK anti-money laundering regime (KYC / AML).