Opening an account

Verifying your identity

When you apply for a bank account we always try to verify your details electronically, but sometimes we need to see physical proof. If you apply online or over the telephone we will be in touch if we require any further information from you. You can provide this documentation in one of three ways:

Online ID checker

In branch

By post

You can return your documents along with your signed application form using the freepost envelope provided in your application pack. Your identity document will need to be certified first.

How to certify your documents

Documents must be certified by a member of Ulster Bank staff, a solicitor, accountant or notary public.
The documentation must be photocopied and certified as a true copy using the wording “original sighted” and be signed, dated and branded (if available).
All certifications must include the name and position of the certifier, the Firm/Institution they represent and details of their regulated professional body membership.

It’s important that you only provide documents from the lists below - providing incorrect ID will mean that we will be unable to open your account.

Proof of identity and address

We can verify both your identity and address using a full Northern Ireland/UK/Republic of Ireland driving licence or provisional licence.

Don't have a driving licence? We'll need to see one valid and original item from the list below to verify your identity. We will also need to see a separate document to verify your address.

Current valid signed Passport
Electoral Identity Card including photograph
Birth Certificate (if you are aged 20 or under)
National Identity Card including photograph
Translink Senior Citizens Smart Pass
Biometric Residence Permit

Proof of address

We require one valid and original item from the list below to confirm your address:

Bank, building society or credit union statement

Utility bill - gas, landline telephone, water or electric bill/ statement

Mortgage statement/ solicitor mortgage correspondence

Rates bill/ Land and Property services bill

Notice of tax

Under 21s

National Insurance Confirmation letter

Document checklist:

One original document to verify your identity (photocopy must be certified if you are posting it to us)
One original document to verify your address
Documents must be valid, original and dated within the required date ranges

Proof of student status

We require one original item from the list below to confirm your student status. It must be valid for the current academic year and issued within the last six months.

Letter of acceptance, enrolment or offer
Confirmation of place
Request for payment (must include a reference number)

Proof of affordability

For loans, credit card and current account applications we may require some of the documentation below to verify your income. Your application pack will detail exactly what we require.

A payslip (no more than eight weeks old)
Three month's bank statements (last transaction date no more than eight weeks ago)
One month's statement for each credit card held (dated within the last 40 days)
Proof of mortgage/rental payments
Statements for any other existing finance agreements
One month's statement for any credit union accounts (if applicable), dated within the last 40 days
Two years tax assessments or finalised accounts as proof of any declared rental income

Documents we are unable to accept for proof of identity and address

Got a question about ID?

Get in touch

Call us on 0800 046 6486

Lines are open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-8pm

(except bank holidays)

Calls may be recorded. Calls from mobile phones may not be free.