Proof of address is a recent document that shows your full name and current home address, such as a utility bill, a bank statement or a Council Tax bill. Banks, landlords, employers and government services can ask for it to confirm where you live.
Which documents count depends on the organisation asking. The UK list used for DBS criminal record checks is a useful reference, because it states how recent each document must be:
| Document | Must be issued within |
|---|---|
| Utility bill (not a mobile phone bill) | 3 months |
| Bank or building society statement | 3 months |
| Credit card statement | 3 months |
| Council Tax statement | 12 months |
| Mortgage statement | 12 months |
| Benefit statement or council/government letter | 12 months |
| HMRC self-assessment or tax demand letter | 12 months |
Source: GOV.UK, DBS ID checking guidelines (updated October 2026). Always check the list of the organisation that asked you.
If the bills are in someone else’s name, use a document from your bank or a public body instead. A bank statement, an account opening letter, a Council Tax statement, an HMRC tax letter or a benefit letter from the council all count on the DBS list.
If your bank only sends statements online, a printout stamped and signed by the bank is accepted for DBS checks. Utility bills printed from an online account are not.
No document in your name at all? Ask the organisation which alternatives it accepts before you apply.
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In the UK, use documents from the list above that show your current address and are recent enough. Check whether the organisation wants the original, a certified copy or a printout.
In the US, the rules are set by whoever asks. For a REAL ID driver’s license, federal rules require at least two documents showing your name and principal residence, chosen by the state, so check your state DMV’s list.
For use abroad, a foreign bank, registry or visa office may ask for a certified or notarized copy instead of the original.
In the UK, a certified copy is a photocopy that someone of good standing, such as a solicitor, notary, bank official or teacher, signs as “Certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me”. They should not be a relative, your partner or someone living at your address.
For use in another country, ask whether the receiving authority wants a notarized copy. A notarial certificate can receive an Apostille in Hague Convention countries, and the FCDO legalises a copy only if a UK public official, such as a notary or solicitor, has certified it.
With NotaryPublic24 you upload your bank statement, bill or letter, verify your identity with photo ID and receive the notarized PDF within 24 hours of verification.
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With our certified Notary Public professionals, we ensure efficient and secure document authentication. No matter if you are in the need of notarizing birth certificates, power of attorney, affidavits, a signature or any other documents – we will guide and help you throughout the whole process.
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Notarization is the official process of having a document legally verified by a notary public. A notary public is an authorized official who verifies the identities of the people signing a document and confirms that the signatures are authentic. This process makes the document legally recognized and trustworthy, helping to prevent fraud and ensuring its validity for important matters like buying a house, signing a contract, or creating a will.
An Apostille is a certificate that makes your document valid in other countries. It's like a stamp of approval that confirms your document is real and can be used in countries that are part of the Apostille Convention. This agreement between countries makes it easier to use important documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses abroad without needing any other certifications. The Apostille verifies the signatures and seals on your document, ensuring it's accepted as genuine.
A notary public is an official who verifies the identity of someone signing a document, witnesses their signature, and affixes their official seal. This process, called notarization, helps prevent fraud and ensures that the document is authentic. Notaries public play a crucial role in deterring fraud and ensuring the legality of various documents.
A recent document with your full name and current address, such as a utility bill, bank or building society statement, credit card statement, Council Tax statement, mortgage statement or a letter from HMRC or the council. On the UK DBS list, bills and bank statements must be less than 3 months old.
Yes. A bank or building society statement issued in the last 3 months is on the UK DBS list, and a printout stamped and signed by the bank is accepted if you only get statements online.
Not for UK DBS checks, which accept utility bills but exclude mobile phone bills. Other organisations may set their own rules, so check their list.
In the UK, a professional person or someone of good standing, such as a solicitor or notary, bank official, chartered accountant, councillor, teacher or minister of religion. They should not be related to you, live with you or be in a relationship with you.
At least two. Federal REAL ID rules require two documents showing your name and principal residence, and each state decides which documents it accepts.
Yes, you can notarize your documents online. With our online service, simply upload your documents, complete the checkout process, and verify your identity digitally. It only takes a few minutes! You'll receive your notarized documents within 24 hours with a sealed notary stamp.
No, you do not have to be physically present to notarize online. However, you need to verify your identity with a government issued ID.
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