Requirements and documents in United Kingdom

Snapshot

To open a UK business account, providers verify who you are and check the business. Expect to give proof of identity and proof of address for the owners or directors, plus business details. A limited company adds its Companies House registration number and the people with significant control. The exact list varies by provider and business type. As of 18 May 2026.

Identity: Passport or UK driving licence for owners or directors. As of 18 May 2026.
Proof of address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill, often within three months.
Company details: Companies House number and people with significant control for a limited company.
Always: Confirm the exact list with the provider.

Fees and features as of 18 May 2026Last reviewed 18 May 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

As of 18 May 2026, opening a UK business account rests on two checks: who you are, and what the business is. Most providers ask for proof of identity, usually a passport or a UK driving licence, and proof of address such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill, often dated within the last three months. They also want details of the business and its activity. A limited company or a limited liability partnership supplies its Companies House registration number and the people with significant control, while a sole trader supplies identity, address, and business activity details. The exact list varies by provider, so confirm it before you start.

What providers require in United Kingdom

The requirements exist because providers must verify customers and guard against money laundering. After you choose an account, you confirm the business and the people who own or control it, then verify identity, often with a photo of an identity document and a selfie at digital providers, or in branch at some traditional banks. The provider runs anti money laundering and fraud checks and may ask about the nature of the business. As of 18 May 2026, having the documents ready is the main thing that keeps the application moving.

Identity and address

Owners and directors usually verify identity with a passport or a UK driving licence, and provide proof of address such as a utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill, commonly dated within the last three months. Some providers accept other government issued identity documents. As of 18 May 2026, the precise documents and how recent they must be differ between providers, so check before you apply.

Company and ownership details

A limited company or a limited liability partnership provides its Companies House registration number and identifies the people with significant control, which are the individuals who ultimately own or control the business. A director usually has to be the one who applies. A sole trader is not registered at Companies House and instead gives identity, address, and details of the business activity. As of 18 May 2026, confirm what your structure requires with the provider.

Documents to gather before you apply

A practical checklist, as of 18 May 2026. Verify with the provider

Proof of identity for each owner or director, usually a passport or UK driving licence.
Proof of address dated within the last three months, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill.
The Companies House registration number and people with significant control for a limited company or limited liability partnership.
A clear description of the business activity, and information on the source of funds if asked.

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These providers accept business customers in the United Kingdom. Fees and eligibility shown as of 18 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

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Questions about requirements and documents in United Kingdom

What documents do I need to open a UK business account?

Most providers ask for proof of identity for the owners or directors, proof of address, and details of the business and its activity. A limited company also supplies its Companies House registration number and the people with significant control. The exact list varies, so confirm it with the provider, as of 18 May 2026.

What proof of identity is accepted?

A valid passport or a UK driving licence is commonly accepted, and digital providers usually verify identity with a photo of the document and a selfie. Some providers accept other government issued identity documents. Confirm what your provider accepts, as of 18 May 2026.

Do I need a Companies House number for a business account?

A limited company or a limited liability partnership provides its Companies House registration number and details of the people with significant control. A sole trader is not registered at Companies House and instead supplies identity, address, and business activity details. Confirm with the provider, as of 18 May 2026.

What counts as proof of address?

Providers usually accept a recent utility bill, bank statement, or council tax bill, often dated within the last three months. Requirements vary, so check what your provider accepts and how recent it must be, as of 18 May 2026.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 18 May 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.