Certify Proof of Address — UK Notary Service for Banks, Visa & Property
Banks, embassies, and overseas regulators often require a certified copy of your proof of address. Our notary public certifies your address documents while you wait — fixed fees, no hidden costs.
Why Do You Need Certified Proof of Address?
Many institutions now require proof of identity and proof of address to be certified by a professional person of good standing before they will accept it. This includes UK banks opening new accounts, foreign embassies processing visa and residence permit applications, BVI and Cayman company registries requiring director KYC documentation, and solicitors handling property transactions under anti-money laundering regulations.
A notary public’s certification carries particular weight because it is recognised internationally — unlike certifications by a Police officer, Justice of the Peace, or society official, which may not be accepted outside the United Kingdom. Many people waste time approaching a family member or the wrong professional person, only to find their certified document is rejected. Our same-day notary service ensures your address documents are certified correctly the first time.
Whether you need a certified utility bill for a bank account application, a notarised bank statement for an embassy, or copies of documents for a government department submission, Edward Young Notaries can help. We also handle proof of identity certification — including notarised passport copies and other accepted forms of ID.
What Proof of Address Documents Can We Certify?
We certify a wide range of address documents as part of our document certification service. Each must be an original document — not a photocopy or screenshot. We examine the original, certify the photocopy as a true copy of the original, and return both to you. Accepted proof of address documents include:
We can also certify a different document type such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and degrees. For a full guide on who can certify a document and what the person certifying must include, see our complete guide.
Who Needs a Certified Proof of Address?
Our document certification service is used by individuals and companies across a wide range of situations. Common scenarios where certified proof of address documents are required include:
- UK banks and building societies — opening a bank account, identity document verification, or changing address
- Foreign embassies and consulates — visa applications, residence permit applications, and consular registrations
- Offshore company registries — BVI, Cayman, Jersey, and Guernsey registries requiring director and beneficial owner KYC
- US immigration — K-1 fiancé visa, green card applications, and other US visa categories
- EU residency applications — proof of UK address for dual nationals and EU citizens
- Solicitors and Chartered Accountants — anti-money laundering compliance checks and client onboarding
- Property transactions — conveyancing ID documents, Land Registry ID1 form verification
- HMRC, Home Office, and government department submissions
- Armed Forces personnel relocating overseas or applying for residency abroad
Under GOV.UK guidance, certain ID documents may also be certified by a Member of Parliament, a minister of religion, a Social Worker, or an officer of the Armed Forces. However, for international recognition, a notary public’s certification is the gold standard. A local authority officer, state pension provider, or Firearms certificate holder cannot certify documents for overseas use. In Northern Ireland, the same rules apply, though some institutions may also accept certification by a Justice of the Peace.
How Much Does It Cost to Certify Proof of Address?
Every certification is different — the fee depends on the number of documents, whether you need a notarised or certified copy, and whether an apostille is required for overseas use. All our fees are fixed and agreed in advance, so you will know the exact cost before your appointment.
Or call us on +44 20 7499 2605 for an instant quote
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How Does the Certification Process Work?
Certifying your proof of address takes approximately 10 minutes. Here is how it works:
Why Choose Edward Young Notaries for Your Certified Documents?
Appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury — the highest standard of notarial regulation in England and Wales
The representative body for notaries public in England and Wales — ensuring professional standards and good standing
Trusted by solicitors, Chartered Accountants, and banks for complex cross-border certification work
Walk in or book ahead — most certifications completed in 10 minutes at our London office
19 Wigmore Street, W1U 1PH — 2 minutes from Bond Street Underground station
Rated 5 stars by our clients — read our reviews on Google
You know exactly what you will pay before your appointment. No surprises.
Authorised Corporate Service Provider for corporate compliance and identity verification work
Do You Need an Apostille for Overseas Use?
If your certified proof of address document is needed outside the United Kingdom — for example, for a BVI company registry, a US visa application, or an EU residence permit — an apostille from the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) may be required. The apostille confirms that the notary public’s certification is genuine and is recognised in all countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention.
We handle the entire apostille process on your behalf, with standard, priority, and express turnaround options available. Request a quote and we will confirm the fee and turnaround time for your specific documents.
We also offer apostille services for birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and degree certificates. If you need a certified translation alongside your apostille, we can arrange that too.
Why Do We Need to See the Original Document?
When our notary public certifies a document, they are confirming that the copy is a true copy of the original. This means the notary must physically examine the original document — or the original source of the document — before they can place their seal, signature, and certification wording on the copy. Without sight of the original, the certification has no legal basis and would not be accepted by banks, embassies, or overseas regulators.
Yes. If your proof of address document is electronic — for example, a bank statement from your online banking app, a utility bill from your energy provider’s portal, or a council tax notice from your local authority’s website — our notary can certify it as a true copy of the original provided you show us the original source. This means logging into the relevant app or portal at your appointment so the notary can verify the document originates from the genuine source. We will then certify the printed copy as a true copy of the electronic original.
This approach is particularly useful for clients whose banks or utility providers no longer issue paper statements. Please bring a device (phone, tablet, or laptop) with you so the notary can view the original source during your appointment.
What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?
To certify your proof of address, please bring the following to our Wigmore Street office:
Not sure which proof of address documents are accepted? Check our full list or call us on +44 20 7499 2605 before your visit.
What Do Our Clients Say?
Rated 5 stars on Google — read what our clients say about our certification and notarisation services.
“Needed a certified utility bill and bank statement for a BVI company account. Walked in without an appointment, everything was done in 15 minutes. Very professional and efficient.”
“I needed certified proof of address for a Spanish residency application. The team also arranged the apostille, which saved me a huge amount of time. Brilliant service.”
“My solicitor needed a certified copy of my council tax bill for a property purchase. Edward Young were recommended and did not disappoint — quick, clear, and great value.”
“Excellent experience. Needed certified address documents for a K-1 visa application for my fiancée. They explained exactly what was needed and had everything ready the same day.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Certifying Proof of Address
19 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1PH
Phone: +44 20 7499 2605 | Email: notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk
Monday–Friday, 09:00–17:30
Regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury | Member of The Notaries Society | STEP Qualified | ACSP Registered
Read Our Google Reviews ★★★★★
Ready to Certify Your Proof of Address?
Get in touch for a fixed-fee quote or walk in to our Wigmore Street office. Most certifications are completed in 10 minutes.