What if you don’t have ID? Understanding your options.
For most people, proving who they are is something they rarely think about. However, for millions across the UK, not having access to recognised identification can create significant barriers to everyday life. This issue, often referred to as ID poverty, affects people who cannot obtain or afford forms of identification such as a passport or driving licence.
With a standard UK passport costing at least £102 and a provisional driving licence starting from around £34, obtaining ID can be difficult for people already facing financial challenges. Research suggests that around 5% of UK adults, approximately two million people, do not hold a recognised form of photo ID. This can leave people excluded from services many of us take for granted.
What is ID Poverty?
ID poverty occurs when a person does not have the documents needed to prove their identity. This can affect people for a variety of reasons, including financial hardship, homelessness, changes in personal circumstances, migration status or simply never having needed formal identification before. Without suitable ID, people may struggle to:
- Open a bank account
- Access financial services
- Apply for employment
- Rent a property
- Access government services
- Purchase age-restricted products
- Verify their identity online
These barriers can increase the risk of financial exclusion and make everyday tasks much more difficult.
Why Do Banks Ask For Identification?
If you’ve ever been asked for identification when opening a bank account, you might wonder why it’s necessary. Banks and financial institutions are required by law to verify their customers’ identities. These checks help prevent fraud, money laundering, identity theft and other financial crimes. In some circumstances, banks may accept alternative forms of identification or proof of address, including:
- Utility bills
- Tenancy agreement
- Benefit entitlement letter
- Local authority correspondence
- State Pension statement
- Immigration status documents
Documents typically need to be current and show your name and address.
Financial Inclusion Matters
If opening a bank account isn’t possible straight away, there may be other options available. Prepaid cards like DOSH offer a practical way to receive money, make purchases online and in-store, and withdraw cash from ATMs. While they don’t provide all the features of a traditional bank account, they can help people participate in an increasingly cashless society. As demand grows for more accessible financial products, the UK prepaid card market continues to expand, providing flexible solutions for people who may otherwise struggle to access mainstream banking services.
Supporting Greater Financial Inclusion
No one should face barriers to managing their money because they lack access to traditional forms of identification. Addressing ID poverty is an important part of improving financial inclusion across the UK. By increasing awareness of alternative identification options and providing more accessible financial services, we can help ensure more people have access to the tools they need to manage their finances confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Poverty
What is ID poverty in the UK?
ID poverty is when someone does not have the documents needed to prove their identity, such as a passport or driving licence. Without recognised identification, people can face difficulties accessing banking services, employment, housing, healthcare and government support.
How many people in the UK experience ID poverty?
Research suggests that around two million adults in the UK do not have access to a recognised form of photo identification. This can create barriers to everyday activities that many people take for granted, from opening a bank account to verifying their identity online.
Can I open a bank account without a passport or driving licence?
Some banks and building societies may accept alternative forms of identification if you do not have a passport or driving licence. Accepted documents can vary between providers, so it is always worth checking their specific requirements before applying.
What documents can be used as alternative ID in the UK?
Alternative identification documents may include:
- Utility bills
- Council Tax statements
- Tenancy agreements
- Benefit entitlement letters
- HMRC correspondence
- State Pension statements
- Local authority letters
- Immigration status documents
Most providers will require documents to be recent and show your current name and address.
What if I cannot open a bank account?
If opening a traditional bank account is not possible, prepaid cards can provide an alternative way to manage money. Products such as the https://doshcard.co.uk/ can help people receive funds, make purchases online and in-store, and withdraw cash from ATMs.
How can a prepaid card help if I do not have a bank account?
A prepaid card allows you to load or receive money onto a card and use it for everyday spending without a traditional current account. This can help reduce financial exclusion and provide access to essential payment services. Learn more about the https://doshcard.co.uk/.
What is financial inclusion?
Financial inclusion means ensuring everyone can access and use affordable, appropriate financial products and services. This includes ways to make payments, manage money, receive income and participate in the economy. Find out how DOSH supports financial inclusion through accessible payment solutions on the https://doshcard.co.uk/.
Why is tackling ID poverty important?
Without suitable identification, people can struggle to access employment, housing, financial services and support programmes. Addressing ID poverty helps remove barriers to participation in society and gives more people access to the tools they need to manage their finances confidently.