account money laundering ID changes

Seems extreme. Some of them will accept a passport copy certified by (some other) bank. But Barclays won't do that for you any more, unless you're opening an account with them. Can't really blame them. It's all getting a bit OTT. Some online banks seem to be happy with just council tax statement, recent credit card statement etc, though. One of them accepted my passport copy certified by a *foreign* bank. So there is some flexibility, and some differences of interpretation.

Halifax won't do it for another bank either!..tried it

They mean certified *copies* of the documents, i.e. the person must be shown the original document and will generally make the photocopy in-house and certify that it is a true copy of the original he has seen.

The alternative, if you can't take the originals to the branch in person, is to send the originals in the post. Certified copies are an *option* for those who are concerned the originals might get lost in the post or at the bank.

Generally there is a more latitude as to who may certify. Usually when the say solicitor or accountant, these are just examples. Typically a doctor, priest/vicar/minister or police officer are also acceptable.

Many people will know someone suitable socially who will do it as a favour without charging a fee.

Even if you did use someone who charges a fee, this is likely to be nominal, less than the cost of using suitably insured registered post.

They specifically say not the originals Ron.... and also they state only a small selection of professionals. "Below is a list of documents that we will accept for proof of identification and proof of address. Please do not send original copies of passports or driving licence" ".....We accept copies of documents certified by solicitors, accountants or bank/building society staff" Teachers are not amongst the list which would have been doddle since its for my daughter...and she works with teachers. With icici or firstsave all you had to do was give them your drivers license info and they would do, I assume, the Swansea checks to confirm your ID and send them a utility bill. It was so easy, not designed to put the investor off.

I'm always amused by the usual list of jobs offered. This seems to have been lost in the mists of time and the myths of history. Why are any of the usual candiates any more trustworthy than anyone else in the 21st century.

mmmmmmm I see what you mean.. there was that doctor that was shaggin his patient the other day....... and theres enough examples of coppers going off the rails!

I remember my dad being extremely gratified when Chartered engineers were added to the list for (IIRC) passport photos. He's always moaned about lawyers being somehow raised above other upstanding citizens in terms of trustworthiness.

Pete