Our offices Get in touch

Identification Requirements to Set Up Your Virtual Office

photo id needs to be provided when setting up a virtual office.

Which documents do you need?

One of the documents required to complete the set up of your account is a photo ID for each Ultimate Beneficial Owner. If you’re unsure what ID is required, or need assistance with your specific circumstances, let us help clarify!

Read more

What forms of ID are acceptable (UK residents):

  • Current signed passport, with no less than 3 months until expiry
  • Current photocard full drivers licence, with no less than 3 months until expiry
  • Current Biometric Residence Permit (front & back), with no less than 3 months until expiry
  • We unfortunately cannot accept: Provisional driving licences

What forms of ID are acceptable (non-UK residents):

  • Current signed passport, with no less than 3 months until expiry
  • Current photocard full drivers licence, with no less than 3 months until expiry
  • National ID card bearing a photograph of the applicant, with no less than 3 months until expiry

Remember, non-UK residents will need to obtain a certified or notarised copy of their ID. You can refer to our guide on anti-money laundering for a detailed explanation of certification and notarisation. Please feel free to send us the document prior for us to confirm it would be satisfactory once certified/notarised.

If you do not hold any of the above documents, please get in touch with our Compliance Team who will be able to assist you with what may be accepted in your circumstances.

When gathering your document for submission please ensure the following:

  • The document is within date, as above
  • If providing a scanned copy of the document, make sure the scan is a colour copy, and the quality of the image is not distorted
  • If providing a photograph of the document, make sure all 4 corners of the document are visible, and the photo has no glare or distortion making any information illegible. Upload the image in a sufficient size so that the quality of the image isn’t reduced

Your document will be reviewed by our Compliance Team and run through our electronic check alongside your address proof. This is a soft search report which will help us verify your identity.

And it is as simple as that! Follow the steps to upload the relevant photo ID alongside your proof of address via our upload form. Our compliance team will reach out to you within 24 hours, and we aim to swiftly activate your Virtual Office upon approval.

Please note…

Submitted documentation found to be fraudulent or altered in any way will be reported to the relevant legal authority. We take our responsibility really seriously and maintain a high standard of compliance checks. Altering or fabricating a proof of address document is fraud- it’s not worth the risk, so don’t do it!

Alexandra handles all things marketing here at Virtual HQ

Alexandra O'Hagan

Marketing Executive

Recent blog posts