Keeping your personal identification details up to date
Caz Blake-Symes • October 27, 2020

Frequently, people are surprised about the amount of information that is required when applying for a mortgage, even if this is a remortgage or product transfer with an existing lender.
An essential place to start is to make sure that your personal identification information is current. This is essential for lots of other reasons apart from just your mortgage application!.
In the UK, the 2 main sources of personal identification that we use our passports and/or driving licence.
UK passports
It is essential that you keep your passport up-to-date, not only for personal identification purposes but also to enable you to travel abroad.
Passports must be updated if you have had a name change, either through deed poll or marriage or another change of circumstances.
Most passports are valid for 10 years.
Again, this can be done online through the government website www.gov.uk/changing-passport-information
There is also guidance on this website about changes after the UK leaves the EU effective 1st of January 2021.
Driving licence
It is a legal requirement that the address on your driving licences up-to-date and can in fact attract a £1000 fine if it is not.
To change your address on your driving licence this is FREE OF CHARGE if this is done through the DVLA. There are a number of companies advertising online to change your address on your driving licence, but this is something you will be charged for and not necessary. The address for the free government service is www.gov.uk/change-address-driving-licence
To apply for an updated driver licence with your current address you will need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number if you know them. You will then be asked to cut up your driving licence with your old address on and send it back to the DVLA. On the whole, this service only takes 7 to 10 days.
If you need/are required to update your photo and your driving licence, this can often be taken from your passport photo or you can upload a photo onto the website. It is a legal requirement to replace your photo on your driving licence every 10 years. There is an administration fee from the DVLA to renew your licence.
A driving licence is valid for 10 years, unless you are over 70 years old when it sent every 3 years. Sometimes, if you have a medical condition, shorter time periods are often given to a driving licence and medical checks may be required.
Certification
For legal and compliance purposes we will need to certify your identification documents.
We will also need proof of identification from those who are gifting deposits and/or acting as guarantor.
If you have any queries whatsoever please contact your Mortgage Adviser or a member of our administration team.
Electoral Roll
Although we do not check your details on the Electoral Roll, all lenders will check that your details are correct on the Electoral Roll.
Having the correct details on the electoral roll also entitles you to vote www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
For further details about the service we offer as a fully independent mortgage brokers or any other mortgage information book your FREE CONSULTATION
with one of our expert Mortgage Advisers please contact us
Bristol Mortgages Online www.bristolmortgagesonline.com
Tel 0117 325 1511
Bath Mortgages Online www.bathmortgagesonline.com
Tel 01225 584 888
Exeter Mortgages Online www.exetermortgagesonline.com
Tel 01392 690 888
Email info@swmortgages.com
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Stepping onto the property ladder is one of the most exciting milestones in life. However, between understanding deposits, navigating affordability checks, and choosing from thousands of deals, the process can quickly feel overwhelming.
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