Guidance

List of acceptable proof of address documents for countersignatories

Updated 20 August 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/horizon-shortfall-scheme-appeals-proving-your-identity/list-of-acceptable-proof-of-address-documents-for-countersignatories

Acceptable proof of address documents

We require a proof of address document for the countersignatory. This can be any of the following:

  • mortgage statement – UK only, issued in the last 3 months
  • financial statement, for example a pension or endowment – UK only, issued in the last 12 months
  • statement from central or local government showing you are entitled to benefits – UK and Channel Islands only, issued in the last 3 months
  • bank or building society account opening confirmation letter – must be a paper copy
  • original utility bill – must be a paper copy
  • benefit statement – UK only, issued in the last 3 months
  • P45 or P60 statement
  • council tax bill – UK and Channel Islands only, issued in the last 3 months, must be a paper copy
  • current full or provisional photo card driving licence from the UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands – the address listed must be the current address of the countersignatory

Reasons documents will not be accepted

Your documents will not be accepted if they are:

  • blurred
  • illegible
  • out-of-date
  • incomplete

This will cause delays to your application.

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