Wojciech
Diploma in Professional Accounting
Diploma for Financial Advisers
Member of London Institute of Banking and Finance
When working with an accountant in the UK, you may be asked to show your passport. But why is this needed?
Why Do Accountants Ask for Your Passport?
Accountants are legally required to follow anti-money laundering (AML) rules. These rules help stop fraud and illegal activity. To follow the law, accountants must:
- Check your identity
- Confirm your address
A passport is a trusted way to prove who you are. It shows your full name, date of birth, and nationality — all things your accountant needs to verify.
Is It Always Required?
Not always — but most of the time, yes. If you don’t have a passport, your accountant may ask for other ID, such as:
- A driving licence
- A birth certificate
- A recent utility bill or bank statement (to confirm your address)
Is It Safe to Share My Passport?
Yes, as long as your accountant is registered and follows UK GDPR rules. They must keep your data safe and only use it for identity checks.
Summary
Do accountants need your passport?
In most cases, yes — it helps them follow the law and protect against fraud. If you don’t have one, other forms of ID are usually accepted.