Proof of address letters

Overview

We regularly get requests from patients asking for letters confirming their address to support Universal Credit claims, bank account applications and other services. We know this can be difficult (especially for people in vulnerable circumstances) but GP surgeries are not obliged to produce proof-of-address letters.

Why we’re unable to provide proof-of-address letters

GP surgeries are contracted to deliver medical care. Preparing administrative documents for non-medical purposes (like proof-of-address letters) is not covered by our NHS agreement and diverts time away from patient care.
Patients do not have to provide proof of address to register with a GP. Because we don’t formally verify or authenticate addresses, any letter we might produce is unlikely to meet the reliability standards required by many organisations.
Government departments, banks and support organisations already have systems and acceptable document lists for proving identity and residency that don’t rely on GP involvement.

Alternatives for proving your address

If you’re having trouble producing proof of address, there are several other documents and routes depending on what you need it for.

For Universal Credit applications

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) typically accepts items such as:

  • recent payslips
  • P60 or P45 forms
  • bank statements
  • utility bills
  • official letters from government agencies

If you don’t have these, your local Jobcentre Plus can help with alternative identity checks.

For opening a bank account

Banks often accept a wider range of documents, including:

  • tenancy agreements
  • council tax bills
  • official correspondence from government bodies

Some banks (including certain digital providers and high-street options) have pathways for people without a fixed address. These vary between providers, so check directly with the bank.

Charities and local support services

  • Citizens Advice can help you identify acceptable documents and how to obtain them.
  • Shelter offers housing and legal advice for those who are homeless or at risk.
  • Wirral Council may be able to issue residency confirmation letters for people in need.

What you should do next

Contact the organisation requesting proof of address and ask which alternative documents they will accept. Many agencies have flexible verification procedures, particularly for people in vulnerable situations. It’s quicker if you check with them first so you only gather what’s needed.

We appreciate your understanding. If you’d like, we can point you towards local support services (for example, Citizens Advice or Wirral Council) that may be able to help you obtain acceptable documents.

Page last reviewed: 5 February 2026