HELP! How do I get a document certified??!!

[MargeSimpsonMyAlterEgo]

My mum is trying to open savings accounts for my two DSs. She needs documents to comply with the bank's money laundering regulations. I have found one DS's NHS card but can't find the other, so an alternative document is a certified copy of his passport. My local bank won't do it (only if it's to open another account with the same bank) and the local solicitor won't do it unless I've been client for at least 2 years. The GPs don't do it (probably would prefer to be treating sick people). Can anyone give me some advice please? Or do I have to risk my DS's original passport in the Royal Mail? Thankyou!

You can find a local, friendly magistrate (JP) who will do it for you. I'm a JP and recently certified some photocopies for someone.

Why risk opening one through the post? Go into a branch and open one directly. Open an account at the same bank as yours.

Check their opening id requirements - they vary from bank to bank.

I had a lot of trouble opening bank accounts for my stepchildren because of all the silly requirements. The first bank was absolutely insistent that a passport wasn't enough. We needed to have a utility bill in their names. They were 7 and 8 at the time!!! In the end we went to the next bank on the high street and opened an account with the documentation that we had. I had same problem myself when I first got to the UK. The requirements really vary from branch to branch and person to person, so just try another bank. I'm surprised that the GP's won't do it. Most will for a charge. Are your ds' in school? A teacher can do it too. Or an accountant.

I work for a bank (bradford and bingley) and we happily certify copies of almost anything but thats mainly because we know alot of customers very well as we are a 'smaller' bank, in fact I have signed loads of passport
applications that I keep my passport number on my phone (you need to give your passport number if you certify someone elses application)

Do you know what bank she is trying to open the accounts with, if so, and they have a local branch near you pop in and explain situation and ask them if they'll copy and certify them for you, alternatively we accept birth certificates as ID and I would prefer to send that to your ds passport