What is Vouchsafe?
Vouchsafe is certified by the UK government to help people confirm their identity when they don’t have good photo ID.
We work with credit unions, banks, lenders, and other services to make sure identity checks are fair and accessible.
If you don't have valid or acceptable photo ID — for example, if it’s expired, damaged, or you don’t have the correct type — we can still help verify your identity through someone you know, also known as a referee. This is called vouching.
Who can vouch for me?
A trusted referee is someone you know personally or professionally who can confirm that you are who you say you are. The organisation you are verifying your identity for will advise the type of referee you can use.
Some examples of the different type of referees include:
Personal | Professional |
Family member | NHS GP/nurse |
Coworker | Social worker |
Manager | Teacher |
Close friend | Civil servant |
You should choose someone who:
Knows you well enough to confirm your identity.
Is over 18 and has their own valid ID to verify themselves.
If your referee isn’t sure what’s involved and would like more information, they can read these guides for referees.
What does the referee need to do?
When you provide us with your referee’s contact details, we’ll send them a unique link by email or text message.
They’ll then be asked to:
Check and confirm that your personal details are correct.
Verify their own identity (we ask this to ensure they’re a real person and know you).
The process only takes about five minutes and can be done on a mobile device or computer — no app required.
It’s not a character reference — they’re simply confirming that you are the person you claim to be.
What happens after my referee vouches for me?
Once your referee completes the process, we’ll use the information to verify your identity with the organisation you’re applying to. Once this is done, you will be redirected back to them to complete your application.
If we need anything else from you, we’ll get in touch.