Proof of Address: Which Documents Actually Get Accepted
Not every bill or statement qualifies as proof of address. Here's what platforms accept, how recent it must be, and the mistakes that get documents bounced.
Proof of address is the single most commonly rejected document in KYC. The rules are simple but strict — and they trip up thousands of applicants every day.
What usually counts
- **Utility bills** — electricity, water, gas, or landline internet, issued within the last 90 days.
- **Bank or credit-card statements** — issued within 90 days, showing your name and address.
- **Government letters** — tax notices, residency certificates, or official correspondence.
- **Lease agreements** — accepted by some platforms, usually only when recent and countersigned.
What usually doesn't
Mobile-phone bills, screenshots of online banking, delivery receipts, insurance marketing mail, and anything handwritten. Documents older than 90 days are rejected even if the address is still correct.
The three rules that decide acceptance
**Recency:** under 90 days old, counted from the issue date on the document. **Name match:** the name must match your ID exactly — no nicknames, no initials-only. **Address match:** the address must match what you entered in your profile, character for character, including apartment numbers.
Common edge cases
Living with family and no bills in your name? Some platforms accept a bank statement instead — banks let you update your statement address. Recently moved? Read our address-change guidance before applying anywhere. Digital nomad with no fixed address? The Digital Nomad KYC Pack covers strategies for your situation.
Get it checked first
Our Proof-of-Address Audit reviews your document for recency, name match, format, and issuer acceptability the same day — and the Utility Bill Review focuses specifically on utility documents. It's far cheaper than a rejection cycle. For the broader picture, see the full document checklist.