In short
Most lenders ask for a photocard driving licence, proof of address from the last three months, proof of income such as recent payslips or bank statements, and bank details for the monthly payment. Self-employed customers and people with benefit income may be asked for more. You do not need any documents to send us an enquiry.
The core checklist
- Photocard driving licence. Most lenders need a full UK licence. Some consider provisional licence holders, so tell us if that is you.
- Proof of address. A utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement, usually dated within the last three months, in the same name as your application.
- Three years of address history. The addresses and roughly when you moved. Gaps or missing addresses are a common reason for delays.
- Proof of income. Recent payslips, or bank statements showing your income going in.
- Employment details. Your employer, job title and how long you have worked there.
- Bank details. The account the monthly payment will come from.
- Your monthly outgoings. Rent or mortgage, other credit payments and regular bills, so the lender can check the payment is affordable.
Lenders set their own requirements and may ask for more or less than this. We tell you exactly what a lender wants, and why, before you go to the trouble of finding it.
At a glance
| What the lender needs to check | Documents usually accepted |
|---|---|
| Who you are | Photocard driving licence |
| Where you live | Utility bill, council tax bill or bank statement from the last three months |
| What you earn (employed) | Recent payslips, usually one to three months, or bank statements |
| What you earn (self-employed) | HMRC tax calculations (SA302) and tax year overviews, accounts, or business and personal bank statements |
| Benefit income | Your current award letter, plus bank statements showing the payments |
| How you will pay | Bank account details for the direct debit |
Some lenders offer to confirm your income through open banking instead of paper statements. That only happens with your permission, and you can say no.
If you are self-employed
Lenders want to see that your income is steady over time, not just in a good month. Have your last one or two years of HMRC tax calculations (SA302) and tax year overviews ready, or accounts from your accountant, plus a few months of bank statements. If you have been trading for less than a year, tell us: it narrows the lenders, but it is not always a dead end. More on our self-employed car finance page.
If some of your income is from benefits
Keep your latest award letter to hand. Some lenders can consider certain benefits, particularly long-term ones such as PIP or DLA, alongside other income. See car finance on benefits for what lenders usually can and cannot count.
If you have a car to part-exchange
- The V5C logbook in your name.
- Both keys, and the service history if you have it.
- If there is finance still owing on it, the lender's name so the settlement figure can be requested.
Things that slow applications down
- Names that do not match. Use the same name as on your licence and bank account.
- Not being on the electoral roll. Lenders use it to confirm your address. You can register to vote on GOV.UK.
- Leaving out credit you already have. The lender will see it on your file anyway. Being upfront always goes better.
- Old addresses on your credit file. Worth checking before you apply; see our guide to checking your credit file for free.
You will also need insurance
You cannot drive the car away without insurance in place. Get a quote on the car you have chosen before collection day so the cost is part of your budget.
Finance is subject to status, affordability and lender approval. Over 18s, UK residents only. This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. We are a credit broker, not a lender.