# AI tells a newcomer to Ireland that a PPS Number (or PPSN allocation letter) plus a passport is enough identification to open a bank account

- **ID:** `banking/proof-of-address-required-not-ppsn`
- **Domain:** banking
- **Category:** administrative_barrier
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Irish banks require photo ID plus a separate proof-of-address document issued to the applicant at their home address within the past 6 months (a utility bill, correspondence from a regulated financial institution, an electoral/polling card, or a Revenue certificate). A Personal Public Service (PPS) Number is not a legal requirement to open a standard personal account - Citizens Information notes banks only ask for it in specific cases such as mortgage interest relief - and AIB's own published requirements explicitly list a PPS Letter issued by the Client Identity Services Department as NOT acceptable as proof of address. Applicants not currently resident in Ireland need two proof-of-address documents instead of one.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| any | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Before applying, obtain a proof-of-address document dated within the last 6 months from an accepted category (utility bill, correspondence from a regulated financial institution, electoral/polling card, Revenue certificate) rather than relying on PPSN paperwork or a passport alone** (85% success)
   ```
   If no utility account exists yet, ask the bank in advance which alternative documents (e.g. a tenancy agreement plus Revenue correspondence) it will accept, since photocopies are not accepted and originals must be produced in person.
   ```
2. **If applying before or immediately upon arrival, bring two address proofs - a recent (within 3 months) home-country bank statement or utility bill plus visa/residency documentation - and expect enhanced due diligence to take longer than for an established resident** (70% success)

## Dead Ends

- **Assume a passport plus a PPS Number or PPSN allocation letter is sufficient identification to open an Irish bank account** — AIB's published personal identification requirements explicitly state that 'A Personal Public Service (PPS) Letter issued by the Irish Client Identity Services Department' is NOT acceptable as proof of address. Banks require a separate proof-of-address document (e.g. a utility bill or correspondence from a regulated financial institution) issued to the applicant at their home address within the past 6 months, in addition to photo ID - the PPSN letter itself does not substitute for it. (70% fail)
- **Tell an applicant who is not yet resident in Ireland that one proof of address is enough** — AIB's non-resident identification requirements state that if you are not currently resident in Ireland you must provide two proof-of-address documents, and for the overseas address a bank statement or utility bill from the home country issued within the last three months is required, on top of an Irish address document once available. (50% fail)