How do I know if I will be accepted for car finance?

There's no surefire way to know if you'll be approved for a car loan, but you can improve your chances. Keep a good credit score, be honest about your information, and pick a loan that fits your budget. Our easy car finance calculator is another great way to see if you’ll be accepted. It also shows how much you could borrow and what your monthly payments might be.

Do all car finance companies ask for bank statements?

While not all car finance companies ask for bank statements, many do. Bank statements show how you manage your money – like how much you earn, what you spend it on, and if you already owe money to others. Sharing your bank statements helps the loan company understand your finances better. It can therefore make your loan application stronger.

How does a car finance company check employment?

Car finance companies usually make sure you have a job by directly contacting your employer or asking for papers like payslips or work contracts. This helps them see if your income is steady and reliable, which is important for deciding if they'll give you a car loan.

Do finance companies check payslips?

Yes, finance companies often check payslips as part of the application process for car finance. Payslips provide proof of your income and help lenders verify that you have a steady source of funds to make your car loan payments.

Do car finance companies contact your employer?

Yes, some car finance companies call or email your boss to check if you work where you say you do. They want to make sure you have a job and earn enough money to pay back the loan for the car. This is just to make sure you're reliable and can afford the payments. So, it's pretty common for them to get in touch with your employer during the application process.

How much do I need to earn to get car finance?

The amount you need to earn for car finance depends on many factors. These include the lender's requirements, the price of the car you want to finance, your credit history, and your finances. Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage of your income that goes toward paying debts. A steady and sufficient income is generally necessary to show your ability to repay the loan. Additionally, lenders may also look at your credit score, job stability, and current debts when deciding if you can get car finance. That’s why they ask to see proof of employment and payslips.

Do you need payslips for car finance?

Yes, showing recent payslips is necessary for car finance. Payslips show your income and allow finance companies to assess whether you can meet the monthly repayments. You should ensure that the payslips you give are recent and accurately reflect your current earnings.

What details do you need to apply for car finance?

When you're applying for car finance, you'll need to gather some personal information to show the lender that you're a reliable borrower. Here's a basic list of what you might need to provide: Your full name Your date of birth Proof of address Proof of income Bank details Driving licence Remember, the exact details you need can vary depending on the lender and your specific situation. It's a good idea to check with the lender beforehand to make sure you have everything they need.

What paperwork do you need to prepare for car finance?

Whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, the documents that you’ll need to secure car finance will be broadly the same. Each lender has their own requirements but, in general, the paperwork they will need to see is: A picture of your driving licence – You’ll be asked to upload a picture of your licence after you’ve applied online. Make sure that your picture and all the details are clear and easy to read before you share your shot. Payslips or bank statements – Lenders will want to know your employment status and how much you typically earn each month. This helps them to carry out affordability checks to make sure you’re not applying for a loan that could cause your finances to stretch too thin. Proof of address – A lender will usually ask for a copy of something like a utility bill or your most recent council tax statement as proof of where you live. The lenders we work with ask that you have at least three years’ address history in the UK. These documents will be requested no matter whether your credit is excellent, fair, or in need of some work. In fact, we work with lenders that can help people find bad credit car finance .

What documents do I need for car finance?

Written by Matthew Evans Updated 24 Jul 2025

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What documents do I need for car finance?

Ready to apply for car finance but aren’t sure of the car finance documents needed to start your application? We’ve answered your most common questions about the requirements for car finance in the UK. Here’s a breakdown of documents you may want to prepare, why they’re needed, and what to expect in the application process.

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Key Document Requirements for Car Finance in the UK

When you're applying for car finance, you'll need to gather some personal information to show the lender that you're a reliable borrower. These help them easily identify your application and carry out any soft credit and affordability checks.

So, what documents do you need for car finance? We ask for the following to get your application underway:

Proof of Identity

When you apply for car finance, you’ll need to show proof of who you are. This may be your passport or a UK driving licence, as these show your name and your date of birth.

When you’re applying for finance online, it can be difficult for lenders to be certain that you are who you say you are. For an extra level of security, you may be asked to carry out additional checks.

Proof of Address

You may also be asked for a copy of something like a utility bill or your most recent council tax statement as proof of where you live. The lenders we work with ask that you have at least three years’ address history in the UK.

Financial Documents

Lenders typically want to know whether you’re employed, self-employed, retired or a student, where you work, and how much you usually earn each month. This helps them double-check if you can afford a car loan you’ve applied for.

The financial documents needed to buy a car on finance are often your most recent payslip, or a bank statement to show proof of income as part of the process.

If you're self-employed, you may also be asked to provide proof of income.

Driving Documents

You’ll likely be asked to upload a picture of your licence after you’ve applied online. Some lenders can provide car finance to those with a provisional one. However, many require borrowers to have a full driving licence.

If you’re asked to provide a copy, you’ll need to make sure that your photograph and all the details, including your address, are clear and easy to read.

Each lender has their own requirements but, generally, whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, the required documents for car finance are broadly the same.

The Car Finance Application Process

At Car Finance 247, our application process can be quick and simple. Here’s everything you need to know before you start.

Prepping Before You Apply

Before you apply, it’s a good idea to gather all the car finance documents needed, which may include:

Proof of ID (such as a full UK driving licence or passport)

Proof of address (like a recent utility bill or bank statement)

Proof of income (payslips or bank statements)

As well as gathering these car finance documents, it may also be a good idea to check your credit report first and do anything you can to try and boost your credit score.

During the Application

Our online application only takes a few minutes to complete, and you’ll get your decision in minutes.

Once submitted, your dedicated account manager will get in touch to talk through your options and next steps. They’re there to support you every step of the way.

Credit and Affordability Checks

When you apply, lenders need your car finance documents to carry out a credit check to assess your financial history. They’ll also check your affordability. This means looking at your income and outgoings to make sure the monthly repayments are manageable for you.

We first carry out what’s known as a soft credit search, which won’t appear on your credit file or damage your credit. It’s only at the second stage when you’ve agreed to a loan do we carry out a hard credit search, which does appear on your credit file and may be visible to other lenders.

If your credit score is a concern, try not to worry. At Car Finance 247, we work with lenders that specialise in bad credit car finance and have experience helping people in all kinds of financial situations get on the road, subject to status.

Car Finance Documents for Special Circumstances

If you’re dealing with something like a DMP, CCJ, default, or you’re self-employed, we could help. Some of the lenders we work with consider all kinds of situations. Just be upfront about your circumstances and have any supporting car finance documents ready, and your account manager will do the rest to try and help find a suitable option.

Disclaimer: Car Finance 247 is a credit broker, not a lender. We offer finance from a panel of lenders, and not all applicants will be accepted. Credit is subject to status, affordability, and lender checks. Please ensure you read all terms and conditions carefully before applying. The cost of credit will depend on your personal circumstances, including your credit profile and the amount you borrow.