The Documents You Need to Apply for a Loan

Most loan delays are not about your credit — they are about a missing document. Get these ready before you apply and you remove the most common reason an application stalls.

Proof of identity

Lenders need to confirm you are who you say you are. Any one of these is usually accepted:

• Passport
• Government photo ID (such as an Aadhaar card, national ID, or driving licence)
• PAN card (often required specifically in India for any formal loan)

Proof of address

This shows where you live and is usually a document dated within the last two to three months:

• A utility bill — electricity, gas, water or broadband
• A recent bank statement showing your address
• A rental agreement or property tax receipt

Proof of income

This is the part lenders scrutinise most, because it shows you can repay. What you need depends on how you earn:

If you are salaried

• Your last three to six months of salary slips
• Bank statements for the same period showing the salary landing
• Your latest tax return or Form 16 (or your country's equivalent)

If you are self-employed

• Business bank statements, usually for six to twelve months
• Income tax returns for the last two years
• Proof the business exists — a registration certificate or GST filing

A few extras lenders may ask for

• A recent passport-size photograph
• Your bank account details for the money to be paid into
• For a secured loan, the papers for whatever you are offering as security

One last check

Make sure the name, date of birth and address are identical across every document and match exactly what you type into the application. A mismatch between your ID and your address proof is one of the most common causes of a slow or rejected application.

With the folder ready, you can move straight to applying — see our step-by-step guide on getting approved quickly.