Documents Required for a Loan Application: Checklist
Lenders assess your loan application based on two main things: your financial profile and your ability to repay the borrowed amount.
- Jul 21, 2025,
- Updated Jul 21, 2025 12:20 PM IST
NApplying for a loan—whether personal, home, or any other—requires more than just filling out a form. To move forward with your application, you’ll need to submit a set of documents that help verify your identity, income, address, and ownership (where applicable). Being prepared with the right paperwork not only speeds up the approval process but also makes your loan journey smoother from the start. In this guide, we’ve outlined all the essential documents you may need to provide while applying for a loan, explained in a way that’s easy to follow and act on.
Understanding Why Documentation Matters
Lenders assess your loan application based on two main things: your financial profile and your ability to repay the borrowed amount. Documents act as proof of both. Submitting the right set of documents helps validate your identity, confirms where you live, and shows your income and repayment history. Each loan product might have its own list of required documents. But certain documents are commonly requested across most types. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll likely need.
Mandatory Identity and Address Proof
Here are the key required documents, which may vary as per providers as well:
1. PAN Card – Mandatory
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is essential for all loan applications. It helps track your financial transactions and is a core document required for verification.
2. Identity and Address Proof – One Valid Document Required
You’ll need to submit one Officially Valid Document (OVD) from the list below. This will serve both as identity and address proof if the document includes your current address.
● Valid Passport with expiry date, photo, and signature
● Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI
● Voter ID issued by the Election Commission
● Driving License issued by the regional transport office
● Job Card issued by NREGA, signed by a government official
● National Population Register with full name and address
3. If Your OVD Does Not Contain Your Address
In cases where your primary ID doesn't mention your current address, you can provide one of the following as deemed address proof:
● Registered Sale Deed + latest utility bill in the owner's name
● Bank statement through an RBI-approved account aggregator
● Passbook from a scheduled commercial bank
● Rent Agreement (e-agreement, registered or notarised) + latest utility bill
● Utility bills (electricity, gas, postpaid mobile, water, telephone) not older than 2 months
● Municipal or property tax receipt
● Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) with the address
Employer allotment letter from central/state departments, public bodies, or listed companies, along with leave and license agreement if applicable
Income and Banking Documents
These are crucial for evaluating your repayment capacity. The requirements may vary based on your job profile or the type of loan.
4. Proof of Income and Banking Activity
● Bank statement (through account aggregator or directly submitted)
● The latest three months’ salary slips (where applicable)
● These documents help assess your earnings, spending patterns, and income stability.
Documents for Balance Transfer (If Applicable)
If you’re switching your existing loan from one lender to another for better terms, you’ll need to provide documents confirming your current loan status.
5. Any One of the Following
● Loan repayment schedule
● Loan foreclosure letter
● Statement of account related to the loan
In cases where the loan doesn’t appear in credit bureau records, a sanction letter or account statement may be required for verification.
Property or Ownership-Related Documents (If Required)
For loans related to property or where ownership validation is needed, one of these may be asked:
● Sale deed + latest utility bill in the owner’s name
● The latest water tax bill
● Property tax receipt
● Electricity bill
● Maintenance bill
These help establish legal ownership and utility payments tied to the property.
Conclusion
While applying for a loan may seem straightforward, being organised with your documents can make the entire experience much smoother. From identification and income proof to
address and ownership details, each document serves a specific purpose in getting your loan approved.
Lenders like IDFC FIRST Bank offer clear guidance on documentation and often allow digital uploads to simplify the process further. Its FIRSTmoney Personal Loan can also streamline the collection and organization of your financial documents, making it easier to have everything ready for your loan application. Whether you're applying online or at a branch, having both physical and digital copies ready can help avoid delays and ensure a smoother loan journey.
NApplying for a loan—whether personal, home, or any other—requires more than just filling out a form. To move forward with your application, you’ll need to submit a set of documents that help verify your identity, income, address, and ownership (where applicable). Being prepared with the right paperwork not only speeds up the approval process but also makes your loan journey smoother from the start. In this guide, we’ve outlined all the essential documents you may need to provide while applying for a loan, explained in a way that’s easy to follow and act on.
Understanding Why Documentation Matters
Lenders assess your loan application based on two main things: your financial profile and your ability to repay the borrowed amount. Documents act as proof of both. Submitting the right set of documents helps validate your identity, confirms where you live, and shows your income and repayment history. Each loan product might have its own list of required documents. But certain documents are commonly requested across most types. Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll likely need.
Mandatory Identity and Address Proof
Here are the key required documents, which may vary as per providers as well:
1. PAN Card – Mandatory
The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card is essential for all loan applications. It helps track your financial transactions and is a core document required for verification.
2. Identity and Address Proof – One Valid Document Required
You’ll need to submit one Officially Valid Document (OVD) from the list below. This will serve both as identity and address proof if the document includes your current address.
● Valid Passport with expiry date, photo, and signature
● Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI
● Voter ID issued by the Election Commission
● Driving License issued by the regional transport office
● Job Card issued by NREGA, signed by a government official
● National Population Register with full name and address
3. If Your OVD Does Not Contain Your Address
In cases where your primary ID doesn't mention your current address, you can provide one of the following as deemed address proof:
● Registered Sale Deed + latest utility bill in the owner's name
● Bank statement through an RBI-approved account aggregator
● Passbook from a scheduled commercial bank
● Rent Agreement (e-agreement, registered or notarised) + latest utility bill
● Utility bills (electricity, gas, postpaid mobile, water, telephone) not older than 2 months
● Municipal or property tax receipt
● Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) with the address
Employer allotment letter from central/state departments, public bodies, or listed companies, along with leave and license agreement if applicable
Income and Banking Documents
These are crucial for evaluating your repayment capacity. The requirements may vary based on your job profile or the type of loan.
4. Proof of Income and Banking Activity
● Bank statement (through account aggregator or directly submitted)
● The latest three months’ salary slips (where applicable)
● These documents help assess your earnings, spending patterns, and income stability.
Documents for Balance Transfer (If Applicable)
If you’re switching your existing loan from one lender to another for better terms, you’ll need to provide documents confirming your current loan status.
5. Any One of the Following
● Loan repayment schedule
● Loan foreclosure letter
● Statement of account related to the loan
In cases where the loan doesn’t appear in credit bureau records, a sanction letter or account statement may be required for verification.
Property or Ownership-Related Documents (If Required)
For loans related to property or where ownership validation is needed, one of these may be asked:
● Sale deed + latest utility bill in the owner’s name
● The latest water tax bill
● Property tax receipt
● Electricity bill
● Maintenance bill
These help establish legal ownership and utility payments tied to the property.
Conclusion
While applying for a loan may seem straightforward, being organised with your documents can make the entire experience much smoother. From identification and income proof to
address and ownership details, each document serves a specific purpose in getting your loan approved.
Lenders like IDFC FIRST Bank offer clear guidance on documentation and often allow digital uploads to simplify the process further. Its FIRSTmoney Personal Loan can also streamline the collection and organization of your financial documents, making it easier to have everything ready for your loan application. Whether you're applying online or at a branch, having both physical and digital copies ready can help avoid delays and ensure a smoother loan journey.