Have you ever wondered if you actually need to live at a certain address to play in the Postcode Lottery? It is a common question, especially if you are signing up for the first time or your living situation is a little complicated.
Maybe you have moved recently, share a flat, or just want to be sure you understand the rules before you enter. With so many different draws out there, it is easy to get mixed up about which details matter.
Knowing how your postcode ties to your entry helps you avoid problems when prizes are paid. In this guide, we explain what counts as living at an address, what proof is usually needed, and how changes like moving home affect your entry, so you can decide what works for you.
Can I Enter The Postcode Lottery If I Don't Live At The Address?
When signing up for the People’s Postcode Lottery, you are asked to provide the postcode and full address where you live. Entries are linked to real addresses, and prizes are matched to the postcodes registered for those entries, not just to a wider postal area.
If you enter using a postcode where you do not live, you may run into problems if your entry is selected. To claim, you will be asked to show proof that you actually live at the address on your account. Acceptable proof usually means a recent official document showing your name and that address.
It is not possible to enter with any random postcode, as eligibility checks can be made. If you cannot provide acceptable proof, winnings may be withheld. These rules are designed to ensure prizes go to people who genuinely live in the winning postcode at the time of entry.
If your living arrangements change often, or you split your time between homes, use the place where you usually stay and consider it your main residence. That reduces the chance of disputes and keeps things clear.
That leads to a simple follow-up: what actually counts as living at an address for entry purposes?
What Counts As Living At An Address For Entry Purposes?
To enter the Postcode Lottery, you need to live at the address you provide at sign-up. In practice, this means it is your main home, or the place where you spend most of your time.
If you receive post there, pay bills from that address, or are on the electoral roll at that property, it generally supports that it is your residence. Organisations often ask for documents that show this connection, such as a recent utility bill, a bank or building society letter, or a driving licence with that address.
Short stays with friends or family do not count as living there for entry. If you are a student or split your time between two places but only treat one as your permanent address, use that one when registering.
If your situation is unusual, check what proof is accepted in the rules. That way, if your entry wins, you will be ready to claim without delays.
With that in mind, it helps to know exactly which documents tend to work when proof is requested.
Proof Of Address Requirements For Postcode Lottery Entry
When you sign up, accurate address details allow the lottery to match entries to draws and, if needed, confirm eligibility before paying prizes. You may be asked to provide recent, reliable evidence linking you to the property on your account.
If your entry is selected for a prize, address confirmation may be required before any payment is made. This is to ensure that prizes go to eligible participants who genuinely live in the winning postcode.
Acceptable Proof Of Address Documents
There are several documents you can use to show where you live. Most often, official letters or statements sent within the last three months are accepted if they clearly show your name and the full registered address.
Common examples include a council tax bill, a recent utility bill such as gas, electricity or water, or a bank or building society statement. A government-issued letter, like a benefits letter or an HMRC notice, is also commonly accepted.
An up-to-date photocard driving licence displaying your current address is usually suitable as well. It is best to check the latest list of accepted documents on the official website, as requirements can change. If you do not have these in your name, contact customer support to ask about alternatives.
If several people share the same postcode, you might wonder how entries work in practice.
Can Multiple People In The Same Postcode Enter Separately?
If you share a postcode with others because you live on the same street, in the same building, or in separate flats within one property, each eligible adult can enter independently. Entry is not restricted to a single person per household.
Every adult can sign up and pay for their own entry using their personal details. Housemates, for example, can all take part as long as each person registers separately.
When a postcode is drawn, prizes are matched to active, paid entries linked to that postcode. In other words, each individual entry stands on its own rather than being pooled by household.
Moving home is one of the most common reasons people need to update details, so it is worth knowing how a change of address affects your entry.
What Happens If I Move Or Temporarily Stay Away From The Address?
If you move, update your details with the Postcode Lottery as soon as you can. Entries are tied to the address on your account, and prizes are matched to that postcode at the relevant time. If you win after moving and cannot show that the registered address was still your main home when it mattered, claiming may be delayed or refused.
Short absences, such as a holiday or a brief stay elsewhere, usually do not affect eligibility, provided the registered address remains your primary residence.
If the move is permanent, reflect your new main residence in your account. Most providers let you do this online or by phone. Keeping your information current makes any future claim smoother and avoids disappointment if your postcode is drawn.
What if the address you use for day-to-day life is not residential?
Can I Use A Business Address Or PO Box To Enter?
You are expected to use your residential address, meaning the place where you actually live most of the time. Business premises and PO Boxes are not accepted for entry.
Non-residential addresses are unsuitable because they do not show that you live there. Even if you own the business or receive post at a PO Box, it does not meet the requirement to link you as an individual to a home address.
If you try to register with a business location or a PO Box, you may be asked for proof that you live there, which you will not be able to provide. In that case, your entry can be removed or any winnings withheld.
If you are unsure whether your address will be accepted, check with the lottery before entering to avoid issues later.
If your postcode is selected, the next step is making sure your details line up with what you registered.
How Is Address Information Verified If I Win A Prize?
If your postcode is selected and you have a winning entry, you will usually be asked to show that you live at the address on your account. As noted earlier, this typically involves providing a recent official document that shows your full name and the registered address, such as a utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement.
Your identity may also be checked using photo ID, like a driving licence or passport, to confirm that the person claiming matches the account holder. Once the documents are reviewed and everything aligns, the prize can be processed.
Providing information that matches your registration details helps prevent delays and keeps the process fair for everyone who takes part.
What Are The Consequences Of Providing An Incorrect Address?
If you enter with the wrong address, several issues can arise. The most immediate is that you may not be able to claim any prize, because you will be asked to show evidence that you live at the registered property.
Submitting false or outdated information can lead to your entry being cancelled or any wins being withheld. Even if the postcode is drawn, you must still provide acceptable documents linking you to that address.
Using another person’s address without their knowledge can also cause disputes, and breaching the rules may result in exclusion from taking part in future. If your address changes or you are unsure what to use, update your details with the provider so your entry accurately reflects where you live.
Ensuring your registration matches where you actually live is the simplest way to avoid problems and enjoy a smooth experience if your postcode comes up.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.