Q: Do I need a receipt for proof of purchase or can they check the serial number (1 year warranty not AppleCare)

Normally the serial number is good enough.  You can confirm this here:

https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

charlie

bring both the mac and charger, and quick!  your 1 year warranty runs out ina few weeks.

Well, you're still under warranty. So whatever is covered....

charlie

welcome

Hello,

it is 2016, and is this still true? Is it ok to just bring the macbook pro and the charger to get applecare (ofcourse, in good time)?

Because - Keep your receipt after you buy an Apple device - Apple Support

Regards,

Xsystem1

You need to buy AppleCare within 1 year of original purchase (that *very* last day can catch you, though, so do not delay that long).  Apple knows when it was sold based on the serial number using its records.

Bringing in the charger is not required to my knowledge.