Proof of life and residence

A proof of life document is used to make sure that individuals are alive and continue to qualify for benefits. It can also be called a life certificate.

It is used by -

  • governments
  • pension funds
  • insurance companies

If you have lived and worked in another country and are claiming a pension from overseas, you may need to prove you're still alive and confirm details of your current residence. This is to continue to receive your pension payments.

If you have been asked to complete a 'Certificate of Life' form by your pension provider, we can check your identity and residency documents. We provide a stamp on your ‘Proof of life’ form to confirm life and residency in the UK.

Each person named on the ‘Proof of life’ form will need to attend the appointment at the Register Office. They need to bring with them the following items -

  • ‘Proof of life’ form that you need us to authorise
  •  supporting documents as evidence

Documents

The form may tell you what documents you will need to provide. For proof of identity, we will usually need to see one of the following -

  • valid passport
  • driving licence
  • bus pass
  • other photo ID

For proof of your address -

  • utility bill dated no more than three months before the date of your appointment
  • bank or building society statement or passbook dated. It must be no more than one month before the date of your appointment
  • Council Tax bill dated no more than one year before the date of your appointment
  • This service is provided by staff at the Register Office