22 September 2025

Certificate of life: what you need to know

Certificates of life are important if you are claiming money or a pension abroad. Here is your guide.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Pensions are important for people to be able to live and enjoy their retirement. Those who wish to move abroad and still access these important funds will need a certificate of life for pensioners.

The certificate of life for pensioners is also known as the life certificate for pensioners, life certificate, letter of existence, and proof of life certificate.

Keep reading to find out more about the life certificate for pensioners, how to get one, and why you will need the assistance of a notary such as ourselves so that you can use it abroad.

What is a certificate of life?

A certificate of life is a document that is created by a government, insurance company or pension fund to prove the existence of an individual. They certify that the individual concerned is currently living and that they are able to qualify for things like pensions and benefits.

Other names for this include proof of life certificate, certificate of existence, letter of existence or life certificate.

What are they used for?

Government bodies check periodically that someone who is claiming benefits or pensions is still alive. This prevents the government from overpaying. They are commonly used when people want to claim pensions outside the UK. For example, British nationals who have retired and now live overseas will likely need a proof of life certificate in order for them to be able to claim benefits.

Another example is that the Department for Work and Pensions might require one to prove that you are still entitled to a state pension.

Insurance companies sometimes have their own version of the certificate to check that clients are still alive; for example, in cases where they receive pensions.

How do you get a life certificate?

In most cases, a certificate of life would require a qualified notary public to confirm that the person claiming money is alive.

Normally, you will be asked to complete a form. In most cases, you will be sent the form to complete once you inform the Government of any changes. For example, if are moving abroad and intend to claim money. It is important to be as clear as you can when filling out the form.

Before you submit your form, it will need to be signed by a witness. You must show some kind of identification to your witness so that they can provide their signature; the following documents act as suitable proof of identity:

Driving licence
National identity card
Passport

The witness should not be related to you or live with you. They will also need to hold a specific type of job, which includes Notary Publics. A notary such as ourselves would be the best option, as notaries are officially recognised and regulated by the Faculty Office.

To get your certificate of life properly witnessed, you would need to meet with the notary in person so they could be your witness.

You can download and print the life certificate for pensioners form from the UK Government’s website.

Do life certificates expire?

Yes, the life certificate for pensioners can expire, so you will need to keep providing a new one. This is so that the local authority can continue to confirm that you are still alive.

How often you have to renew your certificate will depend upon where you have moved to. We recommend that you check the requirements of the country you have moved to, or are planning to move to, so that you do not accidentally miss out on a payment.

Why you need a notary

Aside from the fact that a notary can act as a witness to the signature of your certificate, there are several other ways in which a Notary Public, such as ourselves, can help you with your life certificate for pensioners.

First, we can notarise your certificate for you. This is an important step to being able use your certificate abroad, and can only be done by a Notary Public.

Next, we can manage the process of legalisation for you; this can only be done once your certificate has been notarised, and gives it equal weight in the eyes of the law of the country you are moving to.

Depending on the country, your life certificate for pensioners may need to go through embassy legalisation, or be given an apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). If you are unsure which process you need, then we can help.

Finally, if you are going somewhere that does not have English as an official language, then your certificate may need to be translated into the local language. We can arrange this for you.

All of our services are catered to the needs of our clients, and exist to take some of the stress off of your shoulders.

Book your notary appointment today

Now you know about the life certificate for pensioners, as well as the ways a notary such as ourselves can assist you with one, you can book an appointment with us.

Contact us by phone, email, or our website chatbox to discuss your needs with our friendly team. Then, you can book your appointment with our Notary Public of England and Wales, Nathan Woodcock.

Your appointment can take place at one of our offices in either London, Manchester or Sheffield.

Alternatively, if you cannot make it to one of our offices, you can instead make use of our mobile notary service. This allows you to book your appointment at a time convenient to you, and at a suitable place to meet Nathan. For example, you could have your appointment at your home or office; it can even be outside of our usual office hours.

Get in touch with us today for notary assistance with your life certificate for pensioners.