Acceptable Proof of Identification

We are obligated under the Money Laundering Regulations to identify all our customers and associated persons (e.g., attorneys, beneficiaries, executors). Our identity checks are completed when you join PensionBee, change important personal details and during drawdown.

New customers

Whilst PensionBee relies on electronic identification verification as much as possible, there are situations where this is not possible. For instance, if you’ve just moved house, or you lived overseas until recently, our usual electronic checks may not be able to verify your identity electronically. In such instances we will normally require 1 document from one or both of Lists A & B below, in order to proceed with opening your account.

In certain circumstances we may also require that these documents are certified. You can read more about how to certify your documents here. In a situation where you’re unable to provide any of the documents on the list, we will provide further guidance.

Please note that while this is intended as general guidance there may be occasions, particularly when the requirements set out here cannot be met, where requirements will differ. Your BeeKeeper will always communicate with you in these instances to confirm what is required.

Drawing down customers

If you’re requesting a drawdown from your pension for the first time or for the first time since April 2021, we’ll need to run further identity checks. As part of this, you will be required to complete a Facial Similarity Check which includes taking a selfie and uploading photo identification.

If we’re unable to verify your identity electronically in this way, we’ll normally require 1 additional document from each of Lists A & B below. We will require these documents to be certified, so please speak to your BeeKeeper for any further guidance. You can read more about how to certify your documents here.

Please note that while this is intended as general guidance there may be occasions, particularly when the requirements set out here cannot be met, where requirements will differ. Your BeeKeeper will always communicate with you in these instances to confirm what is required.

LIST A: Proof of Identity Documents

LIST B: Proof of Address Documents

Change of personal details

We understand that throughout life our personal details, like name and address, might change and that these changes will need to be reflected on your PensionBee account. Due to the sensitive nature of this type of request, please reach out to your personal BeeKeeper for further guidance on how to update your details.

How do I certify my documents?

PensionBee has set out a list of Approved Certifiers who can certify your documents for you. The list of Approved Certifiers is set out below. In order to certify a document, the approved certifier must have seen and physically handled the original document. The Certifier must then mark the copy of the document as a “certified copy” in the correct manner, physically sign the relevant page(s), add their name, position, the date, their stamp (as applicable), address, email address and telephone number. Please note that when certifying a photo identification document, the certifier must use the wording “I certify that this to be a true copy of the original and a true likeness of the individual as seen by me”. If we receive certified documents without this information, we may be unable to verify the certification and therefore be required to reject the certification.

Approved Certifiers (UK)

• A Post Office Official (Receipt and Certification form required)
• Solicitor
• Barrister
• Chartered or Certified Accountant
• Chartered Legal Executive (CILEX)
• FCA Approved Person (e.g. IFA)
• Notary Public

Approved Certifiers (Outside the UK)

• Notary Public