You can make changes to your account by contacting us. In some cases, you may need to send us an original or certified copy of a document as well.
We may ask for a certified document to meet anti-money laundering rules. Many professionals can certify it, including bank staff, teachers, healthcare staff, legal professionals, and public officers. In the UK, the certifier must write a true copy statement, then sign and date the document. If it includes a photo, they must also confirm it is a true likeness. Overseas certifiers should use similar wording and add their name, job title, and organisation details or official stamp.
Which documents have special certification requirements?
Most documents can be certified by anyone from the list below. There are a few exceptions to this as follows:
- Power of Attorney - can only be certified by a solicitor, notary or notary public, stockbrocker or the person granting the power of attorney.
- Grant of Probate - can only be certified by a solicitor or financial adviser.
- Death Certificate - can only be certified by a solicitor or financial adviser.
Who can certify a document
Most documents can be certified by a recognised professional who is actively employed in their profession.
Legal professionals
- Commissioner of Oaths
- Member of the Judiciary/Justice of the Peace
- Paralegal (certified or qualified Paralegal or Associate Member of the Institute of Paralegals)
- Solicitor/Lawyer/Advocate
- Notary public
Financial professionals
- Accountants
- Bank/Building Society Official
- FCA regulated person
- FCA regulated financial services intermediary (e.g. stockbroker or insurance broker)
- FCA regulated financial advisers
- Member, Associate or Fellow of a Financial Services professional body
Public sector and recognised professionals
- Armed Forces Officer
- Councillor (local or county)
- Job Centre employee
- Ministers of Religion
- Member of Parliament, or Scottish/Welsh/Northern Ireland Assembly Member
- Doctors/Nurses or Dentists
- Serving Police Officer
- Social Worker
- Teacher/Lecturer
- Embassy, consulate or high commission officer in the country of issue
- Government department, member of staff or official
- Post Office official (through the post office’s certification service) - unable to certify marriage, birth or death certificates.
Please note the above people must be actively employed in their profession. We're unable to accept retired certifiers.
How to certify a document for Aegon
To certify a document for Aegon, the certifier must add specific wording to the document and provide their professional details.
How to certify a document with a photo
The person certifying your document should write the following on the copy:
'I certify this to be a true likeness of {insert individual's name} and that this document is certified to be a true copy of the original seen by me’.
The person certifying should:
- Print their name in block capitals
- Write or stamp the name of the company they work for
- Be actively employed in their profession
- State their occupation and role within the company
- Sign their declaration
- Provide contact telephone number
- Date that the certification took place
How to certify a document without a photo
The person certifying your document should write the following on the copy:
‘I certify this to be a true copy of the original seen by me’.
The person certifying should:
- Print their name in block capitals
- Write or stamp the name of the company they work for
- Be actively employed in their profession
- State their occupation and role within the company
- Sign their declaration
- Provide contact telephone number
- Date that the certification took place
Who cannot certify a document
Documents can't be certified by someone who:
- Is related to the customer or key party
- Lives at the same address as the customer or key party
- Is in a relationship with the customer or key party
Certified translations for documents not in English
Where documents aren't in English, a certified translation is required. The person certifying the translation must confirm the following information:
- That it's a 'true and accurate translation of the original document'
- The date of the translation
- The full name and contact details of the translator or representative of the translation company
Before making any changes to your policy you may want to get financial advice. There may be a charge for financial advice. If you don't have a financial adviser, you can find one in your area by visiting MoneyHelper, or find out more about advice services supported by Aegon by visiting Origen.
Origen Financial Services Ltd is wholly owned by Aegon UK plc but operates independently to us.
Frequently asked questions
No. Documents can't be certified by someone who is related to you, lives at the same address, or is in a relationship with you. Find out who can certify your documents.
No. Certifiers must be actively employed in their profession. We can't accept retired certifiers. Find out who can certify your documents.
Yes. Bank or Building Society Officials can certify most documents.
Yes. Post Office officials can certify most documents through the Post Office's certification service. However, they can't certify marriage, birth or death certificates.
Yes. Solicitors can certify most documents. They can also certify documents with special certification requirements, including Grants of Probate and Death Certificates.
Yes. FCA regulated financial advisers can certify most documents. They can also certify Grants of Probate and Death Certificates.
Yes. Documents that aren't in English require a certified translation. The translation must include confirmation that it's a true and accurate translation of the original document.
A Power of Attorney can only be certified by a solicitor, notary or notary public, stockbroker or the person granting the power of attorney.
A Grant of Probate can only be certified by a solicitor or financial adviser.
A death certificate can only be certified by a solicitor or financial adviser.
Depending on the change you're making, Aegon may ask for certified copies of documents such as identification documents, Powers of Attorney, Grants of Probate, Death Certificates or other supporting evidence.