Digital Proof of Life – step by step

Here we show you step by step how the Digital Proof of Life process works.

You need:

  • A smartphone or tablet with a stable Internet connection

  • "Digital Proof of Life (DLN) 2026" letter: this must be your personal letter containing your name. If you have received more than one letter, you must complete the Digital Proof of Life for each letter

  • Valid photo ID

  • List of accepted identity documents

  • E-mail address

  • POSTIDENT app from the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS)

How to complete the process:

    • Generate the 12-digit case number

      • 1. Scan the QR Code

        Open the camera on your smartphone or tablet. Focus the camera on the QR code from your personal "Digital Proof of Life 2026" letter.

        A link will appear on the screen.

      • 2. Tap on the link displayed.

        If no link is displayed:

        • Focus the camera on the QR code without taking a photo.

        • Do not scan with the POSTIDENT app.

        • Use a special app for QR code scanning.

      • 3. Check access ID

        Compare the access ID displayed with the access ID in your personal letter "Digital Proof of Life (DLN) 2026".

        Make a selection and follow the instructions.

        Prompt asking whether the displayed access ID is correct, with the response options 'Yes' and 'No'.

      • 4. Enter data

        Enter your first name and last name. Both IDs should be written exactly as shown in your letter "Digital Proof of Life (DLN) 2026" next to the QR code.

        Enter an e-mail address where you can receive e-mails. Make sure to spell your e-mail address correctly.

        Click "Next."

        Form for entering first and last name and e-mail address; note that important information will be sent to this e-mail; 'Next' button.

      • 5. 12-digit case number was created

        The page "POSTIDENT by AutoID" appears. Copy the case number at the bottom of the page by tapping on the symbol next to it.

        Tap on "Continue in the app".

        POSTIDENT AutoID page with display of the 12-digit transaction number, copy function and 'Continue in the app' button.

  • Carry out the identity check with POSTIDENT

    • 6. Enter transaction number

      The transaction number has been transferred from your device to the POSTIDENT app. If you do not see the transaction number, tap on the "Enter case number" field.

      Excerpt from the POSTIDENT app home screen with button for manually entering the transaction number; use this option.

      An input field will appear. You can enter the 12-digit case number there.

      Tap on "Send".

      Excerpt from the POSTIDENT app home screen with the button for scanning the transaction number crossed out; do not use this option.

      Please do not use the "Scan case number" function.

      If you are unable to proceed:

      • Check your e-mail inbox, where you will find an e-mail from no-reply@deutschepost.de containing your transaction number. 

      • Enter the case number in the app. Check your spam folder if the e-mail is not in your inbox.

      POSTIDENT app home screen with a prompt to enter the transaction number manually; QR code scanning not used.

    • 7. Begin identity check

      You can watch a brief tutorial on the identification process or click directly on "Start identification."

    • 8. Grant permissions.

      Click on "Consent" to agree to the processing of your data.

      POSTIDENT app home screen with information on data processing and quality assurance as well as the 'Agree' button.

    • 9. Carry out identity check

      The app guides you step by step through the identification process:

      • Select your ID document.
      • Take various pictures of your ID document and your face.

    • 10. Review the data

      You do not need to wait. Click on "Exit."

      POSTIDENT will now verify whether your identity check was successful.

      POSTIDENT app home screen to complete the process with a note that the result of the data check will be communicated by email and in the app, as well as the 'Finish' button.

  • Result of the identity check with POSTIDENT

    POSTIDENT will usually notify you of the identity check result within 24 hours. You will receive the result by e-mail and in the app:

    • Positive message: "Passed."
    • Negative message: "Repeat identity check with POSTIDENT." Use your case number again.

  • Proof of life for Renten Service

    POSTIDENT will automatically send a positive identity check result to Renten Service. 

    No further action is required on your part.