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 2025" 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 ID

      • 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 2025" letter.

      • 2. Click on the displayed Internet address.

        If no Internet address is displayed:

        • Focus the camera on the QR code without taking a photo.
        • Use the camera and not the POSTIDENT app.
        • Use a special app for QR code scanning.

      • 3. Review your personal reference number

        Compare the displayed 8-digit reference number with your personal reference number in the header of your "Digital proof of life 2025" letter.

        Make a selection and follow the instructions.

        Screenshot for verifying the reference number. The image shows an information text, a placeholder for your personal reference number and the choices "Yes" and "No."

      • 4. Enter data

        Enter your first name and last name. Both should be spelled as displayed under the QR code in your "Digital proof of life 2025" letter. 

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

        Click "Next."

        Screenshot for adding the identification data. The image shows three input fields for your first name, last name and e-mail address, as well as the statement that important information will be sent to the specified e-mail address. Also visible is a button displaying the command “Next.”

      • 5. 12-digit case ID was created

        The page "POSTIDENT by AutoID" appears. Scroll down until you see your case number at the end of the page.

        Copy the number by clicking on the icon next to it.

        Click on "Continue in the app."

        Screenshot of POSTIDENT by AutoID. The image shows an advertisement for the POSTIDENT app for smartphones. Below the advertisement, you will see a placeholder for the 12-digit case ID and a button with the label "Continue in the app."

  • Carry out the identity check with POSTIDENT

    • 6. Enter case ID 

      Enter the 12-digit case number in the field when prompted. Often it will already have been entered into the POSTIDENT app by your device. 

      Click on "Continue."

      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 case number. 
      • Enter the case number in the app. Check your spam folder if the e-mail is not in your inbox.
      Screenshot of the POSTIDENT app with a placeholder for the 12-digit case number. The image shows a filled-out placeholder and a button with the caption “Continue.”

    • 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 "Agree" to consent to the processing of your data.

      Screenshot of the POSTIDENT app with permission for data processing. The image shows an information text on data processing and quality assurance, as well as a button with the caption “Agree.”

    • 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 "Finish."

      POSTIDENT will now verify whether your identity check was successful.

      Screenshot of the POSTIDENT app with a gear icon and the “Finish” button. The text states that you will be notified of the result by e-mail and in the app.

  • 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.