Update: Aviva have undertaken an advanced identity check and now accept my identity. My thanks to this forum for allowing me to raise the profile of my issue. My thanks to the Aviva complaints team for taking a more reasonable approach. I still think that asking to see counterpart driving licences seriously undermines Aviva's credibility.

I have asked Aviva to start a pension, taken out in 1987, next month. They say that my signature has changed. They insist that I get a signature form witnessed by someone who is likely to charge me for the privilege (accountant, solicitor, etc). I am a qualified accountant. They have corresponded with me since 1987. I do not believe that this is actually required - they are just trying to avoid undertaking an electronic data check at their cost (£10 or so). They also want to see a passport or 2 part driving licence - even though the DVLA has instructed us all to destroy the paper licence which no longer has any legal status. I have bought and sold properties with less complication and red tape than dealing with Aviva