Document verification
Also called ID document verification, identity document checks
Document verification is the check that an identity document, such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card, is genuine, valid and belongs to the person presenting it. Firms use it during onboarding to verify a customer's identity, often alongside a selfie or biometric check that matches the face to the document photo.
How it works
Most checks now run remotely. The customer photographs the document or taps its chip with a phone. Software reads the machine-readable zone and chip data, checks fonts, holograms and layout against templates, and looks for signs of editing. A face match links the document to the person, and failed or unclear cases go to a human reviewer.
AML rules require firms to verify identity using reliable, independent sources, and identity documents are the most common source. Document fraud is rising because criminals can buy forged templates and use generated images. Firms therefore combine document checks with liveness detection, database checks and device signals, and supervisors expect firms to show their checks are reliable.
The rules
Requires identity verification on documents or information from a reliable independent source, which can include secure electronic identification processes.
Banks, payment firms, cryptoasset firms and other relevant personsArticle 22 allows identity verification by identity document, passport or equivalent, or by eIDAS electronic identification means at substantial or high assurance.
Credit and financial institutions and other obliged entities in the EURequires banks to verify customer identity through documentary methods, such as unexpired government-issued photo ID, or non-documentary methods.
US banks and savings associationsPlaces the UK digital verification services trust framework and register of certified providers on a statutory footing.
Providers of digital identity and verification servicesCommon questions
What is the difference between document verification and identity verification?
Document verification checks that an ID document is genuine and valid. Identity verification is wider. It confirms that the person is who they claim to be, and can combine document checks with biometric matching, database checks and digital identity.
Is a photo of a passport enough for KYC?
Usually not on its own. A photo can be edited or show a stolen document. Firms add checks on security features, chip data where available and a face match with liveness detection to show the person is present and matches the document.
What is NFC document verification?
Many passports and ID cards contain a chip holding the holder's data and photo, signed by the issuing state. A phone can read the chip using near-field communication and check the signature, which is harder to forge than the printed page.
