Verify Government-Issued Identity Documents
Verifying government-issued identity documents means authenticating passports, national identity cards, residence permits and driving licences issued by state authorities, and extracting their data to establish a customer's identity.
Why it matters
Government documents carry security features and standardised data that make them the most reliable anchor for identity. Regulators generally require at least one for full KYC.
How it works
- Recognise the document against an up-to-date template library, including regional versions.
- Validate security features and MRZ or barcode check digits.
- Read the NFC chip on ePassports and eIDs where possible and verify its digital signature.
- Detect alteration, substitution and re-capture.
- Match the holder biometrically.
Common challenges
- Keeping templates current as governments redesign documents.
- Non-Latin scripts and bilingual layouts.
- Damaged or laminated documents that obscure features.
How IDWise supports this
IDWise addresses this within the Continuous Trust Platform through the following modules, configured per market, product line and risk tier.
Frequently asked questions
Which government documents are accepted?
Passports, national IDs, residence permits and driving licences are the most common; acceptability is set by the business's policy and regulator.
What does chip verification add?
Chip data is digitally signed by the issuing authority, so it cannot be altered without detection.
Can foreign documents be verified?
Yes, coverage spans 200+ countries and territories.
Related terms
Talk to an IDWise specialist about your markets, regulators and risk controls.