9 Tips for Breezing Through Identity Verification

Cybercriminals are in the fraud game to make a fast buck, leaving you a long list of consequences to deal with when they're done. Luckily, they can be stopped. Veriff makes proving your identity quick, easy, and safe, and this article will walk you through the identity verification process from start to finish.

1. Have a valid ID ready

Your passport, ID card, residence permit, or driver's license will usually do the trick. Make sure your ID is not expired or physically damaged.

2. Use a working camera with a decent internet connection

Newer smartphones and mobile devices tend to have great cameras, so they're definitely the best option when you want to get verified. If your laptop has a decent webcam though, it can work as well. Just uncover the camera, clean the lens, and, if possible, use one of the recommended browsers for your device.

Recommended browsers by device:

• PC: Chrome or Firefox
• Mac: Safari or Chrome
• iPhones and iPads: Safari
• Android devices: Chrome

You might be required to give temporary access to your camera and microphone to complete a verification, but this only lasts during the verification process and not beyond.

3. Be quick but don't rush

Have your ID handy, because you'll have about five minutes to show it before the session closes. The limit is there for your protection, not to stress you out (we promise).

4. Good lighting is essential

Dark rooms and strong background light result in low quality photos that are tough to analyze. Also, please remove glasses, headphones, tiaras, Vulcan ears, and all other headgear that make it harder to identify you. You're great just the way you are.

5. Go through verification on your own

Friendly assistance is one thing, coercion quite another (it happens more often than you think). When in doubt, we'll err on the side of caution and decline verification. Better safe than sorry.

6. Take sharp and readable ID photos

Keep an eye on the screen and make sure the entire identity document fits in the markers. This helps us to verify you faster. If the photo you take is blurry or poorly lit, click “Try again” and take a better one.

7. Both sides please

If you're using an ID card, driver's license, or residence permit to verify your identity, please photograph both sides of the card or paper. Don't worry, we'll walk you through it.

8. Using a passport?

Take a picture of your passport photo page. It's the page with your picture, personal details, and other data necessary for verification.

9. You and Your ID

It doesn't happen often, but sometimes you'll be asked for a selfie with your ID document in the same frame. If we do need selfie verification, make sure you, and your document, are in frame, in focus, and readable. See what a selfie holding an ID card should and shouldn't look like:

While it seems like a lot to remember, there's no need to write it all down. Veriff gives you real-time feedback as you go through the verification process, so successful verification really isn't that hard. If you experience any issues, get in touch with your service provider. Happy Veriffing!

You can also learn more about identity verification here.