Not all identity documents are created equal. Understanding what counts as valid ID verification can spell out the difference between smooth customer onboarding and compliance headaches. But this isn’t always easy or obvious, and the criteria for acceptable identification go far beyond simply having a government logo.
"Primary identification includes official, government-issued documents that directly establish who you are," explains Yessica Correa, Daily Operations Analyst at Fourthline. But the specifics of what makes documents acceptable — either as primary or secondary identification — matter more than many businesses may realise. In this article, we’ll explore what most institutions consider as valid ID verification documents, why they matter, and some best practices for implementing verification policies.
The four pillars of acceptable ID verification
With so many jurisdictions and so many different reasons for why identity may be required, it’s difficult to make broad statements about what’s acceptable and what isn’t. With that said, most valid identification documents must meet four basic criteria:
Government issuance
An official mark of government issuance provides the legal authority that makes many forms of identification trustworthy. Documents issued by official government agencies carry verification weight in part because they can be authenticated against official databases.
A clear and recent photo
A clear photo enables biometric matching. Without a photo, even official documents generally can’t serve as standalone identity verification and will likely be considered secondary or supplementary.
Current validity
If a document is currently valid, the information can be treated as accurate. Expired documents generally can't serve as valid identification or proof of address, because they contain outdated information that may no longer be verifiable.
Security features
Security features protect against counterfeiting. Modern identification includes sophisticated elements like holograms and watermarks that verification systems can detect and validate.
What counts as valid ID verification?
Again, the answer here depends on several factors unique to the person and instance in which identification is required. But we can outline a few document types that generally meet acceptable identity verification criteria:
Passports represent the gold standard for primary identification. Why? "Because they are government-issued, highly regulated, internationally recognised,” explains Correa. She also notes that they include “robust security features” that make them hard to forge or alter. Passports work across international borders and typically contain advanced security features.
National identity cards may also serve as strong verification documents within their respective regions. Sometimes these regions are small (e.g., a single country); other times, they are vast (e.g., the entire European Union). EU national ID cards, for example, follow standardised formats that enable automated verification across EU member states.
Driver's licences may also be considered valid, though they come with limitations. "Driver's licences are widely used for identity verification, but their acceptability depends on the business partners or nationalities,” explains Correa.
Residence permits may also prove both identity and legal status. As such, they can be particularly valuable for identifying international customers.
What doesn't count as valid verification?
Understanding what fails verification standards can help organisations common mistakes.
For example, non-government documents often lack the official backing necessary for validity. Student IDs, employee IDs, or membership cards typically don't pass muster, because they're issued by private organisations rather than government authorities.
As noted above, photocopies typically can't serve as valid verification, either — though exceptions do exist in certain cases.
Expired documents are almost never accepted for verification, though rare exceptions (like certain French ID cards) may have extended validity periods.
Why a document’s quality and resolution matter
Digital ID verification requires documents to meet specific criteria that enable processing and authentication.
Documents must be "clear, focused images without blurriness or shadows,” says Correa. The complete document must be visible “including all edges and corners, with no reflections or glare obscuring important details.”
Technical requirements include a resolution that’s sufficient for a reviewer (human or AI) to read the text and clearly see the security features. Typically, only original documents are acceptable (no photocopies or screen captures), and they must be correctly oriented (not upside down or sideways).
Risk-based acceptance policies
Modern verification practices typically apply different standards based on customer risk profiles. "ID verification requirements often vary based on the customer's risk level or the type of account being opened," explains Correa.
Low-risk scenarios may accept basic government-issued forms of photo identification. Higher-risk situations, however, may demand enhanced standards.
Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) triggers additional requirements for politically exposed persons (PEPs), high-value transactions, or customers from restricted regions.
Implementation best practices
Successful verification requires policies that balance security with customer experience. If you’re looking for an identity verification solution for your business, the following best practices can help you evaluate potential partners:
Establish clear criteria that help staff and customers understand which documents are acceptable for different customer categories and risk levels.
Offer quality guidance to reduce rejection rates and help customers submit the correct formats of documentation on their first attempt.
Implement escalation procedures to handle edge cases, especially in an AI-powered system that may require specific instances of manual review. "When automated systems can't confidently determine if a document is acceptable, the case is usually flagged for manual review by a human analyst," explains Correa.
Provide regular updates to maintain effectiveness as document formats evolve and new fraud techniques emerge.
Understanding what counts as valid ID verification is the first step to implementing effective policies that protect against fraud and provide a smooth customer experience. Success lies in maintaining and enforcing a consistent set of standards based on document authority, security features, and quality requirements.
Interested in an ID verification solution that’s tailor-made for your business and use case? Talk to a Fourthline expert today.
ID verification FAQs
Can digital driver's licences or mobile IDs be used for verification?
Acceptance of these forms of ID will likely vary by provider and jurisdiction. Most verification systems currently require traditional physical documents or high-quality digital images of them.
What should businesses do when unsure about document acceptability?
The best ID verification solutions have a clear protocol for escalation when manual review is required. Human analysts may need to examine questionable documents against established criteria and make final decisions, though they may rely at least partially on AI and machine learning inputs to do so.
How often should businesses update document acceptance policies?
Regular reviews are essential as document formats evolve. Most providers update policies annually or when significant regulatory changes occur.
This article incorporates insights from Yessica Correa, a Daily Operations Analyst at Fourthline. It is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
