An ID document (short for identity document or piece of identification) is any document that can be used to prove a person's identity.
What are the most common types of ID Documents?
The most common types of identity documents include:
- Passports
- National ID Cards
- Electronic Residence Permits
- Driver's licenses
- Residence permits, including electronic residence permits
The exact documents accepted depend on the country, organisation and purpose of the identity check. For example, a financial institution may accept a passport or national identity card for customer onboarding, while another service provider may also accept a driving licence or residence permit.
Businesses can use document verification to check the authenticity and validity of identity documents, detect signs of tampering and support secure, compliant customer onboarding.
What documents can be used as ID proof?
A document can generally be used as proof of identity when it is issued by a recognised authority and contains information that identifies the holder, such as their name, date of birth, photograph or document number.
- Passports
- National identity cards
- Electronic identity cards
- Residence permits
- Driving licences
- Citizen cards
- Other government-issued identity documents
Documents may need to be current, undamaged and readable. Some organisations accept only specific document types or may require an additional document, such as proof of address. The requirements vary by jurisdiction and the purpose of the verification.