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Core Features

IDnow DocIDV provides a set of core verification capabilities as well as optional add-on features that can be enabled depending on your use case and contract.

Automated Identity Verification​

IDnow AutoIdent performs a fully automated identity verification using AI-powered document analysis.

How it works​

The process covers:

  • Document classification: Automatic determination of the document type (e.g. Passport, ID-card, Driver's license) and version (e.g. German passport)
  • Data extraction: Retrieval of personal data from the document using OCR and chip reading
  • Biometric comparison: Selfie capture compared against the document photo
  • Liveness detection: Ensures the person is physically present during the verification
  • Authenticity verification: Detection of document tampering and fraud indicators

NFC Document Scanning​

IDnow DocIDV supports scanning the chip embedded in ID documents and passports using NFC as an optional add-on feature. The chip contains a cryptographically signed version of the document's information, which IDnow DocIDV can read and validate using public keys.

Benefits of NFC scanning include:

  • Enhanced data readout quality
  • Stronger document authenticity verification
  • Higher level of fraud protection
  • Improved end-user experience

All ICAO 9303 eMRTD compliant documents are supported. NFC scanning requires an additional SDK component. If you are interested in enabling this capability, please reach out to your IDnow account manager.

For more details, refer to the NFC feature documentation.

Proof of Address Validation​

Proof of Address (PoA) is an optional add-on module that enables validation of a user's current address through the review of an accepted and valid PoA document. Supported document types include utility bills and bank statements.

During the ID verification flow, users can either capture a picture or upload a valid proof of address document. Ident specialists then review the document and cross-check the address against the information provided at the time of ident creation.

For more details, refer to the Proof of Address feature documentation.

Video call​

VideoIdent is IDnow's expert-led identity verification method, where a trained ident specialist guides the end user through a live video session to verify their identity in real time. It is designed for use cases that require the highest level of assurance and human oversight, such as regulated onboarding under AML, eIDAS qualified signature issuance, or telecom contracts under TKG.

How it works​

During a VideoIdent session, the ident specialist:

  • Establishes a secure video connection with the end user.
  • Visually inspects the identity document (passport, ID card, residence permit) and validates its security features (holograms, MRZ, tilt effects).
  • Compares the document photo with the live video feed of the user.
  • Reads out and confirms the personal data with the user.
  • Sends a TAN by SMS or email to confirm the user's contact channel.
  • Records the session as legally compliant evidence.

German eID​

The eID method allows end users to identify themselves using the German Personalausweis (national electronic ID card). The user authenticates by holding their NFC-enabled Personalausweis against their smartphone and entering their 6-digit eID PIN in the official AusweisApp. IDnow then receives the verified personal data directly from the German eID infrastructure, providing the highest level of assurance (eIDAS high) without the need for a document scan or selfie.

note

The eID product is currently available on the Mobile channel only.

How it works​

  1. The end user starts the ident in the IDnow Mobile journey and selects eID (Personalausweis).
  2. The user is prompted to open the AusweisApp on their device (or install it if not yet present).
  3. The user places the Personalausweis on the back of the phone (NFC) and enters their 6-digit eID PIN.
  4. The German eID server returns the signed, verified attributes (name, date of birth, address, document number, etc.) to IDnow.
  5. IDnow exposes the verified data and the ident result to the customer via the standard Trust Platform APIs and webhooks.

Because the data comes directly from the issuing authority, no manual review, no liveness check, and no document image capture are required.

Eligibility​

  • End user must hold a German Personalausweis with the eID function activated.
  • End user must know their 5-digit or 6-digit eID PIN.
  • End user must have an NFC-capable smartphone with the AusweisApp installed.

Electronic Signatures​

IDnow DocIDV supports both qualified and advanced electronic signatures as part of the eSign and InstantSign products.

QES (Qualified Electronic Signature)​

A legally binding signature under eIDAS regulation, issued after a successful identity verification. QES is the highest level of electronic signature and carries the same legal weight as a handwritten signature.

AES (Advanced Electronic Signature)​

An advanced electronic signature that provides a lower level of assurance than QES. AES is available for customers who are not subject to AML regulation and does not require a full identity verification process.

note

To enable either signature type, i.e. QES or AES, please get in touch with your Customer Success Representative.

AutoIdent, VideoIdent eID with QES / eSign​

DocIDV supports performing ID Verification using qualified electronic signatures in compliance with AML regulations. The following use cases are supported:

  • AML-compliant ID Verification with Contract Signing: The document to be signed (such as a Contract document) must be uploaded while creating an identification request using the Upload Document API call. This document will then be digitally signed during the identification process. Document signing cannot be done separately without the ID Verification step.

  • AML-compliant ID Verification without Contract Signing: In this case, the ident data itself gets signed; therefore, uploading a separate document while creating the identification request is not necessary.

Documents (e.g. the Contract PDF document which are to be signed by the user) can be provided by:

  • Uploading them using the Upload Document API for the specific DOCUMENT-DEFINITION-IDENTIFIER which was used to create the identification request.

  • DocIDV supports signing up to 10 documents, provided by the customer, during an Ident. Please ensure that Document definitions have been created for each contract document that needs to be signed. A maximum of 10 documents can be signed in an ident.

InstantSign : Contract Signing​

QES(Qualified Electronic Signature)​

IDnow InstantSign allows existing users of AML compliant companies such as banks and financial service providers to sign(QES) without the need to perform an identity verification process(either via Videoident or eID). For this product to work, the Customer(E.g. bank) must have the identity data of the signer already on record which should be passed to IDnow at the time of ident creation(refer Create Ident API section of this document for exact params required).

Once IDnow receives the identity data, if data is valid for QES, the signing happens immediately without the user having to perform an identity verification process. In case the data is not valid, IDnow redirects user to an identity verification process before signing can be completed by the user.

AES(Advanced electronic signature)​

Another signature type viz. AES is also available as a variant of InstantSign if you are not regulated by AML law. The above flow applies as-is with the difference that ID details are not mandated in Create Ident API and hence no ID expiry check is applicable.

API only flow for AES​

IDnow offers an API only signing solution for advanced electronic signature(AES). This product allows you to integrate your app/systems completely via a backend only set of REST API calls. Refer below sequence diagram for detailed flow.