7 Top Reasons Online ID Verification Fails  (2024)

DISCLAIMER: This article outlines common reasons that ID verification fails. If you’re having issues with a specific verification, consult the company performing the verification. FTx Identity does not provide consumer verification.

To combat identity fraud, many businesses use comprehensive identity verification processes.

Although these processes protect you, the customer, they’re not always user-friendly. As a result, customers might experience problems in the verification process.

Does that sound like you? Are you asking, “Why can’t my identity be verified online?”

This guide covers the most common reasons for ID verification failing, as well as the steps you can take to remedy the issue and get verified online.

Reasons for ID Verification Problems and How to Prevent It

When websites verify age the process typically includes a mix of biometric authentication and document scanning.

For example, these systems might ask you to upload a photo of your driver’s license, and then verify your identity by taking a selfie to cross-reference it. These systems also include knowledge-based authentication processes, e.g. asking you to choose addresses from a list of previous addresses.

These platforms can fail to verify your identity at each phase of the process, including when verifying a driver’s license or ID documents, address verification, or when using facial recognition.

Occasionally, issues like system errors, glitches, or internet connectivity problems may arise that cause your ID to fail verification. Rest assured, we are here to guide you through the common causes of ID verification failures and show you how to avoid them.

With our help, the realm of digital identity verification can be seamlessly navigated. Let’s begin!

Problems When Verifying Documents

You might be required to upload a driver’s license, for example. These systems typically rely on AI verification and validation, with data extracted from your ID document. Some common issues these processes fail include:

1. Unmatched information

It is crucial for users to provide personal information (name, birthday, or nationality) accurately and attentively during the verification process. Customers often make errors or typos when they are in a hurry, resulting in mismatches with the information extracted from their documents. To avoid any chances of rejection, it is important to carefully and correctly enter all details.

2. The used ID document is not accepted

Double check that the type of document you are using is accepted. Companies set rules about the accepted forms of identification, and it differs by industry and business type. To prevent rejection, customers must double-check this information before submitting their ID document.

3. Unclear ID document image

To ensure successful verification, customers must ensure that the entire document is clear, every word is legible and accurately captured, and the photo on the document is also visible. It is important to note that submitting a screenshot or displaying a photo on another screen will likely result in rejection.

It is important for customers to take light into consideration, ensuring that it’s not obstructing information or creating a glare, and factor this in if they decide to use flash. To add to this, it’s important for customers to keep their hands still when capturing a picture of their document and wipe down their camera before snapping the picture.

4. Document that has been punched or has expired

It is crucial for customers to ensure that the document they provide is up-to-date and has not been cancelled. Failure to do so will result in denial.

Common Issues with Facial Recognition

Biometric ID verification is commonly used online. If you can’t pass a facial recognition check, the most common reason is:

1. Unclear Images

There are several factors that contribute to the mismatch between the ID document image and the selfie:

• There is no visible image in the document or the selfie
• Instead of a selfie, a cropped, forged, or altered image is uploaded
• The user is wearing glasses
• Because of the very bright background, the user’s face is obscured
• The user’s uploaded selfie differs from the one on the document

>> Learn more. See our guide to the latest AI identity verification methods.

Reasons Why Address Verification Fails

If you’re experiencing address verification failure, the most common reasons include:

1. The proof of address image is incomplete

The user should upload a whole picture of the document to make sure there are no mistakes when validating the address. When snapping the photo, make sure that all of the document corners are visible in the frame. Otherwise, address verification failure will take place.

Customers who shop online must present identification documents and other required paperwork to prove their identity and confirm their address. This is how companies adhere to regulations and stop fraud.

2. Mismatched address

If the verification for mismatched addresses fails, the address on the proof of address document must coincide with the address on the ID.

For instance, if the customer just moved and presented a bill for address verification, but the ID has not been updated to reflect their change of residence, the mismatched address on both documents would cause the application to be rejected.

Additional Reasons the Identity Verification Attempt Failed

• It’s possible that the phone number that was provided was unrelated to the name and address
• The customer might have sent a document that was unreadable
• The customer could’ve already used the verification platform to verify their identity
• The credit profile can have inaccurate information in it
• The credit report can be frozen or restricted
• The customer might’ve given false answers to the security questions

Often, ID verifications fail as users are trying to bypass the ID verification system. Be sure you learn about common methods used to beat these systems, and make sure you protect against it.

Wrapping Up

The ability to verify an individual’s identity is pivotal for an efficient and secure society. ID verification serves as an important and necessary mechanism for combating security threats, fraud, and misinformation. And yet, when these processes fail, the consequences can lead to significant reputational, financial, and operational risks, as well as a poor customer experience.

Build a better onboarding with identity verification software from FTx Identity. Contact us now to book your consultation and demo!