[CF]
What is a UK Digital Identity Check?
A UK Digital Identity check is a process used to verify an individual’s identity digitally for the purpose of a UK criminal record check. This check ensures that a candidate’s identity is confirmed through a UK Government-approved scheme.
The check involves verifying the individual’s identity documents and comparing the photo on the document with a selfie (using facial recognition technology). This process replaces the need for in-person identity verification. Verifying an individual’s identity when applying for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is a mandatory part of the DBS process.
UK Digital Identity Check Types:
- UK Digital Identity (Basic)
- UK Digital Identity (Standard)
- UK Digital Identity (Enhanced)
When placing your order, you'll need to select the level of identity check that corresponds with the UK criminal record check required for the individual (England & Wales).
Important Notes:
1. Combining with a Criminal Record Check: A UK Digital Identity check must be paired with a UK Criminal Record check (England & Wales). Once the digital identity check is successful, the system will automatically send the application for a criminal record check to the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) for processing. The UK Digital Identity Check, is not for placing by itself as it does not do anything but allow YOTI or the Post Office Easy ID to confirm the identity.
2. Unsuccessful Verification: If YOTI or the Easy ID Post Office app fails to confirm the candidate’s identity, the digital identity check will be marked as "Red." The candidate’s identity will then need to be confirmed in person by the client requesting the check.
3. Automated Process: The digital identity check is automated, meaning if it is unsuccessful, it cannot be reset. If you need the candidate’s identity to be verified digitally, a new order for both the UK Digital Identity and UK Criminal Record check must be placed. Please note, if the candidate has already submitted their form, this will still incur a cost.
Please see: Cancellation Policy.
4. When the Digital Check can be done: The digital identity check must be completed before the candidate submits their background screening form. It cannot be conducted at a later stage, nor can the UK digital identity check be added after the submission of the form.
If the order has been placed and the candidate cannot do the digital process for whatever reason (So they have not transferred the information over to the Verifile form) we can remove this check so that they can go down the manual route of the client confirming ID. However, this must be confirmed by the client not the candidate.
If the candidate transfers the information digitally and then decides they want to manually have their ID confirmed, we cannot remove the digital check because the information once transferred cannot be removed.
5. What happens if wrong information is transferred over to the Verifile form: Our background screening forms and the digital process notify the candidate that their documents must be valid and display their full legal current name. Once the candidate scans and transfers this information to our Verifile background screening form, we cannot modify it. As a result, any discrepancies in the name provided will lead to an incorrect name on the criminal record form.
We would then recommend if the check is required that a new un-linked order for the criminal record and digital check is placed. Where the candidate then must delete or reset their YOTI or Post Office Easy ID app, to then make a new profile and ensure that a passport or driving license (Any country) is scanned with their correct full legal name on it.
If the candidate has submitted the form or has not submitted by the digital process has been carried out or there has been a courtesy call to the candidate, when cancelling the order with incorrect name. Please be aware that you will still incur a cost.
Please see: Cancellation Policy.
Please note: That in rare cases YOTI or Post Office Easy ID Does sometimes transfer the candidates name over incorrectly, so the full legal name on document is correct but they send over the information wrong. In this case we can ask our IT Team if we have a copy of the document the candidate scanned to update the name to reflect what's on the document.
Example: Candidates passport says Mr John Bob Doe, but YOTI or Post Office Easy ID send over the name Mr John B Doe. Then we can use the document scanned by the candidate (once copy is provided) to update the name correctly. This happens in rare cases.
6. Documents that can be used and requirements for them: The candidate must scan either a valid passport or driving license, which must display their full legal current name. Please note that unless the candidate has legally removed their middle name(s) through deed poll, their full legal name is the one stated on their birth certificate, regardless of whether they use their middle name(s) or not.
7. YOTI Scoring System: If the YOTI system fails to verify the candidate’s identity due to their scoring system, there is no guarantee that a subsequent attempt will be successful. However, if the failure was due to the candidate bypassing the digital process (e.g., not scanning their document correctly), placing a new order may result in successful verification.
For more information on YOTI and its scoring system, please refer to their guidelines on how they verify identity and why some address verifications may fail.