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Intermediate Guide
Global ID Document Requirements
Navigate international identity verification requirements with confidence
Understanding global ID document requirements is crucial for businesses operating internationally. This guide covers accepted documents, verification standards, and compliance requirements across major regions.
Key Considerations
- Requirements vary significantly by country and jurisdiction
- Document types and validation methods differ across regions
- Compliance with local data protection laws is mandatory
Regional ID Requirements
North America
United States
- • Primary Documents: US Passport, State-issued driver's license, State ID card
- • Secondary Documents: Social Security card, Birth certificate, Military ID
- • REAL ID Compliance: Required for federal purposes as of 20251
- • Additional Requirements: SSN verification for financial services
Canada
- • Primary Documents: Canadian passport, Provincial driver's license, Provincial ID
- • Secondary Documents: Birth certificate, Citizenship certificate, PR card
- • Special Considerations: Dual language requirements (English/French)
Europe (EU/EEA)
Common Standards
- • eIDAS Regulation: Framework for electronic identification2
- • Accepted Documents: National ID cards, Passports, Residence permits
- • Digital Identity: Growing acceptance of digital ID solutions
- • GDPR Compliance: Strict data protection requirements
Note: Brexit has changed UK requirements. UK documents may not be automatically accepted in EU systems.
Asia-Pacific
Key Markets
China
- • National ID card (Shenfenzheng) - mandatory for citizens
- • Passport for international verification
- • Real-name verification requirements for online services
India
- • Aadhaar card (12-digit unique ID)
- • PAN card for financial services
- • Passport, Voter ID as alternatives
Japan
- • My Number Card (Individual Number Card)
- • Driver's license
- • Residence card for non-citizens
Document Verification Standards
Physical Documents
- • Security features verification
- • Hologram and watermark checks
- • UV light examination
- • Machine-readable zone (MRZ) validation
- • Biometric data extraction
Digital Verification
- • Liveness detection
- • Document image analysis
- • Cross-reference with databases
- • AI-powered fraud detection
- • Real-time verification
Implementation Best Practices
Recommended Approach
- 1. Multi-Document Support: Accept various document types to improve conversion rates
- 2. Localization: Provide instructions in local languages and consider cultural preferences
- 3. Fallback Options: Offer alternative verification methods for edge cases
- 4. Clear Communication: Explain why documents are needed and how data is protected
- 5. Regular Updates: Stay current with changing regulations and document formats
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- • Accepting expired documents without proper validation
- • Ignoring local data retention requirements
- • Poor image quality standards leading to failed verifications
- • Insufficient fraud detection measures
- • Not accommodating users without traditional ID documents
Recommended Solutions
iDenfy Global ID Verification
Comprehensive solution for worldwide identity verification
Key Features
- • Support for 200+ countries and territories
- • 3000+ document types recognized
- • Real-time verification in seconds
- • 98.7% accuracy rate
- • Multi-language support
Compliance
- • GDPR compliant
- • AML/KYC regulations
- • ISO 27001 certified
- • SOC 2 Type II certified
- • Local regulation compliance
Sources & References
- 1 U.S. Department of Homeland Security - REAL ID:https://www.dhs.gov/real-id
- 2 European Commission - eIDAS Regulation:https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/eidas-regulation
Last updated: July 15, 2025