ID Verification Online: How it works

You may need to use document verification to make a process more secure or meet certain regulatory or compliance requirements. Identity verification has had to evolve in line with customer expectations and technological developments. Manual processing of identity documents can be cumbersome, causing delays, and not be as secure as we would like. 

In this blog, we will answer all of your ID verification questions: 

• What is online ID verification?
• Online ID verification UK - how DocuSign can help
• How ID Verification works with eSignature
• Where you can use ID verification
• Q&A with answers by DocuSign product expert

As sensitive, high-value agreements move online and are completed digitally, knowing who your signers are is more important than ever. A trusted identity is paramount, and you need to ensure the credibility of the person at the end of the other screen. Access to a known email address or phone number is sometimes sufficient to trust the signer. In other cases, you need signers to prove their identity beyond email. ID Verification is commonplace in our daily life, and it’s important to understand how identity verification providers work and how they can help you carry out due diligence during the agreement process.

According to a recent Forrester Consulting survey commissioned by DocuSign, 74% of financial services respondents reported that the number of digital transactions and agreements they process had increased substantially over the last two years. For many organisations, the ability to accurately and quickly verify identity data is essential to function in a safe and compliant manner.

What is online ID verification?

Identity proofing for signing parties is a critical part of agreements, but establishing identity can be complicated, especially when agreements are high-value or vulnerable to identity fraud and need to be completed digitally. DocuSign offers a variety of enhanced solutions to identify new signers and authenticate returning users, including identity proofing and authentication methods.  In certain highly regulated industries and other use cases, proof of identity in the form of a government-issued ID or electronic ID is the most secure option. Of course, when the agreement is not carried out in person, the signer is not physically present to provide a form of ID. In these cases, DocuSign ID Verification allows the signer to submit their driver's licence, passport, or electronic ID to prove who they are, from wherever they are, using their preferred device— saving time and helping improve efficiency.

Identity Verification Services

DocuSign ID Verification works hard behind the scenes, ensuring that only valid identity documents are accepted. This verification method is accomplished by analysing the unique data sets within an identity document. The identity platform then cross-checks the name and information on the agreement with that on the ID document. This helps ensure that only the correct individual can view and sign the agreement. 

The time, date, and verification process will be noted in every Certificate of Completion, helping to support internal audit and compliance requirements. Furthermore, you can retain and extract ID information into your own systems of record or download it as a PDF using the ID Evidence functionality.

Online ID Verification UK - How DocuSign can help

A survey carried out by Jumio Global Consumer Research found that 80% of consumers prefer digital ID Verification measures when choosing online brands. As organisations in a wide range of industries in the UK seek to balance providing a smooth and convenient customer experience with meeting stringent compliance requirements, there’s a strong need for a more thorough and seamless identity verification process. This is where online identity verification with identity verification solutions can help.

When you add the DocuSign ID Verification app to a document to be signed electronically, the recipient will be required to complete the ID verification steps to view and sign the document. This can be done in the following ways:

• Using government-issued photo ID

Signers can prove their identity by uploading a copy or taking a photo of their government-issued ID. DocuSign ID Verification supports most accepted government-issued photo IDs, such as driver's licences and passports.

• SMS or Call-based Authentication

As another option, ID Verification can be authenticated using a one-time code delivered via SMS text or phone call.

• Answering knowledge-based questions

A third option is for signers to answer knowledge-based questions about themselves drawn from commercially available databases. 

• Use existing web login

You can also Authenticate signers by asking them to provide their login and password from your website before accessing the agreement.  

How ID Verification works with eSignature

DocuSign ID Verification is built on eSignature admin and sending interfaces, so it’s easy for employees to combine electronic signatures with enhanced identity verification. With DocuSign, users who send documents for signing can require ID verification by clicking the “ID verification” button included on their agreement and continuing with the usual steps for sending the document. When providing identity verification, it’s best to provide an end-to-end solution to avoid confusion. By linking signer identity verification and electronic signature; you provide a seamless, professional experience for your customers. Using ID Verification can also help organisations meet regulatory requirements such as those for Know Your Customer (KYC) or Anti-Money Laundering (AML). 

Where you can use ID Verification

• Financial services when opening accounts, taking out loans, and sending wire transfers
• A telecommunications provider signing up a new customer to an ongoing service agreement, such as a mobile phone contract.
• A car dealership offering a remote test drive and purchase experience
• A landlord finalising a lease agreement.
• An insurer issuing a new insurance policy or processing a new claim.
• A fertility clinic provider obtaining medical consent from a patient and the spouse.

Having the ability to identify your customers and employees properly and thoroughly can help protect your business from fraud. Reliable verification processes also put customers at ease and create more opportunities to grow your business. Digitising the identification process reduces risk, increases trust, and supports legal validity and compliance.

DocuSign ID Verification for EU Qualified

DocuSign Identify makes e-signature verification, identity proofing, and authentication a seamless part of eSignature – so you can protect your important agreements and your customer experience. 

To deliver the highest levels of trust and security, you may need remote identification that is equivalent to face-to-face identity verification. This is important for higher-value transactions and supports Qualified Electronic Signature identity verification. DocuSign is excited to introduce ID Verification Premier, our tier of ID solutions that meets the highest levels of trust, security, and compliance. Our first offering within this tier is DocuSign ID Verification for EU Qualified.

Through AI technology—including advanced liveness detection and selfie videos—ID Verification for EU Qualified lets organisations securely and remotely verify signer identity in minutes. It’s like meeting face-to-face without the inconveniences of in-person or video appointments.  

ID Verification for EU Qualified is built directly into the eSignature workflow and meets QES identification requirements in the EU and the UK. Signers enjoy a streamlined identification process, and organisations complete their most important documents faster.

How does DocuSign ID Verification for EU Qualified work?

This is AI-enabled identification which doesn’t require live video appointments and typically can be completed in five minutes. Before signers access an agreement, they are asked to do three things:

1. Take a video of their ID document 
2. Take a selfie
3. Engage in guided movements

The identification package is sent for the certified agents to review, with approval in minutes. Signer then accesses their agreement and signs with QES.

In summary: how does ID verification work?

ID Verification establishes someone’s true identity and confirms that a person is who they say they are for many purposes, such as opening a bank account or finalising a lease agreement. Online ID verification allows a signer to submit their driver's licence, passport, or electronic ID to prove who they are, from wherever they are, using their preferred device. AI technology can help with transactions where previously in-person identification was required, and customers can provide ID with a selfie and a video of their driver's licence, passport, or electronic ID. 

How can ID Verification work with DocuSign?

DocuSign Identify helps you to know who you are doing business with by combining DocuSign eSignature with an enhanced identity verification process using DocuSign Identify. You can embed identity proofing and authentication into one seamless experience.

How do I get started with ID verification with DocuSign?

DocuSign Identify includes a variety of authentication and identity verification options to meet the needs of your business. Discover more about DocuSign Identify, along with case studies from existing DocuSign customers, or contact the sales team to chat about your requirements.