Enhancing Remote Identity Verification with API
In this blog, we will look at the concept, steps, and benefits of identity verification APIs, specifically Keesing AuthentiScan.
Discover how these APIs make integration more straightforward, accelerate verification processes, and provide a consistent user experience.
What is an API for identity verification?
An Identity Verification API is a set of rules and protocols that enables applications to communicate with each other. API stands for Application Programming Interface. In simple terms, it enables a swift, secure, and automated method for verifying a person’s identity online.
Identity verification APIs can be used across a wide variety of industries, including finance and banking, among others. A good identity verification API should allow you to embed the identity verification process into your onboarding flows and processes. It can be done at any time in the customer’s process, enabling easy ID verification, criminal database checks, and other functionalities. Using an identity verification API can help prevent fraud and increase the safety of your business, by ensuring that the users signing up for your platform are indeed who they claim to be.
The Steps Behind Identity Verification API
Integrating an identity verification API involves several key steps to ensure a seamless and efficient process. At Keesing, our AuthentiScan solution combines advanced technology with robust security measures. Here is how to get started:
Obtain credentials
The first step in using AuthentiScan is to obtain client credentials from Keesing. After obtaining the client credentials, the next step is authentication. Using the client credentials will enable a direct connection with the Keesing server to ensure a secure connection.
Data capture
Now, you can kickstart the verification process. Begin by uploading the ID document you wish to verify. The system supports both single-sided and double-sided documents, requiring one or two images accordingly. To compare the presented ID with a selfie of the individual, a photo of the person can be uploaded for comparison.
An optical character recognition (OCR) technology enables you to convert different types of documents, such as scanned ID documents or images captured by a digital camera, into searchable data. Automating this process of data entry eliminates human error and saves time, streamlining the experience for the business and the user.
Verification
The verification process is completed within seconds, providing swift and accurate results. During this process, the ID document is checked against the Keesing DocumentChecker, the most complete reference database for ID documents in the world. This database provides information about thousands of ID documents, offering clear descriptions and images of the data page and security features of passports, driver’s licenses, ID cards, and visas from 200 countries and organizations, ensuring the authenticity of the ID document.
Optionally, the captured selfie can be matched against the photo on the document to verify the individual’s identity. Data is meticulously extracted from the document for further analysis. If the checks encounter any issues or inconsistencies, the document is automatically sent to the Keesing Helpdesk, where they step in to perform manual verification, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable validation process. Our Document Helpdesk team is trained by former members of the Dutch Identity Fraud and Documents Centre of Expertise (ECID), supplemented by rigorous in-house training. Keesing Helpdesk will then send a notification to the customer’s callback URL to inform them of the conclusion of the manual check.
Result
Upon completion of the verification process, the customer receives full check results via API: a PDF report with check results and a JSON file. Keesing automatically sends the customer a notification that the results are ready, with a URL to obtain them.
The Benefits of Identity Verification API
Due to a well-documented communication interface, APIs allow customers to quickly integrate and use the provider’s services within their existing systems and workflows. This standardization eliminates the need for custom coding and complex configurations, resulting in significantly shorter development times. This efficiency not only speeds up deployment but also increases flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt and scale their operations with little friction, according to their specific needs.
By automating the identity verification process, these APIs provide a faster and more seamless experience for customers, reducing the need for manual checks and long wait times. Moreover, many industries are required to comply with regulations such as KYC (Know Your Customer) and AML (Anti-Money Laundering). These APIs also facilitate the politically exposed persons (PEP) and sanctions lists checking and therefore, meet these regulatory requirements efficiently.
Integrate Keesing AuthentiScan & Streamline Identity Verification
AuthentiScan offers high-quality identity verification including biometric facial recognition and thorough ID document verification. The secure digital process allows new customers to onboard on the go without having to go into a branch in person with documents proving their identity. Companies can verify a customer’s identity through a photo of themselves and a photo of an eligible ID document, such as an ID card, driver’s license, or passport.
Improve your identity verification process with Keesing’s AuthentiScan API. Trusted by thousands of organizations in various sectors, our advanced technology and expert support ensure the security, accuracy, and efficiency of identity verification. Contact us via email or call +31 (0)20 7157 825 to get a free demo.
