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How the Verification process works and what to do if verification is rejected

Francesco Malvestio avatar
Written by Francesco Malvestio
Updated this week

Veriff makes identity verification quick, secure, and seamless. Below, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to get verified and explain what happens if your verification is rejected.

Consider that Veriff operates as a data processor and does not directly manage the identity verification process. Instead, it works with service providers who initiate and oversee verification on behalf of their users.

Veriff operates exclusively as a B2B service provider and data processor. This means Veriff facilitates verification on behalf of businesses (Service Providers) but does not interact directly with individuals or process verification requests from end-users.

Step-by-Step Verification process

Important: Always follow the specific instructions provided by your Service Provider. They determine which documents are acceptable and manage the verification outcome. Veriff processes your verification based on their requirements.

Step 1. Start the Verification process

When signing up for a service that requires identity verification via Veriff, you will be directed to Veriff’s secure verification portal. This can be a Hosted Verification Page or an embedded flow within an app or website.

When starting your verification process, always use the dedicated verification link or portal provided by your service provider. Ensure you carefully follow the instructions communicated by the service managing your verification.

Step 2: Choose your document type

You’ll be asked to select the type of identity document you want to use for verification. Veriff supports:

Passports - Must be currently valid and original. For example, an authority-issued passport from any country is typically acceptable.

National ID Cards

Driver’s Licenses - Must be current and not an interim or temporary license.

Residence Permits

Ensure your document is valid and not expired before starting the process. Ensure your document is valid, not expired, and in its original form (not photocopies or scanned images). All documents must be authority-issued, official ID documents that have not been tampered with.

Step 3: Capture your ID document

You’ll need to take clear, high-quality photos of both the front and back of your selected document (if applicable). Follow these tips for the best results:

✅ Use good lighting and avoid glare or reflections.

✅ Ensure all corners of the document are visible.

✅ Avoid blurry or pixelated images.

Step 4: Take a selfie

To confirm that you’re the real owner of the document, Veriff requires a live selfie. You may be asked to:

✅ Look directly into the camera.

✅ Perform a quick movement (like turning your head) to prove liveness.

✅ Avoid wearing sunglasses, hats, or heavy makeup.

Why? This step prevents fraud by ensuring that the person submitting the document is present.

Step 5: Verification in Progress

Once you’ve submitted your document and selfie, Veriff’s AI-powered system will analyze the data and perform fraud and security checks. This usually takes only a few seconds.

If additional review is required, a human verification specialist may manually check your submission, which could take a few minutes.


What Happens If Your Verification is Rejected?

If your verification is unsuccessful, you will receive a notification with the reason for rejection. Common reasons include:

Blurry or unreadable ID photos → Try retaking them with better lighting. Place your document on a flat surface under a bright, even light source, ensuring no shadows or glare distort the image.

Document doesn’t match your details → Ensure you’re using an official, valid ID.

Selfie verification failed → Remove any accessories, ensure your face is well-lit, and follow on-screen instructions carefully.

Expired or unsupported document → Check if your document is listed as supported.

Steps to Address Document-Related Verification Failures

  1. Review the Rejection Reason

    • Check the specific reason why your document was not accepted.

    • Some systems provide a clear explanation (e.g., "Unsupported document type").

  2. Gather the Required Documentation

    • Refer to the verification platform's list of accepted documents.

    • Ensure the document you provide is valid, current, and supported.

📌 Switch devices or platforms. If the verification process encounters technical issues such as connectivity problems, try using a different device or platform, like switching from a desktop to a mobile device.

📌 Use a different document. If your ID wasn’t accepted, try another supported document.

📌 Contact Support. If you believe your verification was rejected by mistake, reach out to Customer Support of the company who is asking for your verification for further assistance. Veriff operates as a B2B company and therefore cannot process verification requests directly or provide direct support. Users must contact the service provider’s Customer Support for assistance in resolving verification issues. Additional resources are available at the Veriff support page: https://www.veriff.com/get-verified.

If your documents are not accepted (e.g., outdated IDs or documents from certain countries), contact your Service Provider directly as they may offer alternative verification methods or specify additional acceptable documents. Document acceptance, such as a government-issued citizenship card from specific countries, may depend on the configuration chosen by the service provider using Veriff's platform. If you are unsure about your document's acceptability, directly check with the service you are verifying for precise guidelines.

Please note that Veriff does not process verification requests sent via email. Always use the official channels provided by your service provider.

Tips for Successful Document Submissions

Before beginning verification:

  • Ensure your ID or document is valid, non-expired, and on the list of accepted types by the service provider.

  • Use a supported device like a smartphone or a computer with internet connectivity.

  • Follow the instructions provided by your service provider carefully during the verification process.

  • Use a high-resolution camera to capture document images.

  • Double-check that your document is among the accepted types.

  • If you experience recurring issues, consult the help center or customer support for detailed guidance.

  • Avoid submitting the same unsupported document again.- Always submit your original ID, not copies or scans.

  • Avoid submitting invalid, temporary, or tampered documents as they will lead to rejection.


FAQs

Who should I contact if I have trouble with verification? If you face challenges during verification, contact the Customer Support of the service provider requiring the verification. They are responsible for guiding you through the process. Veriff, as a data processor, does not have access to manage or modify your verification process directly. Only the service provider has the necessary context to assist with your queries.

What if I'm experiencing technical difficulties during verification? Ensure stable internet connectivity and use a supported device and browser. If issues persist, try switching to a different device or platform.

How long does the verification take?

Most verifications are completed in seconds, but if a manual review is needed, it may take a few minutes.

Can I complete verification on a mobile device?

Yes! You can use your phone’s camera to scan your ID and take a selfie.

Is my data safe with Veriff?

Absolutely. Veriff complies with GDPR, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 Type II standards, ensuring your data is secure and private.

Can I use a document that isn’t in English?

Yes, Veriff supports identity documents from over 230+ countries and territories in multiple languages.

What if I don’t have any of the required documents?

If you don’t have a supported ID, check with the business you’re verifying for alternative options. Some companies may allow manual verification.

Can I verify my identity for someone else?

No. The person submitting the verification must match the identity on the document provided.

What happens if I don’t complete the verification?

If you don’t complete the verification required by the business/organization that is asking for the verification, you may be unable to access certain services or your account may remain restricted.

What does a 'Velocity/Abuse' rejection mean?

For users encountering "Velocity/Abuse" rejections, this error may indicate one of two things:

  • The system still retains your previous unsupported submission in its records.

  • You must resubmit valid documents to clear the label and proceed.

Where to Find Verification Help

For step-by-step guidance on completing the verification process, visit Veriff’s support page at https://www.veriff.com/get-verified. While Veriff provides resources to help users, it is essential to contact your service provider directly for issues or specific instructions, since Veriff does not manage verification outcomes or offer user-specific support.

Veriff enables businesses with identity verification and anti-fraud solutions by acting as a B2B service provider and a data processor. It facilitates verification processes on behalf of its partner businesses (Service Providers), while adhering strictly to the instructions provided by them.

Veriff’s role as a data processor involves strictly following data protection guidelines set by its partner businesses (data controllers). These businesses determine the process, documents required, and outcomes of verification, making them fully responsible for initiating and supporting the verification process.

  • B2B Service Model: Veriff is contracted by businesses (data controllers) to process identity verification and fraud detection on their behalf.

  • Role as a Data Processor: Veriff follows the data protection guidelines set by its partners and processes identification documents solely as per the partner's instructions.

  • Support Limitations: The primary responsibility for user support lies with the business requiring the verification. Veriff itself does not directly interact with end-users.

  • Legal Role of Veriff: Operating as a data processor, Veriff processes identity information in accordance with instructions from its business clients (data controllers). Veriff ensures that its activities comply with strict data protection standards such as GDPR and ISO 27001. Related Topics

  • Additional Verification Methods

  • Troubleshooting Document Upload Errors

  • Importance of Tamper-Free IDs in Verification Processes

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