Why are physical documents sometimes declined during verification with Veriff?
When verifying identity documents during a session with Veriff, a physical document may still be declined if it does not meet the required verification standards. Here, we explore the common reasons for such declines and provide guidance for successful submissions.
Common Reasons for Document Decline
1. Document Appears Tampered
A session may be marked as 'Presented document tampered' if the presented document shows evidence of tampering or alteration. For example, if the photo submitted differs from the original specimen issued for that period, the session will be rejected.
Even if the document is physical, its legitimacy will be verified against official specimens. Any discrepancies such as changes in design, added elements, or modifications will result in a decline.
2. Document Photo Standards Not Met
Veriff mandates that all submitted photos of identity documents must align with standard requirements. For instance, U.S. Driver’s Licenses typically include a professionally taken portrait photo from the issuing DMV. A session will be declined if the document features a non-standard photo, such as a zoomed-in selfie cutting off key facial attributes.
3. Unacceptable Document Materials
Unusual materials used to create or duplicate documents lead to session rejections. As an example, presenting a cut-out piece of paper resembling a passport does not adhere to Veriff’s document verification standards. Such cases will result in the session being marked as 'Presented document tampered.'
Best Practices for Successful Verification
To ensure your verification process succeeds:
Use Original Documents: Always present the original, official document issued by the appropriate authority.
Meet Photo Standards: Use documents with clear, unaltered, and professionally taken photo IDs.
Avoid Modifications: Ensure there are no visible signs of tampering, cutting, or alterations on the document.
Provide Proper Lighting: Avoid submitting overly dim or excessively bright photos of documents as this might obscure important details.
What to Do if Your Session is Declined
If your session is declined despite using a physical document, you can:
Review the Decline Reason: Understand why your session was rejected by consulting Veriff’s feedback.
Resubmit Alongside Corrected Materials: If the feedback points to specific issues, address these before initiating a new session.
Contact Support: Reach out to Veriff's support team for further clarification or to submit an appeal if you believe the rejection was incorrect.
By following these steps and guidelines, you can minimize the chances of your document being declined during the verification process.