When you search for identity verification solutions the results can seem endless – in 2024, Gartner evaluated more than 100 identity verification software products. How can you tell which system is the best fit for your business? Ensuring an identity verification solution meets a variety of metrics is essential to choosing the right fit, whether you are looking to prevent fraud, verify age, or maintain compliance with regulations. Our team of experts has put together the most important things to consider when comparing identity verification solutions to help you make the right decision for your business.
1. Efficacy of document authentication
It may seem obvious, but the most important element of any identity verification software is: how good is it at authenticating documents?
When choosing an identity verification solution, it is important to look for the types of checks being performed during the drivers license or passport scanning process. IDs are designed with many embedded security features, like holograms, UV images, IR images, and microprint, so when checking for the authenticity of an ID, it is important to start with an authentication-capable scanner that can detect these features. Authentication ID scanners use a series of light checks, typically UV, IR, and white light, and when paired with an identity verification solution like VeriScan Authentication can check these known security features against each state’s template. Document authentication solutions like VeriScan also crossmatch the ID information, ensuring the data embedded in the barcode matches the text printed on the ID.
The accuracy of the results from ID authentication also plays an important factor in the selection process. Ensuring a high level of efficacy helps with ID fraud prevention, regulatory compliance, and age verification. When comparing identity verification solutions, an efficacy rate of 95% or higher should be the standard you set for your business. It is also worth noting that some companies will falsely claim 100% accuracy in catching fake IDs. It is impossible for a company to accurately catch 100% of fake IDs in every use case, especially as fake ID technology continues to advance and the quality continues to get better. However, when combining ID authentication with third party checks, it becomes almost impossible for a fraudster to slip through the cracks.
2. ID scanner flexibility
Having drivers license scanner options might not seem like a huge factor to consider when choosing an age verification solution, but being limited to proprietary scanners or few compatible options can negatively impact your business. Many identity verification companies only offer two or three hardware options that are compatible with their software, which is extremely limiting considering not all businesses have the same needs, workflows, counter space, or budget.
When choosing a passport scanner or driver license scanner, businesses should have options the same as they would if choosing a computer or smartphone. While they all mostly perform the same function, ID scanners differ in portability, accuracy, footprint, and price. While some businesses might just need a driver license scanner that is compact and inexpensive, others might need something larger with more capabilities, like a passport scanner. Other businesses might even need a handheld ID scanner that can offer a mobile solution for those companies with multiple identity verification points.
3. Price per scan for identity verification solutions
Pricing is another important factor to consider when choosing an age verification solution. ID scanning hardware is a one-time cost consideration, but the software that makes the scanner work is generally a recurring cost that should be factored into the decision-making process. Many identity verification providers are not transparent with their pricing structures, making it difficult to compare or even know what the market rate is. Oftentimes, companies will charge businesses at a per-scan rate, so for businesses scanning hundreds of thousands or even millions of IDs and passports per month, the cost quickly adds up to something that isn’t practical when trying to stick within budgetary constraints.
Monthly or annual subscription options can be much easier to factor into a budget, and tiered options can help ensure your business is paying for exactly what is needed. When looking through identity verification solutions, companies that offer this pricing structure are often the better choice. For example, VeriScan offers tiers that can fit into any budget, and businesses are not limited to a certain number of scans per month or charged on a per-scan basis. Businesses pay a flat rate per device based on the tier of software they choose and then have the luxury of an unlimited number of scans per month.
4. Badge printing
Providing businesses such as schools, hospitals, or prisons the ability to offer badge printing is another useful feature to consider when researching identity verification solutions. This additional feature allows easy tracking of guests in high surveillance locations, without the need for additional processes or workflows. Some providers even offer the ability to print time-stamped and self-expiring badges for quick visual inspection of whether someone should be on the premises or in a restricted area.
Badge printing is a visitor management feature that is available in both VeriScan for Windows and iOS. The badge can be printed with a set expiration, so the badge visually indicates as soon as the visitor is no longer allowed.
5. Operating system compatibility for identity verification solutions
Compatibility with your computer or smartphone’s operating system is crucial to ensuring compatibility without the need to invest in additional technology. Be sure to note which operating system you currently use to ensure your identity verification software is compatible.
At present, most identity verification solutions do not offer compatibility with the Mac OS and operate predominantly on Windows OS. This is generally due to a driver development issue from hardware manufacturers that limit compatibility with Macs. Most drivers license scanners cannot integrate properly with the age verification software if a hardware driver has not been designed for a certain operating system.
6. Mobile ID acceptance
The majority of US states currently offer, or are working on offering, mobile IDs. Businesses will continue to see an increase in mobile IDs being presented as a form of age or identity verification. As such, when choosing an identity verification solution, the ability to read and verify mobile IDs becomes an important consideration for long-term use. IDscan.net has employed multiple methods to ensure business continuity with ID scanning during the shift to mobile IDs.
IDScan.net has integrated the VeriScan for iOS application with Apple to allow for NFC-capable mobile ID scanning. This is done much like the process for Apple Pay. Once initiated inside the VeriScan app, both devices are held near each other, and data is securely shared from the Apple Wallet. The data can also be shared via a QR code that is generated from the consumer’s phone. These encrypted and secure methods help streamline processes for businesses while ensuring the same standard of age verification used by traditional ID scanners.
IDScan.net has also partnered with Credence ID and their Tap2ID mobile ID reader. The Tap2ID reader is wired directly to a computer, where it sends the results of the scan of each mobile driver’s license verification into the VeriScan for Windows platform. Tap2ID accepts mobile driver’s licenses issued by more than 14 states including California, New York, Maryland, and Virginia, as well the mDLs available through Apple, Samsung, and Google wallets. This new platform also accepts IDs presented using state-developed wallets or non-native applications. The Tap2ID mobile ID reader can act as a standalone solution if desired or can be easily integrated into existing processes.
7. POS compatibility
When researching identity verification solutions, it is also important to consider existing workflows and point of sale (POS) systems. Utilizing an age verification API or SDK and integrating it into an existing workflow could help meet compliance requirements while preventing any delays. Whether you’re a dispensary, bar, restaurant, or hotel, it is important to find an age verification solution that works properly with your existing systems.
Solutions like VeriScan and ParseLink can be integrated into your existing POS for quick and accurate age and identity verification. By scanning an ID, the identity verification solution then parses the data and auto-populates it into the desired location in your respective POS.
8. Custom internal lists
Another helpful feature to consider when choosing an age verification solution is the ability to create custom lists. This is a tool that can be used to quickly identify the category a customer falls under. For example, whether someone is on the approved pick-up list at a school, is a troublemaker at a bar, or is on a list of approved vendors at a hospital to deliver supplies.
Once these lists are created inside the VeriScan portal or app, individuals can be assigned to one or multiple lists by scanning the ID and selecting the list(s) you want them added to. Then, the next time that individual visits and has their ID scanned, their unique visitor profile will pop up and the lists they are part of will be displayed. Utilizing this functionality can easily help businesses sort anyone whose ID is scanned into organized categories.
9. Support and maintenance schedule
Last, but certainly not least, a support schedule and the frequency with which identity verification providers update their software is an essential factor to consider when choosing the right solution for your business. Several identity verification companies on the market don’t list support hours, or even a phone number to get in touch should you need help. Finding a company that offers clear hours of operation for support services as well as a means to contact support should be a top item when considering a list of providers. Identity verification is complex technology, making access to support a necessity.
Additionally, how often the company in question updates their ID verification engine should factor into your business’s decision. States release new ID formats and updated security features regularly to help combat ID fraud, but it doesn’t benefit a business to scan IDs if the new ID format isn’t supported. Thus, having a company that updates its software immediately as new features are added to IDs is critical for ensuring accurate results.
Conclusion
While the factors contributing to the selection of an identity verification solution vary for each business’s use case, there are common trends to look for when selecting your provider. To see how IDScan.net compares to some of our top competitors, check out our comparison page. Looking for guidance in selecting the right identity verification solution for your business? Contact our team of identity verification experts.
