I don’t have an ePassport, can i use digital identity?
No, the current DDC ID systems require a UK or Irish ePassport. These passport types allow for the reading and extraction of data to meet the required ‘level of confidence’. We will be adding to this list of documents that can be used for digital identity services over time.
What information will be sent to DDC?
For a full list of the data captured and retained with a digital identity check please refer to the detailed ‘Privacy Policy’. As a general outline, the DDC ID application will capture all the information on the details page of the document, which will include document numbers, validity dates, address details, and any photos of the person. Where chip data is present, all data will be extracted and sent to the DDC systems. The liveness test will take a short video of the applicant for 3D face matching to ensure that the person is present in front of the camera.
All captured data will then be securely transferred to DDC servers by the mobile application, and then deleted from the users device device as a security precaution. No personal data is stored on the local device once automated deletion processed are completed or the app is closed.
Find our privacy policy here – /help-advice/policies/
What does it mean if I have not been successful with the digital identity process?
There are several reasons why an individual may not be able to prove their identity using digital identity tools. A vast majority of these are legitimate reasons and applications can still proceed. The mobile application and web portal will provide some basic details, or a DDC agent may be in contact to assist. The most common reasons are grouped below. All applicants are guided through the process and manual checking options are always available to meet the check type requirements.
Mobile application:
- The mobile device is unable to support the required steps e.g. faulty antennae or broken camera
- No data chip in the document or damage to chip preventing data extraction
- No internet connection to the phone preventing transfer to DDC systems
- Local settings preventing capture or transfer, such as permission not given to allow DDC ID to access the camera
- Poor lighting conditions preventing high quality image capture
Data matching not possible:
- The data extracted from the identity document(s) does not match the form submission e.g. name change
- The identity document holds inaccurate data as issued by a third-party such HM Passport Office
- Facial recognition software can not match the document image to the person present
Unable to complete third party address verification (DBS only):
- Applicant may not have lived at the current address long enough to register themselves
- Temporary or term-time address entered on to the form, where the applicant has little ‘credit imprint’
- Minimal data imprint of the individual, for example little or no credit footprint, no register on the electoral role
Fraud investigations processes:
The DDC systems have a detailed fraud investigations systems to spot and counter any attempt to circumvent security features. This includes anti-spoofing tools and access to databases of previously used fraudulent identities. These processes are handled separately to the standard mobile application and web portal systems. As a pre-employment checking provider our first action is to contact the recruiting or endorsing organisation to make them aware.
If my passport is expired can I still use digital identity?
No, at current, expired documents can not be used for digital identity purposes. If your document is not valid then please do not attempt to use it. Expired UK passports can be used for the manual in-person right to work checking process, as they show that the holder is British. No expired or invalid documents can be used for Disclosure and Barring Service check purposes.
If I change my mind half way through, can I stop the process?
Yes, if an applicant decides they no longer want to use digital identity services they can revert to the manual checking process. This can be done from the document nomination screen at any point, or by returning to the application form and editing the data to reset the document nomination processes. Please note that manual checking processes may incur additional costs and will be a slower process.
Why is an address verification service required?
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) require that an applicant provides evidence of their current address as entered on to the application form. This can be a physical document selected from an approved list of documents showing the address, which has been through the postal system (i.e. not self-printed). As an alternative option with a digital identity process, DDC can seek evidence of the address from approved authoritative third-parties. This is an automated system whereby DDC sends details of the address and date of birth details to the third-party and receives a confirmation whether they hold data which matches those details.
I have completed digital identity before, can I re-use those details?
No, each check type that DDC offers requires an up-to-date identity check. We cannot re-use digital identity processes completed with a previous application with DDC. In the majority of cases, the data captured previously via the form or digital identity processes is deleted from DDC’s systems. Only an audit log of the actions completed are retained to evidence a compliant identity check.
We cannot use digital identity processes carried out by other providers.
What are my options if I do not have a suitable smart phone?
If you do not own a suitable mobile device then digital identity is still an option. Any enabled device can be used and it could be the case that a family member, colleague or approved document checker does have a suitable device.
If this is the case then please ask them to download the DDC ID app and then take your QR code with you so it can be scanned to begin the session. You can then follow all the steps required, including using their phone’s chip reading antennae and camera.
Once the process is completed all data will be deleted from the device so there is no concern about data being out of your possession.
Will my phone be suitable for digital identity with DDC?
To use digital identity the phone must have a current and working Operating System (OS), and the current and working technology to read the data required. If your phone is not compatible then it is unlikely that you will be able to download the app from your chosen app store. The app will run some basic checks when it starts to ensure it can complete the required steps. This will include asking to use the camera and in some cases the in-built antennae to read document chip data. Please ensure that you give this permission or the app will not be able to complete all the checks.
For iPhone users, your device must have all of the following features:
- iOS 11.0 or above – this can be found in your settings
- Working front and back camera – If you have a case or other cover for your device please check that it is not blocking either camera.
- Near-Field Communication (NFC) to read the chip in your passport – Ensure this is activated in your settings. If you can use your phone to pay using contactless, this means your device has NFC.
- 3G, 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi connection
For Android users, your device must have all of the following features:
- Android 5.0 or above – this can be found in your settings
- Working front and back camera – If you have a case or other cover for your device please check that it is not blocking either camera.
- Near-Field Communication (NFC) to read the chip in your passport – Ensure this is activated in your settings. If you can use your phone to pay using contactless, this means your device has NFC.
- 3G, 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi connection
Why is my digital identity check not working when my phone has the right features?
- Poor quality image capture – all devices have a different quality camera and the general rule is that newer devices have better cameras. Please ensure your are in a well lit area, and there are no shadows on the document to be scanned. Follow the on-screen guidance and ensure the details page of the document is within the window. Try to hold the camera as steady as possible as movement will reduce the quality of the image. Keep the document clear of any obstructions such as fingers and watch out for glare from any light sources.
- Camera not accessible – the app will ask for permission to use the device’s camera. If this is not given it will not be able to complete the first steps.
- Antennae not accessible – some devices require specific permission to be granted to access the in-built NFC antenna which is used to read chip data. If this permission is not given then the app will not be able to complete the necessary checks.
- Unable to complete the chip read – please hold your device as shown in the image in the app and ensure the NFC antennae is as close the document chip as possible. In most instances this involves placing your phone on your document and adjusting it as directed. Commonly the easiest way to do this is by placing the phone on the front of your document.
- No access to the internet – the app needs to collect, encrypt and send the data to DDC to complete the required steps. This will require internet access either through a 3/4/5G connection or Wi-Fi.
Is digital identity optional?
Yes, the DBS and Home Office have been keen to stress that digital identity is an optional process.
DDC has systems and processes in place to support organisations who wish not to implement digital identity for DBS and Right to Work checks.
Getting started with DBS checks
How will digital identity work?
DDC’s digital identity service works seamlessly with our bespoke and flexible pre-employment screening platform. There are a number of different service options depending on how much or how little you want to be involved. The applicant will be required to nominate their valid British passport. They will then be invited to download the DDC ID app by scanning a QR code. After that it’s a simple three-step process:
Step 1: The applicant uses the camera on their smartphone to scan their document before reading the chip to check all the security features on their identity document.
Step 2: The applicant takes a selfie and completes a liveness test to compare the photo on the identity document.
Step 3: The checks take a matter of minutes and the results are available immediately so the application can be submitted.
A picture of the applicant as checked will appear in your portal, so you can make sure that the same person attends the role. For right to work checks, a copy of the document is provided for you to keep as a record of your statutory excuse.
We have processes and systems in place to ensure seamless integration with the current portal so you’ll know which applicants were checked through digital identity routes, how they were checked and any reasons why they tried and failed. As always, we will fully log everything for your compliance requirements!
Will employers still be required to verify original documents?
If employers decide to utilise the digital identity process, original documents do not have to be verified. There will be a streamlined process for the applicant to go through the completion of the application and have their identity verified in minutes and with no interaction from their prospective employer. This means less chasing your applicants, fewer back and forth interactions and faster processing times.
Can anyone use digital identity technology?
Unfortunately, not all applicants will be able to utilise this technology. The expectation is that digital identity tools will continue to improve, and more and more individuals will have the required smartphones and scannable documents. There have been a lot of discussions about the accessibility of digital identity for those without the capability, access to technology, or other barriers preventing the use of digital identity technology. Due Diligence Checking is striving towards making the digital identity process as accessible as possible for all applicants.
Will I be able to use the original process and digital identity?
Yes, you will be able to utilise a hybrid identity checking process to ensure all of your applicants can successfully complete a DBS and Right to Work check. Therefore, a combination of verifying original documents and digital identity can be used.
Is digital identity available for volunteer DBS checks?
Yes, digital identity can be utilised for DBS applications including volunteers.
Are DDC a certified identity checking service provider (IDSP)?
Yes.
DDC’s digital identity service is certified against the Home Office digital identity trust framework. There are a number of schemes organisations can become certified against the framework and DDC are accredited for both the right to work and DBS schemes.
