Quick answer
Yes. Send the verification as normal. It works with government-issued photo ID from almost every country: over 16,000 types of ID.
With a foreign ID, the face match, liveness and ID checks still run. How much of your client's details can be checked against data sources depends on your account:
NZ and AU accounts: checked against data sources only for NZ and Australian ID.
UK accounts: details are checked against independent UK data, whatever ID your client uses.
If your client is overseas, copy the link and email it to them rather than relying on SMS.
What can be checked with a foreign ID?
Your APLYiD account | Your client's ID | What's checked |
NZ or AU | NZ or Australian passport or driver licence | Full check: face match and liveness, ID checks, the ID details checked against government sources, plus PEP and sanctions |
NZ or AU | A government-issued photo ID from any other country (passport, driver licence or national ID card) | Face match and liveness, ID checks, plus PEP and sanctions. The ID details can't be checked against data sources, and the report will say so. |
UK | Any government photo ID | Face match and liveness, ID checks, your client's details checked against independent UK data (e.g. credit data), plus PEP and sanctions. In the UK, no one can check an ID directly with the government, so the type of ID doesn't change the data check. |
Any | Non-government ID (e.g. a student ID) | Not accepted |
NZ account checking Australian IDs (or the other way round): you need access to that country's data source first. Without it, the report shows "User Credentials Not Valid" in the data section. If you get access while the verification is still in APLYiD, you can re-run it without your client doing anything again.
If you have an NZ or AU account and your client also has an NZ or Australian ID (e.g. an NZ driver licence as well as a foreign passport), ask them to use that one so their details can be fully checked.
A verification with a foreign ID is charged the same as any other. See When am I charged for a check?
Your AML obligations
When your client's details can't be checked against data sources, the verification still confirms they're a real person who matches their photo ID. Check your own AML/CFT programme for how to verify their name, date of birth and address another way.
A PEP or sanctions match doesn't automatically mean your client is high risk. It means you need to review the result and use your judgement. Clients from higher-risk countries may need enhanced due diligence under your programme.
Sending a verification to a client who's overseas
Enter your client's country code under Code, then the rest of their mobile number.
If the SMS doesn't arrive, or the status stays Queued, copy the link and email it instead. See Can I send the verification link by email instead of SMS? (Yes, here's how).
Some countries block system-generated SMS, so email the link straight away for clients in: China, Russia, the UAE, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Egypt, North Korea and Spain (Spain blocks SMS sent from a name rather than a number).
Client is travelling or using a VPN
Your client can complete the verification from anywhere, including overseas. Being overseas doesn’t flag anything. If they use a VPN, the Device/Location check is flagged and the verification goes to Review, so ask them to switch off any VPN before they start.
Client is in China
Local internet restrictions can block the verification link. Ask your client to:
Open the link in Chrome (Android) or Safari (iPhone).
If that doesn't work, try a different phone.
If it still won't open, contact us through live chat or support@aplyid.com.
If your account has Biometric Only
Biometric Only is an optional product, and most accounts don't have it. If you've subscribed to it, you'll see Biometric Only as well as Biometric + AML Check under Verification when you send a verification.
A Biometric Only check runs the face match, liveness and ID checks, but doesn't check your client's details against data sources. You may choose it for clients whose ID can't be data-checked anyway, such as a foreign ID on an NZ or AU account. Pricing depends on your plan.
If you don't see the option and want to know more, contact your Customer Success Manager.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a [country] passport accepted?
Yes. Almost any government-issued photo ID is accepted: over 16,000 types from around the world. On an NZ or AU account, the ID details can only be checked against data sources for NZ and Australian IDs.
Can my client use a foreign driver licence or national ID card?
Yes, if it's a government-issued photo ID. The same limits on the data check apply as for a foreign passport.
Can I do a manual verification with a foreign ID?
No. Manual verification only works with an NZ Driver Licence, AUS Driver Licence, NZ Passport or AUS Passport.
My client lives in NZ, AU or the UK but only has a foreign passport. What do I send?
Send a verification as normal. On a UK account, their details can still be checked against independent UK data. On an NZ or AU account, the passport details can't be checked against data sources, so check your AML/CFT programme for what else you need.