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Can I verify overseas clients or clients with foreign ID documents?

What to do when your client is based overseas or has non-domestic identity documents

Updated yesterday

Verifying clients based overseas

Yes — APLYiD supports identity verification for clients located outside of New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Use email links, not SMS — SMS delivery to international numbers is unreliable. Send the verification link via email using How to create a link to send via email.

  • Country code — if sending via SMS, ensure you have entered the correct international dialling code for the client's country.

Accepted document types for overseas clients

APLYiD can verify passports from a wide range of countries. Driver licences and national ID cards from some countries are also accepted, though coverage varies.

If a client's document is not being accepted by the system, it is most likely because:

  • The document type is not currently supported for that country

  • The document could not be read clearly (image quality or glare)

If you are unsure whether a specific document type is supported, contact APLYiD support for confirmation.

AML/CTF considerations for overseas clients

Clients from higher-risk jurisdictions may be flagged for enhanced due diligence. A PEP or sanctions match does not automatically indicate that the individual is high risk — it means the result requires manual review and your judgement before proceeding. Refer to Understanding biometric check results for guidance on Review status.

My client is a New Zealand, Australian or United Kingdom resident but has a foreign passport

Foreign passports are generally accepted for biometric verification. Enter the client's name as it appears on their foreign passport when creating the verification link.

Client is in a country with restricted internet access (e.g. China)

In some regions, access to the verification platform may be limited by local internet restrictions. If a client in China or another restricted region is unable to complete the check, contact APLYiD support. We can advise on alternative options for your specific situation.

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