The Importance of Government-Issued Identification Number Verification
Many countries issue national identification numbers to track citizens, permanent residents, or temporary residents and their taxation-related obligations. A government-issued identification number is a key that can prevent fraudulent activities related to identity theft and breaches of hacking into people’s sensitive data. To combat fraud, it is essential to verify individuals’ identities in compliance with mandatory Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. Accurate authentication of a government-issued identification number ensures that individuals are who they claim to be, safeguarding their identity, financial transactions, and national security.
While technology is equipping organizations and businesses with multiple online options, there is a pressing need for a secure and compliant solution to streamline verification processes. Businesses require a reliable solution to help them optimize their operations while maintaining security and compliance. Digital solutions are convenient alternatives to traditional verification processes as they provide transparency, scalability, and accessibility.
What is a Government-Issued Identification Number?
A government-issued identification number is a unique number on the identity cards issued to individuals by government bodies. The numerics of an identification card confirm an individual’s identity. During KYC or KYB verification processes, the identification number is essential as it can identify the legitimacy of an individual or business. Individuals must undergo verification processes using their identification number offline or online. While offline mode has limitations, online identity verification is faster and more seamless.
Examples of Personal Identification Numbers on Multiple ID Cards
In the United States, citizens are issued a 9-digit Social Security Number (SSN) for governmental benefits. For the United Kingdom, the government-issued identification number is the National Insurance Number (NINO. A 9-digit Social Insurance Number (SIN) is assigned to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and temporary working residents.
In India, there is no single mandatory document for identification; there are many identity cards, such as the Aadhaar card, Voter card, Passport, driving license, PAN card, ration card, and so on. The unique number on these cards issued to citizens can be considered as a government-issued identification number.
- Aadhaar Number: The Government of India established the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) system in 2009 to issue unique identification numbers to all citizens of India. It is the largest biometric ID program in the world. UIDAI‘s Aadhaar system gives each eligible Indian resident a unique 12-digit identification number and records their biometrics, such as iris scans and fingerprints, on the UIDAI database.
- PAN (Permanent Account Number): Before Aadhaar, India’s closest national identification system was the PAN number, a 10-character alphanumeric code issued by the Income Tax Office to track income and taxes.
- Voter ID Number: Another example of a government-issued identification number is a Voter ID card number, also known as an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number, a 10-digit alphanumeric number. The voter ID card is assigned to eligible voters by the Election Commission of India.
- Driving License Number: A driving license card contains a 15-digit alphanumeric number issued to individuals to operate vehicles by a state RTO under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Why Are Government-Issued Identification Numbers Required?
Government-issued identification numbers are required for official works and everyday activities for various aspects of life, such as availing financial services, acquiring official documents, signing documents, KYC verification, filing taxes, or receiving government benefits. Government-mandated identification numbers help identify the right person and combat fraudulent activities such as identity theft, money laundering, and fabrications.
- Verification of Identity – From admission to schools and hospitals, applying for driving licenses or passports, and creating a bank account, institutions require proof of identity and address to ensure the person’s eligibility and legitimacy. A government-issued ID number is often required to obtain credit cards, loans, or insurance.
- Access to Government Benefits – Identification numbers are necessary to access various government services and benefits, such as social security, unemployment benefits, and welfare programs. These IDs help ensure that only eligible individuals receive benefits. For citizens to receive subsidies on essential goods, educational grants, or any other government-provided financial aid, a valid ID number must authenticate their eligibility.
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance – To file taxes, individuals need a government-issued identification number, such as PAN. Through this number, the government tracks income and enforces tax laws. Identification numbers serve as proof of citizenship, enabling individuals to exercise their voting rights in elections. These numbers also help confirm individuals’ legal status, differentiating citizens from non-citizens and streamlining the provision of rights and privileges.
How to Verify Government-Issued Identification Number?
High-value and high-risk business agreements often demand robust identity verification to prevent fraud and breaches. Traditionally, identity verification involves visiting an office and presenting identity verification documents to authenticate an individual’s legitimacy with supporting proof. While this process might have been a minor inconvenience a few years ago, the same process is a highly inconvenient and time-consuming process in this digital age.
Verifying a government-issued identification number online is easy and secure. Document verification platforms have low-code APIs that streamline the process instantly without any third-party assistance.
Step 1. Upload – The user can input a government-issued identification number or upload the ID card on the API interface.
Step 2. Data Extraction – After uploading the document, the OCR technology extracts the data from the ID card and converts it into machine-readable data.
Step 3. Data Retrieval – The verification API retrieves data from the official database and matches the extracted data against the retrieved data.
Step 4. Verification – The user can get match results and verification status. Based on that, verifying a government-issued identification number is approved or rejected.
Types of ID Verification APIs – For Individuals & Businesses
A variety of API integrations are available for ID verification, enabling both individuals and businesses to authenticate their identities efficiently. These ID verification APIs facilitate quick and seamless KYC verification using personal identification number, often completing the process in just a few minutes.
ID verification APIs can be categorized into two main types based on the end users:
- Individual Verification: These APIs verify individuals’ identities. The verification process is streamlined using documents such as PAN, Aadhaar, Passport, and Voter ID, which use the personal identification numbers on these ID cards.
- Business Verification: These APIs are designed to verify the identities of businesses, including partner businesses, vendors, suppliers, distributors, and more. Business identities are typically verified using GST numbers, CIN/DIN, and Udyog Aadhaar numbers.
Verify Government-issued Identification Number With SignDesk
SignDesk is a leading document automation platform that provides multiple digital solutions. Our identity verification APIs can instantly verify any ID card, complying with regulatory requirements and keeping your sensitive information safe. Integrate the verification API into your system and streamline verification processes with SognDesk’s innovative solutions.
Here are some of the ID verification APIs of SignDesk that can verify a government-issued identification number:
