Identity Verification

What is Identity Verification?

Identity verification in electronic signing is the process of confirming that the person signing a document is who they claim to be. The level of verification required depends on the document's importance, regulatory requirements, and the organization's risk tolerance. E-signature platforms typically offer multiple verification methods at different levels of assurance.

Common identity verification methods include email-based verification (the signer receives and clicks a unique link), SMS or OTP verification (a one-time code sent to the signer's phone), knowledge-based authentication (the signer answers questions based on their credit history or other personal records), government ID verification (the signer uploads or scans a photo ID), and video identification (the signer shows their ID on a live or recorded video call).

The choice of verification method involves trade-offs between security and friction. Email verification is low-friction but provides relatively weak identity assurance. Government ID checks provide strong assurance but add steps and time to the signing process. Organizations must balance the need for identity certainty against the risk of signers abandoning the process due to excessive verification requirements.

For advanced and qualified electronic signatures under eIDAS, identity verification requirements are more stringent. Advanced electronic signatures must be "capable of identifying the signatory," and qualified electronic signatures require identity verification by a qualified trust service provider using recognized methods. Meeting these higher standards is essential for documents that need maximum legal certainty.