Guide to IDVT (Identification Document Validation Technology)
Hybrid working is here to stay, and digitalisation is going to be key for hiring managers across all sectors in onboarding new candidates; as shown by the recent IDVT right to work legislation brought in by the Home Office to allow more flexibility to the hiring process.
Everything you need to know about the new IDVT legislation
What is IDVT?
From 1st October 2022, having initially planned to launch on 6th April 2022, the Home Office brought into place the need to use Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT), where employers will carry out digital checks on British and Irish citizens who hold a valid passport.
Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) is a digital solution that verifies an individual’s identity by authenticating government-issued documents, such as passports, driving licences, and biometric residence permits. As organisations navigate an increasingly digital and security-conscious world, IDVT plays a crucial role in streamlining hiring processes, reducing fraud, and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
Businesses are facing new challenges and opportunities in identity verification, from the rise of biometric authentication, the adoption of reusable digital identities, and an increased risk of hiring fraud.
Employers must conduct Right to Work checks digitally where possible, using certified IDVT providers to verify documents securely. Failure to comply can result in fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
Why is IDVT important for businesses in 2025?
IDVT comes in various forms, with different capabilities and costs, and you will need to assess the levels of assurances that are acceptable for your business by taking into account of:
- The risks you need to manage
- The costs of the system
- The numbers of identity documents that you anticipate that you will need to check
- Your particular requirements when choosing what types of systems to procure
To keep on top the shifting landscape in recruitment trends and regulations, businesses must ensure that their identity verification processes are:
- Fast and Reliable – Automate verification to reduce manual processing time.
- Compliant – Keep up with evolving legislation, including the UK Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF).
- Fraud-Resistant – Protect against document tampering and impersonation fraud.
- User-Friendly – Offer seamless experiences for candidates, customers, and employees.
With real-time digital verification and AI-driven authentication, IDVT solutions now goes beyond simple document checks. By integrating with biometric verification, facial recognition, and mobile driver’s licences (mDLs), businesses can ensure a secure and efficient verification process.
What are the challenges to implementing IDVT?
There are many challenges to implementing IDVT, as a new legislation poses a new way of running your business. Examples include:
- Cost - there will be associated costs in adopting IDVT as with any system implementation. However, automated screening software is proven to deliver huge efficiencies and operational cost savings by managing processes digitally.
- Fairness - there are some concerns about whether digital checks are fair to every group, for those unable to use the digital process and whether the government is doing enough meaning some processes still need to be done manually.
- Technology - working with an experienced service provider who can walk you through the transition from manual to digital processes is vital. With cloud-based technology the set-up is intuitive and easy to configure.
IDVT and Compliance: What you need to know
Staying compliant with UK identity verification regulations is crucial for businesses conducting Right to Work, Right to Rent, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. In 2025, digital identity verification is more regulated than ever, making certified IDVT solutions essential for compliance.
Why is IDVT being used?
Enabling the use of IDVT software for right to work, right to rent and DBS checks will help to support long-term post pandemic working practices, accelerate the recruitment and onboarding process, improve employee mobility and enhance the security and integrity of the checks.
The technology utilised across the identity process removes human error in terms of identifying fraudulent documents or inaccuracies and will support the Home Office, DBS and DCMS in driving improvements through their delivery partners.
What does IDVT mean for recruiters?
For recruiters, Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) is a game-changer, making Right to Work checks faster, more secure, and fully compliant with Home Office regulations.
-
Accelerate onboarding – Automate identity verification, reducing delays in hiring.
-
Ensure compliance – Use government-certified IDVT providers to meet UK Right to Work requirements and avoid fines of up to £60,000 per illegal worker.
-
Reduce fraud risk – Advanced biometric verification and AI-powered document checks help prevent identity fraud.
-
Improve candidate experience – Remote verification allows candidates to upload ID documents securely from anywhere, removing barriers to employment.
With labour shortages and increased compliance scrutiny, recruiters in 2025 must adopt IDVT solutions to stay competitive, streamline hiring, and protect their clients from legal risks.
How Access Screening supports IDVT
For employers, a digital identity verification check is particularly crucial for Right to Work checks. It allows employers to verify that potential employees have the legal right to work in the UK, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and regulations.
This process ensures that candidates are who they claim to be and that their documents are legitimate, facilitating a quick, secure, and compliant hiring process. Additionally, completing a digital Right to Work check provides employers with a statutory excuse, meaning they are protected from penalties if it is later discovered that the employee did not have the right to work in the UK.
This legal protection is crucial for mitigating risk and ensuring that employers fulfil their legal obligations.
Why use Access Screening for the check?
-
We work with Onfido and use their cutting edge technology to verify candidate identity digitally in seconds, without bias
-
We provide clear outcomes for verification, enabling informed hiring decisions
-
We reduce time to hire through quick and efficient verification
-
Easy for candidates to provide documentation
-
Checks can be added to your existing workflows
-
Allows you to run all your checks from one place in Access Screening
Latest IDVT insights from Access Screening
On-Demand Webinar: Home Office shifts to permanent IDVT Digital Right to Work Checks
Watch our on-demand webinar where we discuss the outline of new plans to allow employers to use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers.
IDVT Factsheet: Everything you need to know
This factsheet covers everything you need to know about the new IDVT legislation, giving insight to guide your right to work checks and candidate screening strategies.