How Long Does Identity Verification Take?
Wondering how long identity verification takes? Learn how the identity verification process works, what can affect processing times and how businesses can complete verification quickly and securely.
Last updated: April 7, 2024
How Long Does Identity Verification Take?
One of the most common questions people ask when asked to verify their identity is: "How long will it take?"
Whether you are forming a company, opening a business account, instructing a solicitor, onboarding a new client or renting a property, identity verification has become an increasingly important part of modern business.
The good news is that today's digital identity verification technology has made the process significantly faster than traditional paper-based methods. In many cases, identity verification can be completed within just a few minutes.
However, the exact timescale depends on a number of factors, including the type of verification being undertaken, the quality of the documents provided and whether additional compliance checks are required.
This guide explains what affects identity verification times, why some checks take longer than others and how you can help ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible.
How Long Does Identity Verification Usually Take?
For most standard digital identity verification checks, the process is extremely quick.
| Verification Type | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Digital Identity Verification | 2–10 minutes |
| Standard AML Check | A few minutes to around 30 minutes |
| PEP & Sanctions Screening | Usually completed within minutes |
| Director Verification | Often completed the same day |
| PSC Verification | Usually completed within the same day |
| Enhanced Due Diligence | Several hours to a few business days |
| Source of Funds Verification | Typically 1–5 business days |
| Source of Wealth Verification | Several days depending on complexity |
These are indicative times only. Actual processing times can vary depending on the circumstances.
Why Is Identity Verification So Much Faster Today?
Historically, identity verification often required:
- attending an office in person;
- producing original documents;
- obtaining certified copies;
- sending documents by post;
- waiting for manual review.
Modern digital verification has transformed this process.
Today, individuals can usually complete verification by:
- uploading a photograph of their identification document;
- taking a live selfie or short video;
- completing the process using a smartphone or computer.
Advanced technology then analyses the information and verifies the identity electronically. This significantly reduces waiting times while maintaining a high level of security.
What Happens During Identity Verification?
Although every provider's process differs slightly, most digital identity verification follows a similar sequence.
Step 1 – Document Upload
The individual uploads an accepted form of identification, such as:
- passport;
- driving licence;
- national identity card.
This usually takes only a few minutes.
Step 2 – Document Validation
The verification system checks the document for authenticity. This may include:
- security features;
- document integrity;
- expiry dates;
- signs of alteration or tampering.
Step 3 – Biometric Verification
The individual is normally asked to take a live selfie or short video. Facial recognition technology compares the live image with the photograph contained within the identification document.
Step 4 – Liveness Detection
Liveness detection helps confirm that a real person is completing the verification rather than someone attempting to use:
- printed photographs;
- recorded videos;
- manipulated images;
- artificial intelligence-generated content.
Step 5 – Verification Result
Once all checks have been completed, the verification result is produced. Where everything matches successfully, the process may be completed within minutes.
Why Might Verification Take Longer?
Although many identity checks are completed quickly, some situations require additional review.
Poor Quality Images
Blurred photographs remain one of the most common causes of delay. Problems include:
- poor lighting;
- glare;
- cropped documents;
- low-resolution images.
Providing clear, well-lit photographs can significantly speed up verification.
Expired Identification Documents
Verification cannot normally be completed using expired identity documents. Always ensure that your passport, driving licence or other identification remains valid.
Inconsistent Information
Verification may take longer where the information provided does not match. Examples include:
- different names;
- outdated addresses;
- incorrect dates of birth;
- spelling errors.
Providing accurate information from the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Additional Compliance Requirements
Some businesses must carry out additional compliance checks before proceeding. These may include:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks;
- sanctions screening;
- Politically Exposed Person (PEP) screening;
- adverse media screening;
- enhanced due diligence.
Where these additional checks are required, processing may take longer.
Source of Funds or Source of Wealth Checks
For higher-risk transactions, businesses may request additional evidence regarding: the origin of funds being used; how wealth has been accumulated. These checks typically require manual review and may take several business days.
Does Identity Verification Always Require Human Review?
Not necessarily. Many modern identity verification systems use advanced technology to automate much of the process. Where documents are clear and information matches successfully, verification may be completed automatically.
However, manual review may be required where:
- verification results are inconclusive;
- documents require further examination;
- enhanced due diligence is necessary;
- fraud indicators are identified.
Manual review helps ensure both accuracy and security.
Can Identity Verification Be Completed Remotely?
Yes. One of the greatest advantages of modern identity verification is that it can usually be completed entirely online.
Individuals can verify their identity securely from almost anywhere using:
- smartphones;
- tablets;
- laptops;
- desktop computers.
This makes remote onboarding significantly easier for businesses and customers alike.
How Can You Speed Up Identity Verification?
There are several simple steps that can help ensure a smooth verification process.
Use Valid Identification
Check that your identification document has not expired.
Take Clear Photographs
Ensure photographs are:
- well lit;
- in focus;
- fully visible;
- free from glare.
Provide Accurate Information
Double-check:
- spelling;
- dates of birth;
- addresses;
- names.
Respond Promptly
If additional information is requested, responding quickly will minimise delays.
Why Businesses Benefit from Fast Identity Verification
Efficient identity verification offers significant advantages for businesses. These include:
- faster customer onboarding;
- improved customer satisfaction;
- reduced administration;
- lower operational costs;
- improved compliance;
- reduced fraud.
Businesses that implement modern digital verification solutions are often able to onboard customers far more efficiently than organisations relying on manual processes.
How UK Business Gateway Can Help
UK Business Gateway provides secure digital identity verification and compliance solutions for businesses and individuals.
Our verification services are designed to be:
- fast;
- secure;
- user-friendly;
- compliant with UK regulatory requirements.
Our services include:
- Identity Verification;
- Director Verification;
- PSC Verification;
- Standard AML Checks;
- Enhanced AML Checks;
- PEP Screening;
- Sanctions Screening;
- Source of Funds Verification;
- Source of Wealth Verification;
- Enhanced Due Diligence.
Many standard verification checks can be completed within minutes, helping businesses onboard customers quickly while maintaining high standards of security and compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can identity verification be completed on a mobile phone?
Yes. Most modern identity verification processes are designed to work seamlessly on smartphones and tablets.
Why has my verification been delayed?
Common reasons include unclear photographs, expired documents, inconsistent information or the need for additional compliance checks.
Does everyone need enhanced due diligence?
No. Enhanced Due Diligence is generally only required where a higher level of risk has been identified or where regulatory requirements make additional checks necessary.
Is identity verification secure?
Yes. Modern digital identity verification platforms use encryption, biometric technology and secure authentication processes to protect personal information.
Need an Identity Check?
Fast, Secure Identity Verification for Businesses and Individuals.
Whether you're forming a company, onboarding a new client, verifying a director, recruiting an employee or meeting your anti-money laundering obligations, UK Business Gateway can help.
Our secure digital identity verification platform enables businesses to complete identity checks quickly and efficiently, helping you reduce fraud, improve customer onboarding and meet your compliance obligations.
Our Verification Services Include:
- ✔ Identity Verification
- ✔ Director Verification
- ✔ Person with Significant Control (PSC) Verification
- ✔ Standard AML Checks
- ✔ Enhanced AML Checks
- ✔ Politically Exposed Person (PEP) Screening
- ✔ Sanctions Screening
- ✔ Source of Funds Verification
- ✔ Source of Wealth Verification
- ✔ Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD)
Why Choose UK Business Gateway?
- Fast digital verification
- Secure online platform
- UK and international coverage
- Suitable for businesses of all sizes
- Professional support throughout the verification process
Ready to get started? Request an Identity Check Today or Speak to Our Compliance Team to discuss your verification requirements.
Typical Identity Verification Timescales
The table below provides a general indication of how long different verification services may take. Actual times can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the quality of the information provided and whether additional compliance checks are required.
| Verification Service | Typical Processing Time | Manual Review Required? | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Identity Verification | 2–10 minutes | Rarely | Customer onboarding, company formation |
| Director Identity Verification | 5–30 minutes | Occasionally | Company incorporations, director appointments |
| PSC Verification | 5–30 minutes | Occasionally | Corporate compliance, beneficial ownership verification |
| Standard AML Check | Minutes to 30 minutes | Occasionally | Routine customer due diligence |
| PEP Screening | Minutes | Rarely | Regulatory compliance |
| Sanctions Screening | Minutes | Rarely | AML compliance |
| Enhanced AML Check | Same day to 2 business days | Often | Higher-risk clients or transactions |
| Source of Funds Verification | 1–5 business days | Yes | Property transactions, investments, business acquisitions |
| Source of Wealth Verification | 2–7 business days | Yes | Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) |
| Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) | 2–10 business days | Yes | Complex ownership structures, overseas clients, higher-risk matters |
Factors That Can Affect Processing Times
Processing times may increase where:
- additional documentation is required;
- identity documents are unclear or expired;
- information supplied is incomplete or inconsistent;
- enhanced due diligence is necessary;
- source of funds or source of wealth evidence requires manual review;
- overseas jurisdictions are involved.
Providing clear, accurate and complete information at the outset is the best way to minimise delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Most standard digital identity verification checks can be completed within 2 to 10 minutes. More complex cases involving Enhanced Due Diligence or Source of Funds verification may take several business days.
- Yes. Modern identity verification solutions allow individuals to verify their identity remotely using a smartphone, tablet or computer without visiting an office.
- Common reasons include poor-quality document images, expired identification documents, inconsistent information, additional compliance requirements or the need for manual review.
- Most verification processes require a valid government-issued identity document, such as a passport or driving licence. You may also be asked to provide proof of address and, in some cases, additional supporting documents.
- Yes. Modern verification platforms use encryption, biometric facial recognition, liveness detection and secure authentication technologies to help protect your personal information.
- Identity verification confirms that an individual is who they claim to be. An Anti-Money Laundering (AML) check goes further by assessing financial crime risks through sanctions screening, Politically Exposed Person (PEP) screening and other compliance checks.
- While not every business is legally required to verify every customer, many organisations use identity verification to reduce fraud, protect their reputation and support compliance. Businesses operating in regulated sectors may have specific legal obligations to carry out customer due diligence.
- Yes. Secure digital identity verification enables businesses to onboard UK and international clients remotely, making it easier to verify identities without requiring face-to-face meetings.
Conclusion
Identity verification has become an essential part of doing business in today's digital world.
Thanks to advances in technology, most standard identity verification checks can now be completed within minutes, allowing businesses to onboard customers more efficiently while reducing fraud and supporting compliance.
Occasionally, additional checks may extend processing times, particularly where enhanced due diligence, source of funds verification or manual review is required. However, providing clear documents and accurate information from the outset will help ensure the process is completed as quickly as possible.
If your business requires fast, secure and reliable identity verification services, UK Business Gateway is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our digital verification and compliance solutions.