| 4th Jun 2025 |
3Min. To Read
Verifying employee identity is a legal and essential part of the hiring process in the UK. Employers must ensure that every individual has the right to work in the UK, and that begins with checking the authenticity of identification documents. In an age where document forgery has become more sophisticated, knowing how to spot a fake ID is more important than ever.
Hiring someone using false identification can lead to severe consequences, including fines, reputational damage, and legal action. The Home Office requires employers to conduct Right to Work checks and maintain accurate records. Failing to identify forged documents may also result in employing someone who poses a risk to the organisation.
Fake identification documents can include:
Forged passports
Altered biometric residence permits (BRPs)
Counterfeit UK driving licences
Falsified National Insurance (NI) numbers
These documents may look genuine at first glance, so it’s crucial to examine them carefully.
Here’s what UK employers should look for:
Spelling mistakes in names or issuing authorities
Poor-quality printing or mismatched fonts
Blurry photos or inconsistent holograms
Most official documents include advanced security features such as:
Watermarks
Holograms
UV markings
Microtext or raised printing
Hold the document under different lighting or use a UV light to check for these features.
Check that the photo matches the person presenting the ID. Look at age, facial features, and even hairstyles. If anything seems off, ask questions or request additional ID.
Expired documents are not valid for Right to Work checks. Ensure the ID is current and check all relevant dates for consistency.
Use the Home Office’s ID checking guidance or a digital verification platform like VerifyOnline.co.uk to cross-reference documents with known templates.
Manual checks can be unreliable. Platforms like VerifyOnline.co.uk use secure, AI-powered tools to quickly scan, validate, and authenticate IDs against official databases. This helps reduce human error and ensures compliance with Home Office standards.
If you suspect an ID is forged:
Do not accept the document
Politely ask for an alternative form of ID
Avoid making accusations on the spot
Report suspicions to your HR department or legal advisor
Fake ID detection is an essential skill for employers to maintain legal compliance and workplace safety. While manual checks help, using a trusted verification service like VerifyOnline.co.uk ensures greater accuracy and peace of mind.