What is ID validation?

ID validation is the process of determining if an ID is real. Historically this has been done using visual or manual checks, using systems such as F.L.A.G . or F.L.A.R.E. . However, modern identity validation software, such as Scandit ID Validate, is now often faster and more reliable than human checks.

How can I validate an ID card?

Legacy methods of ID card validation involve visual and manual checks. However, mass-produced high-quality fake IDs are increasingly hard to detect with the naked eye. The time available to check IDs is also being squeezed by consumer demand for frictionless experiences in sectors such as last-mile delivery. Visual/manual checks are not possible in e-commerce. A newer method is automated identity validation software, such as Scandit ID Validate. This checks hundreds of characteristics on the front and back of an ID and provides reliable results in just one second. It allows businesses to detect fraudulent IDs efficiently, securely and quickly. Identity validation software also makes online ID validation possible, for example at point-of-sale on websites selling age-restricted goods.

What is the best ID authentication software?

The best ID authentication software will depend on your business needs. Not all businesses need the same level of identity assurance, and balancing risk with efficiency is key. Broadly, high-assurance use cases (e.g., banking, healthcare) need extensive verification with high compliance support. Speed-sensitive use cases (e.g., retail, logistics, air travel) tend to prioritize identity document validation technology that gives them fast, efficient checks without unnecessary friction. Scandit ID Validate is designed for fast, efficient identity validation at the frontline and in speed-sensitive use cases. It authenticates IDs with 99.9% accuracy in just one second and provides results in an easy-to-use format.

What is the best driver’s license validation technology?

For driver registration, car hire, and rental drives, Scandit ID Validate can validate a US driver’s license in just one second, with 99.9% ID authentication accuracy. This allows businesses to reduce the risk of fraud while still delivering smooth, consistent customer and driver experiences.

What are the differences between Scandit’s ID Scan, ID Validate, Data Capture SDK and ID Bolt solutions?

ID Scan and ID Validate are core Scandit capabilities. ID Scan quickly and accurately extracts data from ID cards, visa stickers, passports, drivers’ licenses, and military IDs. ID Validate runs authenticity and validity checks to identify fraudulent identity documents. The Data Capture SDK and ID Bolt are different ways you can integrate our core capabilities. The Data Capture SDK allows you to build fully customized ID scanning and validation experiences. It includes web and native platform support, with support for all major frameworks and programming languages. ID Bolt is a pre-built, fully compliant ID scanning solution designed for easy integration into B2C websites. Scandit maintains ID Bolt’s components and user journeys – so you never have to worry about implementation details, error handling, or evolving regulations. ID Scan and ID Validate are also available in the turnkey Scandit Express app . For more information, see our detailed blog Which Scandit ID Scanning Solution Is Right for You?

ID Validate: Fast, Accurate Fake ID Detection

Identity document validation in one second on any smart device to reduce fraud, stay compliant, and move faster. 99.9% ID authentication accuracy.

Scandit's identity verification solutions are trusted by global leaders

Cut fraud, save time, protect your reputation — automate identity validation at your frontline

What one of the largest food delivery companies in the US accomplished with ID Validate:

2 million IDs validated monthly using a Scandit-powered worker app

+$25m

Over $25m incremental revenue added by expanding alcohol sales to new states.

+180k

Over 180,000 hours dwell time saved a year in proof of delivery workflows

Built for secure frontline identity checks

Get on-device identity verification designed for customer-facing teams and workflows. Designed to reduce risk without compromising speed, security, or user experience.

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Keep counterfeit IDs out of handovers

Every fake ID that slips through puts your license — and brand — at risk. ID Validate verifies age and authenticity in one scan, with no delay and no internet connection needed.

Reduce regulatory risk with on-device age verification.
Eliminate manual errors and friction in identity verification during delivery, in-store, or curbside pickup.
Enable frontline workers to validate IDs confidently, no training required.

How it works

On-device identity verification

Scandit’s ID validation software for mobile devices is built on a decade of enterprise experience and tens of millions of scans.

Fast, accurate authentication

Capture: Intuitive scanning UI extracts ID or drivers’ license data fast and easily.
Query: All validation happens on-device. Validates US driver's licenses and ID cards with PDF417 barcodes by analyzing hundreds of characteristics on the front and back of the ID. EU documents are validated using NFC verification.
Validate: Provides instant ID or driver's license validation results in 1 second, in an easy-to-use format.

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Security by design

On-device processing: No PII data stored, putting privacy and anonymization front and center. Offline ID validation works without internet access.
ISO 27001 certified: Identity validation for enterprise-grade compliance. Enables compliance with GDPR and CCPA.
Fully auditable results: Build automated audit trails to support your policies.

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Pick the right integration option

Ship fast or build a fully customized identity validation experience.

ID Scanner SDK

Build custom ID validation

Flexible APIs allowing you to build fully customized ID validation flows into your apps.
Web and native platform support. Support for all major frameworks and programming languages.

ID Bolt

Pre-built B2C web scanning

Integrate fast with pre-built ID validation software that’s ready to test in just 1 hour.
Any modern web browser platform support.
Customization and white-labelling options.

Scandit Express