Guidance

Examining identity documents

How to detect basic forgeries in identity documents.

• From: Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force
• Published: 18 November 2014
• Last updated: 6 February 2023 — See all updates

Documents

Guidance on examining identity documents (accessible)

HTML

Guidance on examining identity documents

PDF, 5.94 MB, 49 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

Identity documents are used as proof of identity, nationality, status and employment in the UK.

There are thousands of fraudulent identity documents in circulation. This guide explains:

• the security features in identity documents
• how identity documents are forged
• how to detect basic forgeries

Published 18 November 2014

Last updated 6 February 2023 + show all updates

1. 6 February 2023

   New version of guidance uploaded.

2. 2 March 2020

   Updated page 10 of document with correct information.

3. 12 July 2016

   Updated guidance.

4. 29 February 2016

   Updated guidance.

5. 21 August 2015

   Updated guidance.

6. 8 January 2015

   updated guidance

7. 10 December 2014

   uploaded new version of guide

8. 18 November 2014

   First published.