Watch: How CitizenCard verifies its applicants

Applicants show original photo ID (such as a passport) to a professional who vouches that the details within the CitizenCard application (such as the date of birth) match the details listed on the ID.  The verifier must sign a photocopy of the ID.
If the applicant is known to the verifier the ID can be non-photographic (such as a birth certificate). 

The verifier must also vouch that the photos supplied are a true likeness of the applicant.  

CitizenCard validates the verifier’s ID by checking professional databases such as those of the Law Society or British Medical Association (GMC, GDC and NMC) or by checking Companies House records.  Before CitizenCard contacts the verifier (to confirm they really did support the application) we confirm that the verifier’s phone number is a landline phone number for their genuine place of work. 

CitizenCard contacts the verifier to confirm their identity

If the applicant has no ID available they can ask certain people (such as their teacher, doctor or social worker) to vouch that the details in their CitizenCard application match the official records held by the verifier's business or organistion.  

The verifier must know the applicant if confirming records

The precise detail of CitizenCard’s verification process is not made public for obvious reasons.  The process is regularly audited by members of the Trading Standards Institute (on behalf of PASS).  CitizenCard keeps on file for two years a printed audit trail for each application including: countersigned copies of applicant’s ID; evidence that the verifier countersigned the application; and, a record of phone conversations with the verifier and/or applicant.

14% of CitizenCard applicants are never issued with a card and in 4% of cases either the applicant or verifier are threatened with prosecution for suspected fraud (under the terms of the 2006 UK Fraud Act).

For more on CitizenCard’s verification process please contact lgaston@citizencard.com