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Guide to IDVT (Identity Document Validation Technology)
Digital checks offer a faster route for British and Irish candidates, but only when you use the right provider and keep the right records. This guide explains what IDVT is, how it works, and what changes from 1 October 2026.
Table of contents
- What is IDVT
- How IDVT verifies identity
- Why was IDVT introduced
- Who can use IDVT
- When should employers use IDVT?
- IDVT vs Home Office online Right to Work checks
- IDVT and Compliance: What you need to know
- Choosing a Right to Work Digital Verification Service Provider
- How Access Screening supports IDVT
What is IDVT
IDVT (Identity Document Validation Technology) is digital solution that verifies the authenticity of identity documents, such as British and Irish passports, as part of a right to work check. A registered provider runs the digital verification. The employer confirms that the photo and details match the person presenting, keeps the record and remains responsible for the outcome.
The Home Office recognised IDVT as a lawful check method from 6 April 2022, giving employers a fully digital alternative to manual document inspection for eligible candidates.
IDVT at a glance
- What it is: A digital method for checking a candidate's identity and right to work using a passport or passport card.
- Who it covers: British citizens with a valid UK passport and Irish citizens with a valid Irish passport or Irish passport card.
- Who runs it: A certified Right to Work Digital Verification Service (DVS) provider, sometimes called an Identity Service Provider (IDSP).
- Key date: From 1 October 2026, all DVS providers must be certified under the DVS Trust Framework v1.0 and listed on the statutory register. Using an uncertified provider removes your statutory excuse. The rules also extend to contractors, subcontractors and platform workers.
- Your job: Confirm the photo and details match the candidate, then keep the provider's output and a record of the check.
How IDVT verifies identity
A typical check takes place on the candidate's smartphone, and the employer receives a result once the provider has finished.
- The employer invites the candidate. The employer or screening platform sends a secure link to the provider's process.
- The candidate photographs their passport. The candidate captures images of their passport or passport card. Depending on the provider and document, the process may also include reading the document's embedded chip.
- The provider checks the document. The system tests whether the document is genuine and whether its data is consistent.
- The candidate completes a live image check. They provide a selfie or short video so the provider can match them to the passport photograph.
- The provider issues a result. The provider issues a verification result indicating whether the document appears genuine and whether the identity verification checks have been successfully completed.
- The employer reviews and keeps the record. The employer reviews and retains the record. Before relying on the result, the employer must be satisfied that the IDVT outcome relates to the individual presenting for work and must retain evidence of the check in line with Home Office requirements.
Why was IDVT introduced
IDVT gives employers a fast, remote and structured way to verify identity and right to work. For eligible candidates, it removes the need to view original documents in person.
Enabling the use of IDVT for Right to Work, Right to Rent and DBS checks will help to support long-term post pandemic working practices, accelerate the recruitment and onboarding process, improve employee mobility and enhance the security and integrity of the checks.
- GOV.UK
Who can use IDVT
Employers
The duty and the statutory excuse sit with you, even when a provider runs the check.
Recruitment agencies
They can arrange the digital check through a registered RtW DVSP. Your statutory excuse depends on the check meeting every prescribed requirement.
Registered RtW DVSPs
They carry out the digital verification and must be on the OfDIA register with a note confirming they can provide right to work checks.
Candidates
British citizens with a valid UK passport and Irish citizens with a valid Irish passport or Irish passport card. Everyone else uses the Home Office online service or a manual check.
When should employers use IDVT?
Digital identity checks are one of three ways to complete a right to work check. You can also use a manual document check or the Home Office online service. Using a digital provider is optional. If you choose one, it must be a registered RtW DVSP.
| Worker's situation | Route to use | Digital option? |
|---|---|---|
| British or Irish citizen with a valid passport or Irish passport card | Manual document check, or a registered RtW DVSP | ✓(optional) |
| Worker with an eVisa (digital immigration status) | Home Office online service with a share code | ✗A digital provider does not replace the share code check. |
| Worker with other documents, such as non-digital immigration documents | Manual document check | ✗ |
IDVT vs Home Office online Right to Work checks
These two digital routes are often confused. They serve different candidates, so the choice depends on the document a candidate holds.
| Feature | IDVT | Home Office online service |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | Eligible British & Irish passport holders | Individuals whose right to work is evidenced through the Home Office online service, including people with an eVisa or other eligible digital immigration status. |
| Who carries out the check | Registered Right to Work Digital Verification Service Provider (RtW DVSP) | Home Office |
| Requires share code | ✗ | ✓ |
| Cost to employer | Charged by the DVS provider; get a quote | Free |
| Suitable for remote hiring | ✓ | ✓ |
| Purpose | Identity verification for eligible British and Irish citizens as part of a right to work check | Verification of immigration status and right to work entitlement |
IDVT and Compliance: What you need to know
Staying compliant with UK identity verification regulations is crucial for businesses conducting Right to Work, Right to Rent, and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. In 2025, digital identity verification is more regulated than ever, making certified IDVT solutions essential for compliance.
Choosing a Right to Work Digital Verification Service Provider (RtW DVSP)
Look for:
- OfDIA register listing: Check that the provider's right to work verification service is listed on the OfDIA register and approved for right to work checks.
- Verify the provider's status regularly: Registration and approval status can change, so it is good practice to periodically check that the provider remains approved for right to work services.
- Retain provider outputs: Keep the verification result and any supporting records required to demonstrate that the right to work check was completed correctly.
- Digital identity verification: If you intend to rely on biometric or facial matching technology as part of a right to work check, ensure the provider is an approved RtW DVSP.
How Access Screening supports IDVT
See how Access Screening helps employers route candidates to the correct check type, maintain compliant records and manage ongoing right to work obligations from one platform.
- Routing to the right check - Eligible candidates go to IDVT. Candidates with share codes are directed to the Home Office online service.
- Reminders before permissions lapse - Time-limited permissions are flagged ahead of expiry.
- Time-stamped records - Each IDVT output is logged with the date and time.
- Consent and data deletion - Consent is captured at application, retention periods are configurable, and deletion is automated in line with ICO guidance.
- Rule changes kept current - The platform is updated for regulatory changes, including the RtW DVSP requirement that took effect on 1 October 2026.
Reduce time to hire, comply with confidence and hire the right candidate.
IDVT FAQs
Is IDVT mandatory?
No. Employers can carry out a right to work check using a manual document check, the Home Office online service, or a digital check through a registered Right to Work Digital Verification Service Provider (RtW DVSP). The correct route depends on the worker's circumstances and the documents they hold.
How does IDVT help recruiters?
IDVT helps recruiters complete right to work checks remotely for eligible British and Irish candidates. Candidates can complete the process using their smartphone before their start date, reducing onboarding delays and removing the need to inspect original documents in person. Employers must still ensure the check meets Home Office requirements and retain the required records.
Can I use IDVT instead of a share code check?
No. IDVT cannot replace the Home Office online right to work service. Candidates whose right to work is evidenced through digital immigration status, such as an eVisa, must complete a share code check through the Home Office system.
Do I still need to keep records if I use IDVT?
Yes. Using a RtW DVSP does not remove your record-keeping responsibilities. Employers must retain the provider's output and evidence of the right to work check for the duration of employment and for two years after it ends.
Can I rely solely on an IDVT result?
No. An IDVT result is only one part of a compliant right to work check. Employers must still be satisfied that the result relates to the individual presenting for work and must retain the provider's output and any required records in line with Home Office requirements.
What happens if I use an unregistered provider?
You may be unable to establish a statutory excuse against a civil penalty. Before using a digital verification provider, check that its right to work service is approved and listed on the relevant register.
What happens if I use IDVT for the wrong candidate?
IDVT can only be used for eligible British and Irish citizens using a qualifying passport or Irish passport card. If a candidate's right to work must be verified through the Home Office online service, using IDVT instead may prevent the employer from establishing a statutory excuse. Always confirm which right to work route applies before carrying out the check.
Can recruitment agencies arrange IDVT checks?
Yes. Recruitment agencies and screening providers can arrange digital checks through a registered RtW DVSP. However, the employer relying on the check remains responsible for ensuring the prescribed requirements have been met.
Can IDVT help reduce identity fraud?
IDVT combines document validation and biometric identity verification technologies to help identify forged, altered or impersonated identity documents. However, no checking method removes fraud risk entirely, so employers must still follow all Home Office right to work requirements.
What happens if a right to work check is completed incorrectly?
Employers can face civil penalties if they employ someone who does not have the right to work and have not established a valid statutory excuse. Penalties can be significantly higher for repeat breaches, making it important to follow the prescribed process and retain the required records.