Guidance

Examining identity documents

How to detect basic forgeries in identity documents.

Documents

Guidance on examining identity documents

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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

Updates to this page

Published 18 November 2014
Last updated 6 February 2023 + show all updates
  1. New version of guidance uploaded.

  2. Updated page 10 of document with correct information.

  3. Updated guidance.

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  7. uploaded new version of guide

  8. First published.

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