> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fraudcheck.co.za/product/products/verification/business/principal-link.md).

# Principal link by ID number

Looks up a director by ID number and returns their bureau profile and the businesses they are linked to.

Looks up an individual director or principal by their South African ID number and returns their consumer bureau profile, recent enquiry history and the businesses they are linked to. Unlike the other business checks, it runs due diligence on the person, not the business.

{% hint style="info" %}
Previously listed as *Principal Link by ID*.
{% endhint %}

## How it works

The request is checked against the consumer bureau using the ID number supplied. It is a soft enquiry for verification and fraud prevention: it is recorded on the person's bureau file under the enquiry reason used, but does not affect their credit score. Results can be retrieved again later.

## What it returns

The person's bureau profile (name, date of birth, ID number, current and previous address, employer and occupation, and any remarks or dispute flags), their recent credit enquiry history (who enquired, when and the type of enquiry), and the businesses they are linked to, each with registration status and judgment or default counts.

## Inputs required

The person's first name, last name and South African ID number, and the reason for the enquiry.

## Data source

Consumer credit bureau.

## Consent and permissible purpose

You must obtain the data subject's consent before running this check, and confirm on each request that you have it. You keep the proof of consent; Fraudcheck records that you confirmed it. See [Consent and permissible use](/product/overview/how-it-works/consent.md).

## Channels

Portal and API. For request and response detail, see the [API reference](https://developer.fraudcheck.co.za/commercial-service/identity/principal-link-id).

## Outcomes

The bureau profile and linked businesses for the person.

## Turnaround

Near real-time, typically under 5 seconds.

## When to use it

Verifying a director's identity and credit history during business onboarding, identifying every company a person is associated with, or checking enquiry patterns and adverse records against a principal.


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