> 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/identity/enhanced.md).

# Identity Verification - Enhanced

Confirms an ID number and name against government records and returns the official ID photo and key biographic details.

A registry check that confirms a South African ID number and name against government records, and returns the official ID photo along with key biographic details. It confirms the identity is real and gives you a fuller record to work with.

## How it works

Each request runs in one of two modes, chosen by the variation you select:

* **On-file** checks recent snapshot data held by credit bureaus and other verified third-party sources. It responds faster and costs less, and covers roughly 80–85% of the South African population.
* **Online** queries live Department of Home Affairs records in real time. Choose it when you need the most current record available, for example for a deceased-status check.

## What it returns

A match outcome plus, where available, the official ID photograph, date of birth, gender, nationality, marital status and deceased status.

## Inputs required

A South African ID number, first name and surname.

## Data source

On-file snapshot data from credit bureaus and other verified third-party sources (on-file mode), or live Department of Home Affairs records (online mode).

## 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/consumer-service/identity/enhanced-identity-verification).

## Outcomes

A match outcome against the record. See [Results and outcomes](/product/overview/how-it-works/results-and-outcomes.md).

## Turnaround

Near real-time, typically 2–4 seconds. On-file requests generally return faster than online requests.

## When to use it

Onboarding or KYC flows that need an official photo on file: for documentation, for a later face-match step, or to show a human reviewer what the ID holder should look like. Also useful wherever deceased status is a meaningful fraud signal.


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