Guidance

Examining identity documents

How to detect basic forgeries in identity documents.

From:
Home Office, UK Visas and Immigration, Immigration Enforcement and Border Force
Published
18 November 2014
Last updated
15 July 2025 鈥� See all updates

Documents

Guidance on examining identity documents (accessible)

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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 15 July 2025 show all updates

  1. Updated the section on biometric residence permits and added information on the transition from vignette (stickers) to eVisas.

  2. New version of guidance uploaded.

  3. Updated page 10 of document with correct information.

  4. Updated guidance.

  5. Updated guidance.

  6. Updated guidance.

  7. updated guidance

  8. uploaded new version of guide

  9. First published.

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