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 — See all updates

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Guidance on examining identity documents (accessible)

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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

Published 18 November 2014

Last updated 15 July 2025 + show all updates

1. 15 July 2025

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

2. 6 February 2023

   New version of guidance uploaded.

3. 2 March 2020

   Updated page 10 of document with correct information.

4. 12 July 2016

   Updated guidance.

5. 29 February 2016

   Updated guidance.

6. 21 August 2015

   Updated guidance.

7. 8 January 2015

   updated guidance

8. 10 December 2014

   uploaded new version of guide

9. 18 November 2014

   First published.