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
  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.

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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