NFC Verification

🔹 Definition

NFC Verification refers to the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to electronically read and verify identity documents (such as biometric passports, eIDs, or residence permits) by tapping them against an NFC-enabled smartphone or device. It is commonly used in remote identity verification, eKYC onboarding, and secure authentication processes to ensure the authenticity of the document and accuracy of the biometric and personal data stored on its embedded chip.

This method significantly reduces the risk of document forgery, tampering, and manual data entry errors, while enabling frictionless, high-trust identity verification.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How does NFC verification work?

• The user taps their biometric passport or ID card on an NFC-enabled mobile device
• The device reads the chip embedded in the document using ICAO 9303 standards
• The chip provides digitally signed data such as:
  • Full name, DOB, nationality
  • Document number and expiry date
  • Facial biometric image for facial recognition
• The system verifies the digital signature and data integrity to confirm document authenticity

Q2: What types of documents support NFC verification?

• ePassports (biometric passports with a chip logo on the cover)
• Electronic national ID cards (eID)
• Residence permits and some driver’s licenses in select jurisdictions
• Must be compliant with ICAO Doc 9303 specifications

Q3: Why is NFC verification important in compliance?

• Enables contactless and secure identity verification during remote onboarding
• Reduces risk of fraud and forgery compared to visual document checks
• Supports AML/CFT compliance by ensuring reliable identity data
• Meets requirements of regulations such as eIDAS, GDPR, and FATF digital ID guidance

Q4: What are the advantages of using NFC verification?

• Fast, accurate, and user-friendly experience
• High assurance of document authenticity via cryptographic verification
• Allows biometric matching between chip photo and selfie (liveness detection)
• Eliminates need for physical appointments in many eKYC workflows
• Compatible with mobile-first identity verification apps

Q5: What are the limitations of NFC verification?

• Requires a modern smartphone with NFC capability
• Some documents may have restricted access to chip data
• Users must have the physical document in hand—it cannot be verified from a photo
• Not all jurisdictions issue ICAO-compliant e-documents