# Identity Check ### About service An Identity Check is a **biometric identity verification** service for **KYC onboarding**. It combines **ISO-certified (PAD Level 2) selfie liveness detection** with **facial similarity (face match)** to verify that a customer is the genuine person behind an identity. It compares a live selfie with the photo on an official ID document. It returns a liveness outcome and a facial similarity confidence score. To protect your identity verification flow from spoofing, ComplyCube uses **Presentation Attack Detection (PAD)**. This helps detect common **liveness fraud** vectors, including: * **Printed mask attacks**: Where masks with cut-outs are used to mimic real faces. * **Printed photo attacks:** Where fraudsters use printed photos. * **Image replay attacks:** Where injected images attempt to simulate liveness. * **3D mask attacks**: Where silicone or plastic masks are used to impersonate individuals. By combining face match with real-time liveness detection, Identity Check helps reduce onboarding fraud. It’s commonly used for **KYC identity verification**, **customer onboarding**, **transaction approvals**, and more If you need higher assurance with video challenges, use [Enhanced Identity Check](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/biometric-and-liveness-verification/enhanced-identity-check). {% hint style="info" %} On a successful Identity Check, your customer’s facial biometrics will be **automatically enrolled** (if enabled on your plan). This helps prevent fraud related to multiple registrations under different identities and enables [face-based authentication](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/biometric-and-liveness-verification/face-authentication-check) for future interactions. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} Even though it is possible to run this check entirely through our API, we **highly recommend** that you run it through our [Hosted Solution](https://app.gitbook.com/s/lv7UhJvTbxeq4s3KwQpn/web-integrations/hosted-solution-quick-guide), [Web SDK](https://app.gitbook.com/s/lv7UhJvTbxeq4s3KwQpn/web-integrations/web-sdk-quick-guide), or native [Mobile SDKs](https://app.gitbook.com/s/sw26JqCBnT6AEIbxAYyk/quick-guides/mobile-sdk-guide). These SDKs guide your clients through the capture process, aiding them with completing the flow successfully with minimal friction and false-positive outcomes. {% endhint %} {% hint style="info" %} [Learn about the Identity Checks API.](https://app.gitbook.com/s/kAhgmUKSf8CFUFVL3GEe/check-types/identity-check) {% endhint %} ### Analysis performed An Identity Check runs layered **biometric analysis** to validate **liveness**, confirm **facial similarity**, and flag **spoofing** or tampering signals. The diagram below outlines the key analysis categories. *** ![Identity Check Overview](https://1615271746-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FKyFKMqftsmT6qln9zo5y%2Fuploads%2FizjkX3S9upA5hsJgZG3j%2Fidentity_check_service.png?alt=media\&token=9acb3e39-e186-4105-87e0-df773cdeeb29) *** **Detailed verification checks**
AnalysisVerifications Performed
Face Analysis
  • Facial similarity: Compares the submitted selfie with the ID photo to confirm both belong to the same person. Returns a confidence score between 0–100%, where 100% indicates a perfect match and 0% indicates no match at all.
  • Banned faces analysis: Flags matches against prohibited or blacklisted face databases.
  • Previously enrolled face: Detects if the same face has already been registered using different customer details.
Authenticity Analysis
  • Spoofed image analysis: Indicates whether the images are manipulated, copied from the internet, or are known blacklisted images.

  • Liveness check: Confirms the customer is physically present and not a spoof attempt. This involves advanced biometric and anti-spoofing techniques, such as:

    • 3D facial mapping
    • Skin texture and micro-expression analysis
    • Pixel-level tampering detection
    • Virtual camera detection
    • Mask and disguise recognition
    • Proprietary anti-spoofing techniques

    Returns a confidence score between 0–100%, where 100% indicates a highly reliable live presence and 0% indicates a likely spoof attempt.

Integrity Analysis
  • Face detection: Ensures the expected number of faces are present in the image and that the image quality is sufficient for reliable analysis.
### Check duration An Identity Check takes an average of **3 seconds** to complete. ### Related checks You’ll typically run an Identity Check alongside: * [Document Check](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/identity-verification/document-check) for document authenticity and ID data extraction. * [AML Screening Check](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/watchlist-pep-and-adverse-media/aml-screening-check) for sanctions, PEP, and adverse media screening. * [Multi-Bureau Check](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/identity-verification/multi-bureau-check) for identity and address verification via authoritative sources. * [Face Authentication Check](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/biometric-and-liveness-verification/face-authentication-check) for step-up and repeat authentication after enrolment. ### Related topics Use these when building end-to-end KYC journeys that include Identity Check: * [Workflows](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/compliance-studio/workflows) to bundle Identity Check into a single customer journey. * [Compliance Policies](https://docs.complycube.com/documentation/product-guides/compliance-studio/policies) to apply rule-based decisions and evidence requirements. * [Hosted Solution](https://app.gitbook.com/s/lv7UhJvTbxeq4s3KwQpn/web-integrations/hosted-solution-quick-guide), [Web SDK](https://app.gitbook.com/s/lv7UhJvTbxeq4s3KwQpn/web-integrations/web-sdk-quick-guide), and [Mobile SDKs](https://app.gitbook.com/s/sw26JqCBnT6AEIbxAYyk/quick-guides/mobile-sdk-guide) for guided selfie capture.