Identity Verification Guide for Candidates

This article is for candidates who have been asked to complete an identity verification check as part of a background check ordered through Credibled, or who are completing their own personal check via MyCheck.

What is identity verification?

Credibled's identity verification is a secure, online process that confirms you are who you say you are. It uses biometric facial recognition technology to match a selfie against your government-issued ID. The process is fast, encrypted, and can be completed in a few minutes from a phone or computer.

Important: The verification must be completed by you, the named candidate. You cannot complete the check on behalf of someone else, and no one else should appear in the frame of your selfie.

Before you begin

To complete the verification successfully, please make sure you have:

• A valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID
• A device with a working camera. A smartphone is strongly recommended, as laptop webcams often produce lower quality images.
• A well-lit space, free of strong shadows or glare
• A stable internet connection
• The verification email or link sent to you by Credibled

Accepted identification documents

You can use one of the following:

• Passport
• Driver's licence
• Provincial or territorial photo ID card
• Permanent Resident card
• Other valid government-issued photo ID

Whether a specific document is accepted depends on your region and the type of check being completed. If you are unsure whether your ID is valid for your check, please contact our support team before starting.

How the verification works

The process takes about 2 to 3 minutes and involves three simple steps:

1. Click your secure link. You will receive an encrypted link by email from Credibled. Open it on the device you plan to use for verification.
2. Provide consent. Review and agree to the biometric consent. This explains how your data is collected, used, and protected.
3. Capture your ID and selfie. Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph the front and back of your ID, then take a short selfie. Automated guidance walks you through each step.

Once submitted, the result is returned to your prospective employer in seconds.

Tips for a successful verification

• Use a smartphone whenever possible
• Make sure your face is fully visible. Remove hats, sunglasses, or anything that covers your features
• Choose a well-lit area with even lighting and no harsh shadows
• Hold your ID flat and make sure all four corners are inside the frame
• Avoid glare and reflections on the surface of your ID
• Keep your device steady and let the camera focus before capturing
• Make sure the personal details you provided (name, date of birth, address) match your ID exactly

Common reasons verification fails

If your verification is unsuccessful, it is usually because of one of the following:

• The image is blurry, dark, or has cropped edges
• The ID document is expired
• The information on your ID does not exactly match the details you submitted, for example a typo in your name or date of birth
• More than three attempts were made with poor quality images
• Someone else is visible in the selfie frame

What happens if verification fails

If your verification cannot be completed, your prospective employer will be notified and may issue you a new verification link. Before retrying, review the tips above and double-check that the personal information you entered matches your ID exactly.

In some cases, an alternative non-biometric verification method may be offered automatically, depending on eligibility.

Privacy and biometric consent

Your privacy matters to us. Before you begin, you will be asked to provide biometric consent. This explains:

• What data is collected (your ID image and selfie)
• How it is used (to verify your identity for the check ordered)
• How long it is retained and your rights as a candidate

All data is transmitted over an encrypted connection and handled in line with applicable Canadian privacy laws, including PIPEDA.

Need help?

If you get stuck or have questions, our team is here to help. Contact us at support@credibled.com and a real person will respond.