Your identity check and selfie

What the selfie proves

The selfie step makes three checks: that your ID is genuine, that a live person is in front of the camera, and that your face matches. Your selfie is compared with the photo on your NIN or BVN record or, if that can’t settle it, with the ID you uploaded. When all three pass, you see It’s really you — selfie confirmed.

1. Press Open camera and allow the camera.
2. Look straight at the camera and press Take selfie.
3. Press Use this photo, or Retake for another go.

We do not keep your selfie. It is used for the checks and then discarded, unless you ask a person to check it (see below).

Get it right first time

• Use bright, even light from the front. Avoid a window behind you.
• Hold the camera at eye level, and keep your whole face in the frame.
• Remove anything that covers your face, such as sunglasses or a face mask.
• For the ID photo, lay the card flat, fill the frame, and avoid glare. Every word should be readable.

Use your phone instead

On a computer, under Camera not great? Use your phone instead., press Show a code for my phone. Scan the code with your phone and take the selfie there. The computer moves on by itself when the phone is done. The code works for a few minutes, and the page tells you how long.

Ask a person to check

If the checks still cannot decide after a few tries, you see Still not working? Ask a person to check. Tick the consent box and press Send my photos for review. Your selfie and the ID you uploaded go to Acreed’s team, encrypted.

• If they confirm it is you, the selfie checks pass and we email you.
• If the photos are not clear enough, we email you to take your photos again.
• If they cannot confirm it is you, your verification stays stopped. Contact us if you think that is wrong.
• The copies made for the review are deleted as soon as a decision is made, or after a set period if none is. The ID you uploaded stays with your documents.

If you are stopped

If a check gives a definite no, for example your selfie does not match your ID, or it still does not read as a live person after several tries, verification stops with We couldn’t confirm your identity. If your photos simply cannot be read after several tries, it says We couldn’t read your photos. Please do not start again, because that will not change the result. Ask a person to check, or contact us.