Paper documents and the GOV.UK DVS register

Every identity check on a client now says how it was done and, for an electronic check, whether the service behind it was on the GOV.UK DVS register on the day. You will see this on the client's Verifications tab, in the identity report and in the compliance pack.

What the DVS register is

The GOV.UK register of digital verification services lists the electronic identity services that have been independently certified against the UK digital verification services trust framework. The AML guidance for the accountancy sector (AMLGAS 2026, paragraphs 5.5.12 and 5.5.13) says:

• to rely on an electronic identity check, the service should be on the register, and you should keep a note that it can be relied upon;
• a service that is not on the register cannot reliably be treated as meeting the Money Laundering Regulations, and you should obtain paper documents instead.

What the status means

• On the GOV.UK DVS register at the time of this check. The service was listed, with a current certificate, on the day the check completed.
• Not on the GOV.UK DVS register at the time of this check. The electronic check still tells you what it found, but under AMLGAS 5.5.12 you should also obtain paper documents for this client.
• Not applicable (paper documents). Identity was checked with documents your firm saw.

The status is fixed when the check completes. If the register changes later, past checks keep the status they had on the day.

Recording a paper document check

A firm owner, a manager or your firm's MLRO can record one.

1. Open the client and go to Verifications.
2. Choose Record a paper document check.
3. Choose the document. The list follows AMLGAS B.1.8: passport, photocard driving licence, national identity card, Electoral Identity Card (Northern Ireland), or another document you describe.
4. Enter the issuing country, the date you saw it, whether you saw the original in person or a certified copy, and who checked it. The expiry date and the last four characters of the document number are optional.
5. Upload a copy of the document. It is kept with the client's documents as the record of the check, and it is required.
6. Choose Record check.

The client's identity then counts as verified, in the same way as an electronic check: on the client list, in the compliance score and in the compliance pack. There is no charge for recording a paper check.

A document that had already expired on the date you saw it cannot be recorded, because only a valid document can be relied on.

Good to know

• Only the last four characters of the document number are stored. The full number is on the copy you upload.
• Paper checks are for individual clients. A company is verified through Companies House and its owners.
• If the client is a beneficial owner of a company you act for, recording the check also marks them verified on that company.