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Back of ID Capture

Many IDs carry critical information on the back — addresses, expiration dates, machine-readable zones, and additional security features. Real ID can capture and analyze the back of an ID alongside the front, and you control when this happens with three capture modes.

Enabling Back of ID Capture​

Open the Settings page in the Real ID app, then select the Rules section. Scroll down to the Back of ID Capture section and choose one of the three modes below.

Capture modes​

Automatic (default)​

Real ID detects when the document type has additional fields on the back — such as German identification cards, or driver's licenses where the address is printed on the reverse — and only then prompts the customer to capture it.

This is the recommended mode for most merchants: it minimizes customer friction while still capturing the back where it actually matters.

Always​

Every customer is prompted to capture the back of their ID, regardless of document type.

Choose this when you want the most complete record on every verification — for example, if you store the photos for compliance or audit purposes, or if you process IDs from many regions and prefer consistent data.

Never​

The back of the ID is never requested, even for document types that would normally have data on the back.

Choose this for the fastest customer experience when the front of the ID is sufficient for your use case.

Frequently Asked Questions​

Which document types require a back capture in Automatic mode?​

Documents with information beyond what's printed on the front — most non-US national ID cards, certain European driver's licenses (e.g. German), and similar documents. Real ID detects the document type from the front of the ID and only prompts for the back when the document needs it.

Will switching modes affect existing checks?​

No. Mode changes only apply to new checks created after the change. In-progress and completed checks are unaffected.

Can the customer skip the back capture?​

No. If the selected mode requires it, the verification cannot complete without the back of the ID.

Where can I view the captured back of ID?​

The back of the ID appears alongside the front on the check details page, and is included when downloading customer photos.