---
title: Choose an ID check method
description: "Seamlss offers two ways to check a client's identity document. You choose one per person in the Identity Verification section of a client request. Either way, your firm then checks the client's details against ATO records. **In Seamlss:** **+ Request**,…"
url: "https://seamlss.com.au/help/client-verification/"
updated: "2026-10-06"
category: Clients
---

# Choose an ID check method

Seamlss offers two ways to check a client's identity document. You choose one per person in the Identity Verification section of a client request. Either way, your firm then checks the client's details against ATO records.

**In Seamlss:** **+ Request**, **Client Request**, then the **Identity Verification** section.

![The Identity Verification section](https://seamlss.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/seamlss-req-2b-identity.png)

**Which do we recommend?** DVS via Stripe Identity, especially if you do AML checks. The document is checked against government records and the client does a biometric check, so your firm isn't judging a photo of a licence.

## DVS via Stripe Identity

**+$5 inc GST** per check, billed monthly. The client photographs their ID and takes a selfie. The document is checked through the Document Verification Service. The client must be 16 or older.

Under the ATO's rules this is one proof of identity. Add a check of the client's details against ATO records for the second.

## Visual Identity + ATO Source Identity

The client uploads photo ID, such as a licence, plus at least one ATO document, such as a Notice of Assessment. No extra charge. Your firm does the checking:

- Compare the person with their licence on a short video call. An uploaded photo on its own isn't a visual check.
- Match the reference number or DIN on their ATO document against the ATO record for that client.
- Check their name, date of birth and other details in Online services for agents.

## What the ATO accepts

- A primary photo ID, such as a licence, checked against the person in person or on video. On its own, this is enough for most clients.
- Otherwise, two separate proofs. For example, a Stripe-checked licence plus two details matched against the client's ATO record.

The full steps, including what to check at the ATO and how to record it, are in [Verify a client, step by step](https://seamlss.com.au/help/client-verification-step-by-step-guide/). The rules come from the ATO's [agent client verification methods](https://www.ato.gov.au/tax-and-super-professionals/for-tax-professionals/your-practice/tax-and-bas-agents/agent-client-verification-methods) and [TPB(GS) 42/2022](https://www.tpb.gov.au/tpb-gs-42-2022-proof-identity-requirements-client-verification).

Client overseas? The Stripe check accepts identity documents from most countries. See [Can overseas clients verify their ID in Seamlss?](https://seamlss.com.au/aml-faq/#seamlss-overseas) For AML, AUSTRAC also accepts electronic checks: see [Can I verify a client electronically?](https://seamlss.com.au/aml-faq/#austrac-can-i-verify-a-clients-identity-electronically-using-a)

**Don't check everyone by accident.** ID checks are charged per use. If a client link includes an ID check, every existing client who uses it is checked too. Leave it off the link and send new clients a check separately.

## Something not working?

 The client can't complete the Stripe check

They may be under 16, or their document isn't one DVS recognises. Switch them to Visual Identity + ATO Source Identity with a video check.

The documents arrived but nothing says verified

Your firm records the decision after checking the ATO record. See [Verify a client, step by step](https://seamlss.com.au/help/client-verification-step-by-step-guide/).

Still stuck? [Contact support](https://seamlss.com.au/support/) and tell us what you see.