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How to complete an NFC identity check using the Mitek app

Guide to completing NFC identity verification via the Mitek app on Legl.

Written by Ula Moyse-White

Overview

This guide walks you through completing an NFC identity check using the Mitek app, from opening the link your solicitor sends you to submitting your selfie and passport for review.

Before you start

Before starting please ensure that you:

  1. Have a passport with an electronic chip.

  2. Have a smart phone or tablet with a functioning camera and NFC reading capability. You will need this to take a photo of yourself and your passport later in the process.

Your solicitor will send you a link to submit your identity information through a secure portal, which is powered by Legl. Please open this link to begin the process.

ℹ️ Important

NFC verification via the Mitek app is only available for passports with NFC chips.

If you do not have a passport, or a passport with an NFC chip, you will need to reach out to your law firm to request a different verification method.

How to complete an NFC identity check

Step 1: Open your request and enter your details

  1. Open the link your solicitor sent you. Review Legl's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and if you are happy, select 'Agree and continue'.

  2. Next, fill in your basic details for proof of identification. Please provide your:

    1. Full name as it appears on your identity document

    2. Contact details

    3. Date of birth

    4. Country

    5. If you have selected United Kingdom as your country, enter your postcode and select Find address, then choose your address from the dropdown. If we cannot find your address, check the postcode is correct, or enter your address manually.

    6. For all other countries, enter your address details into the form.

  3. Select Continue to advance to the next step. If 'Continue' does not work, check that all required form fields are complete.

  4. Once your details are saved, select Get started to move on to identity verification.

Step 2: Scan the QR code and set up the Mitek app

  1. Scan the QR code shown on screen using your phone's camera. This opens a page showing a verification code.

  2. Copy the verification code.

  3. Download the Mitek app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

  4. Open the Mitek app, accept Mitek's Terms of Service, and enter your verification code to connect the app with Legl.

ℹ️ Tip

If you already have the Mitek app: log in and use the 'Scan QR code' button in the app to continue your identity check.

Step 3: Take a selfie

  1. Once connected, review the 'How to confirm your identity' screen. Mitek will outline what you need (a selfie and photo ID) to complete the steps in their app. When ready, press 'Start'.

  2. You will also be asked to agree that Mitek can process your personal data, including facial images, on Legl's behalf. Select 'Agree and continue' if you are happy to proceed.

  3. You will need to provide a selfie using the Mitek app. Make sure you have allowed the Mitek app access to your device camera. If you have denied access, you can change this in your device's app settings.

  4. To start your selfie step, press the 'Selfie' card on screen.

  5. Mitek will guide you through this process and provide on-screen feedback to help you capture what is needed. We suggest using as plain a background as possible.

  6. When ready, press 'Take Selfie'.

Step 4: Photograph your passport

  1. You will need to take a photo of your passport. Mitek will guide you through this. Follow the on-screen instructions.

  2. We advise taking the photo in a dimly lit room with your phone turned landscape, with your passport on a dark background. Too much light can cause glare on the passport photo page.

ℹ️ Tip

If your device's camera does not open, or the photo upload fails, check your camera permissions: go to Settings, then Safari, then Camera, and select Allow. If it still does not work, try switching to Chrome.

Step 5: Scan the chip in your passport

  1. To complete your identity check, you will need to scan the NFC chip in your passport using your mobile device.

  2. Mitek will guide you on how to do this in their app. Check your passport for the exact chip location, as this may vary by issuing country.

  3. Hold your mobile device against your passport page until the chip is detected.

    ℹ️ Important - Where is my NFC chip located?

    The chip in a UK passport issued before 2020 is located in the front cover. For passports issued after December 2020, the chip is embedded within the photo (biodata) page.

ℹ️ Tip

If you see a 'try again' error, or the app crashes while scanning the chip, try the following:

  • Remove any cases from your passport and device

  • Hold your passport flat and completely still

  • Try scanning the front cover of your passport instead

  • Restart the Mitek app and re-enter your verification code

  • If the NFC step never loads, close and reopen the app

  • Check that your device's operating system is up to date

Step 6: Confirm completion back in Legl

  1. It can take Mitek a little time to check the details you have provided. You will see on-screen messaging to keep you informed of progress.

  2. Once all checks are complete, you may see a 'Thank you' message with a 'Complete' button. This means your Mitek checks are done.

  3. Sometimes the 'Thank you' screen can be missed, for example if you move away from the app as the process finishes. If this happens, go back to the Mitek app. Seeing the app's homepage also confirms your checks are complete.

  4. Either way, return to the Legl request link from your solicitor to confirm everything has been submitted and see if there are any further steps.

Important information

  • You will need a passport with an electronic chip, and a smart phone or tablet with a functioning camera and NFC reading capability.

  • The location of the NFC chip varies by passport. On UK passports issued after December 2020, it is in the photo page; on earlier UK passports, it is in the front cover.

  • If you do not have a passport with an NFC chip, or your chip cannot be scanned, contact your law firm. They can switch you to a standard identity check.

  • If your NFC check gets stuck or shows an error, see Troubleshooting your NFC identity check.

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