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July 28, 2025

How to Verify IDs for International Tenant Applicants

Briana Ings
Chief Product Officer

In this article

If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at an unfamiliar passport or wondering whether an international document is legitimate, you’re not alone. For many property managers, screening international applicants brings a whole new set of challenges.

From unrecognizable formats to legal gray areas, international tenant applications can be a challenge. How do you move forward? How do you verify their documents?

Don’t worry—we’re walking you through how to assess international applicants the right way. We’ll cover the most common types of international IDs, how to verify them, legal considerations, and best practices to keep everything above board.

Quick Insights

  • A valid, unexpired passport is the most reliable form of ID for international applicants. Always request it first, along with any relevant visas or other documentation.
  • Look out for signs of fraud on documents, like mismatched names, inconsistent formatting, or missing security features—like holograms or micro-text.
  • Be clear and respectful when requesting extra documents. Transparency builds trust and makes the process smoother for everyone.
  • Stay up to date on ID formats, privacy requirements, and fair housing laws. Review your process regularly to remain secure and consistent.
  • Tools like Snappt take the guesswork out of ID verification. Its technology quickly and accurately spots tampered documents.

Understanding Different Types of International IDs

When screening international applicants, you’ll likely come across a wide range of ID types—some more than others. The most common and widely accepted form of international identification is a passport, but it’s not the only one you might see.

Here are the main types of international IDs:

Passports are issued by national governments for international travel. They follow international standards set by the ICAO, making them one of the most reliable and verifiable types of identification.

Visas are usually issued by an applicant’s home country and are attached to a passport. They indicate that the owner has permission to enter or stay in a country. But keep in mind that a visa isn’t typically considered a standalone form of ID.

Most countries issue national ID cards for domestic identification, but they can vary widely in format and features. For example, Germany’s Personalausweis is a biometric ID card, while India’s Aadhaar links biometric and demographic data, but isn’t officially considered proof of citizenship. In the latter case, the Aadhaar shouldn’t be accepted alone as an applicant ID.

Consular IDs are issued by foreign consulates, usually for citizens living abroad. These aren’t always recognized as valid forms of ID for housing or legal purposes in the US, depending on local and state laws. 

Always check whether a specific country’s national or consular ID can be accepted as valid identification for renting in your jurisdiction. Not all are verifiable or recognized as official IDs under US housing policies. 

Understanding which documents are official and widely accepted helps you build a tenant screening process that’s both fair and secure. Generally speaking, a valid, unexpired passport is the most reliable form of ID for international applicants.

Initial Steps in Verifying International IDs

Verifying an international ID doesn’t need to be intimidating—especially if you approach it step by step. A strong first layer of defense includes carefully inspecting the document and some basic online research.

Document Inspection

The first step? Examining the ID. Look for standard green flag security features, like:

  • Holograms
  • Watermarks
  • Microprinting
  • Raised text

Many passports and international IDs include these elements, making it difficult to forge them convincingly. After you look for security features, cross-reference the ID against other documents the applicant provided, such as a visa, proof of income, or a utility bill.

Do the names match? Are any dates consistent? These small details often reveal red flags early.

Basic Online Checks

While you can’t access official immigration databases to see an applicant’s status, you can do some light research. Using online databases and resources to look up what a specific country’s valid passports, visas, and national ID cards should look like—many governments share sample images online.

You can also check if the issuing authority actually exists and assess document formatting to see if anything looks off. There are plenty of websites and tools available to check the authenticity of a passport or visa.

Using Verification Services and Tools

Even the most detail-focused property managers can’t be expected to become international ID experts. That’s where verification services and technology come in. They take the guesswork out of verification—so if you’re still unsure about whether an ID is legitimate, consider an identity verification platform (like Snappt).

Third-Party Verification Services

Various reputable third-party services specialize in verifying international IDs, including passports, national IDs, and visas. These providers compare documents against official templates, check for signs of tampering, and validate data points.

Many third-party providers also stay up to date on changing ID formats and government-issued security features across different countries, enhancing their ability to spot fake documents.

Technology and Software Solutions

There’s a growing number of ID verification platforms built specifically for property managers. Tools like Snappt use intelligent document processing to confirm whether a document is genuine.

When choosing a tool, look for:

Outsourcing ID verification lowers your risk of ID fraud and saves time. You’ll receive faster, more confident answers without the stress of second-guessing every unfamiliar document.

Communication with Applicants

For many international applicants, applying for housing in a new country can feel daunting and stressful. Clear, respectful communication goes a long way in making the experience smoother—for everyone.

Requesting Additional Information

If you’re unsure about an international ID, it’s perfectly reasonable to ask for additional documents. These might include: 

  • A letter from an employer
  • Acceptance or enrollment documents from a college or university
  • Proof of residency status, like a visa or I-20 form

These documents verify identity and tell you the purpose of the applicant’s stay, which can clarify whether the lease is appropriate for their timeline and status. 

Clarifying the Process

Transparency is paramount to a smooth tenant screening process. Let international applicants know why you’re requesting certain documents, how their information will be used, and how you’ll protect their data.

A simple explanation like, “We verify all applicant IDs as part of our screening process to ensure security for all residents,” can prevent misunderstandings and tension.

A little clarity goes a long way in building trust—that trust helps you develop a stronger, more transparent rental community.

Legal Considerations and Compliance

Verifying IDs isn’t just a matter of accuracy—it’s about staying on the right side of the law. When working with sensitive information from international applicants, you need to balance a thorough screening process with compliance and privacy.

Understanding Legal Requirements

Before requesting or verifying documents, make sure you understand the legal obligations in your specific area. These can vary by city, state, and federal law, especially when it comes to housing and immigration status.

You can’t discriminate against applicants based on:

  • National origin
  • Visa type
  • Citizenship

Fair housing laws apply, too, and it’s important to treat every applicant consistently.

Protecting Applicant Privacy

When verifying IDs, you’ll be dealing with highly sensitive personal data. Aside from complying with international and local data privacy laws, you need to take data privacy and security seriously.

Be sure to store and manage applicant data responsibly. Following these best practices is a good first step:

  • Collect what you need—and nothing more
  • Store documents in a secure, encrypted system
  • Limit access to only relevant staff
  • Never share documents without written consent
  • Delete or anonymize data when it’s no longer needed

Getting privacy right protects your applicants and your business.

Handling Suspicions and Inconsistencies

When something doesn’t look right, it’s crucial you approach the situation carefully, fairly, and with a well-planned process. 

Identifying Red Flags

Common signs of a suspicious ID include:

  • Blurry fonts
  • Missing security features (like holograms or micro-text)
  • Inconsistent formatting
  • Mismatched information between documents

For example, if a passport lists one name, but a pay stub or a visa says another, it’s worth following up on. Don’t jump to conclusions, though—trust your instincts and take a closer look.

Start by checking the specific ID format online, cross-checking it against other documents, and asking the applicant to clarify any questions you have. Lead with curiosity instead of making any accusations.

Consulting Experts

If inconsistencies persist or a document raises serious concerns, consider bringing in outside help. That could mean using a trusted verification service like Snappt (we have a 99.8% accuracy rate in catching fraudulent documents) or speaking with a legal professional familiar with housing and ID compliance. 

Whatever route you decide on, document everything. This includes: 

  • What triggered your concern
  • What you reviewed
  • What steps you took
  • The applicant’s response

A clean and clear paper trail protects you if the situation escalates and ensures your screening process remains fair and consistent for every applicant.

Best Practices for Ongoing Verification 

Verifying international IDs is an ongoing process that evolves alongside changing documents, regulations, and applicant needs. To keep your tenant screening process strong (and your risk of fraud low), it’s worth investing in systems that grow with you.

Let’s explore a few more best practices for ongoing verification.

Regular Staff Training

Even the best tools can fall short if your team isn’t confident using them. Make sure you train your team on how to verify documents manually and how to use any verification software you might have.

Since ID standards and document designs change over time, make sure to stay in the know. A quick refresher course annually (or when any major changes roll out) helps avoid mistakes and boosts your team’s confidence.

Continuous Process Improvement

A good screening process improves over time. Take some time to review your current systems regularly and see what’s working and where you can optimize. Gather feedback from your leasing team (and if possible, your tenants) and keep an eye out for any patterns. 

Are certain documents flagged more often? Are applicants confused by any parts of your process?

Use these insights to refine your process, tighten your checks, and improve clarity. Because minor updates now can save you from major problems later on.

Verify International Tenants With Confidence

Verify international tenant IDs quickly and painlessly by following the steps outlined in this blog—from inspecting documents carefully to requesting supporting materials to using trusted tools. Every part of the process plays a vital role in protecting your properties and community.

Developing a thorough, fair, legally-compliant, and informed tenant screening process helps you spot red flags early on, build trust with applicants, and avoid costly evictions further down the line.

So, stay consistent, and don’t hesitate to lean on experts like Snappt to help you screen smarter and more securely.

Additional Resources

Need some extra support with your international tenant screening process? Here are some trusted tools and helpful reads to keep you informed: