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SA ID Verification
Use this when a correctly formatted number must be checked against official or provider identity data.
Free · No credits used
Check a South African ID number’s format for free
Check the 13-digit structure, encoded date, citizenship digit and checksum before you spend credits on an official identity report.
Login is required. After login, you return directly to the free checker.
Format result
Four structural checks
13-digit structure
Checks that the entry contains exactly 13 numeric digits.
Encoded date
Checks whether the first six digits form a plausible date of birth.
Citizenship digit
Checks the citizenship position against the recognised format values.
Luhn checksum
Checks the final digit against the checksum calculated from the number.
Know the limit
A valid format is not identity verification
The free check can catch typing mistakes and structurally invalid numbers. It does not query Home Affairs, prove that the number was issued, or confirm who owns it.
When a format check passes, choose the paid report that answers the actual business question below.
Next report
Turn a format check into verified evidence
Pick the report that matches what you need to establish. Each report link opens the relevant runner after login.
Add stronger evidence
ID + Photo Verification
Use this when your workflow needs registered identity details and an official photo where available.
Check life status
Alive / Deceased Status
Use this when you specifically need to confirm whether an ID holder is recorded as alive or deceased.
FAQ
Free ID format check questions
What does the free South African ID format check test?
It tests whether the entry has 13 digits, contains a plausible encoded date of birth, uses a recognised citizenship digit and passes the Luhn checksum.
Does a valid format mean the ID belongs to a real person?
No. A format result only checks the number structure. It does not query Home Affairs or confirm a person's identity, name, photo or status.
Does the free check use credits?
No. The format check uses no credits. It runs in your browser after you log in to your VerifyNow account.
Which report should I run after the format check?
Run SA ID Verification to confirm identity data, ID + Photo when you need stronger person-to-record evidence, or Alive / Deceased Status when life status is the specific question.
Start with the free format check
Log in, check the number without using credits, then run a paid identity report only when you need verified evidence.
Log in and run the free check