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5-Minute South African ID Validation API Tutorial

Complete step-by-step tutorial for integrating structural South African ID validation into your application

5-minute setupBulk endpoint: up to 100 IDsLuhn-verified validationReal-time structural checks
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The CheckID API at a glance

Structural South African ID validation for your applications: predictable JSON, Luhn-verified results, and a bulk endpoint when you need throughput—without CheckID storing raw ID numbers or decoded validation payloads on our servers.

Check ID API

Built for SA 13-digit IDs, designed for privacy-first teams

Validate format, checksum, encoded date of birth, and citizenship indicator where derivable from the number. That helps you catch typos and impossible values early—then layer your own risk, onboarding, and document checks where your policies require them.

  • Speed and clarity: sub-second responses for interactive flows and well-documented error shapes for automation.
  • Bulk when you need it: send up to 100 South African ID numbers per bulk request to match imports, queues, and nightly jobs.
  • Honest boundaries: no Home Affairs database lookup, no document authenticity verification, and no implied bank or government endorsement—just reliable structural validation.

Response

<1s

Typical API latency for single checks

Bulk batch

100

IDs per bulk request (Professional)

Privacy posture

Zero ID storage on CheckID

CheckID does not store your submitted ID numbers or decoded validation results as application data on our servers. Your own systems and logs should follow the same discipline: never send raw IDs to analytics or error trackers.

Privacy policy

Quick Start Guide

1

Get Your API Key

Start with a free test API key for development. No credit card required.

Free test key available! Sign in to view your test API key, or create your own key from the API Keys dashboard.

Get API Key
2

Choose Your Endpoint

The Check ID API offers two validation endpoints to suit your needs:

Single ID Validation

Perfect for real-time form validation and individual verifications

GET /api/v1/validate/{idNumber}

Bulk ID Validation

Process up to 100 ID numbers simultaneously - ideal for CSV imports and batch processing

POST /api/v1/validate/bulk
3

Integrate with Your Code

Choose your programming language and copy the code examples below:

// Single ID Verification
const verifyID = async (idNumber) => {
  const response = await fetch(`https://api.checkid.co.za/api/v1/validate/${idNumber}`, {
    headers: {
      'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY'
    }
  });
  return await response.json();
};

// Bulk ID Verification (up to 100 IDs)
const verifyBulkIDs = async (idNumbers) => {
  const response = await fetch('https://api.checkid.co.za/api/v1/validate/bulk', {
    method: 'POST',
    headers: {
      'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY',
      'Content-Type': 'application/json'
    },
    body: JSON.stringify({ idNumbers })
  });
  return await response.json();
};

Pro Tip

Use bulk validation for CSV uploads or database imports - process up to 100 IDs in a single request for maximum efficiency.

4

Process the Response

Here's the exact response structure you'll receive for each ID verification:

{
  "idNumber": "8903075555083",
  "isValid": true,
  "dob": "1989-03-07T00:00:00",
  "age": 35,
  "gender": "M",
  "citizenship": "SA Citizen"
}
FieldDescriptionUse Case
isValidBoolean indicating if ID number is validInput validation, error handling
dobExtracted birth dateAge verification, demographics
genderM/F from ID structureUser personalisation
citizenshipSA Citizen/Permanent ResidentInternal eligibility rules, age gates

Performance Benchmarks

<1s
Response Time
Average API response
Luhn
Checksum Verified
Deterministic validation
100
Bulk Processing
IDs per request
24/7
Available
Always-on service

Real-World Applications

Financial Services

  • Application form ID capture checks
  • Lightweight onboarding pre-checks before deeper review
  • Consistent validation rules across internal tools
🏢

HR & Recruitment

  • Candidate ID capture accuracy before screening spend
  • Payroll master data alignment for SA ID fields
  • Bulk validation for imports and partner feeds
🏠

Property & Rentals

  • Structural checks on tenant application IDs
  • Lease application processing
  • Structural ID checks alongside your tenancy pack
🛒

E-commerce

  • Age verification for restricted products
  • Basic typo and format checks at checkout
  • User registration validation

Ready to Get Started?

Join 1,000+ South African businesses automating structural ID validation in their workflows. Get started with 10 free verifications—no credit card required.

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