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North Idaho College

North Idaho College
Identity Verification

Welcome to NIC's new Identity Verification system.

Feature Teaser

What is Identity Verification

North Idaho College is now using identity verification to confirm your application details.  If  you received an email or text asking to validate your identity through socure, it indicates that we could not verify some details in your NIC application. 

With the rise in Federal Financial Aid fraud, identity theft, and other similar issues facing higher education, NIC is now incorporating identity validation into the application process.  Please continue reading on how it works and what to expect.

How it Works

The identity verification system requires that you take a photograph of your government issued identity card (front and back) and a selfie.  Once verified, your application will continue to be processed by NIC.

Screenshot of Step 1 for Identity Verification

Step 1 - Start Verification

From a phone or tablet, click the link in the text or email, or use your phone to scan the QR code. Click Start Verification.  You will then need to consent to verify your ID.  Click consent.  Next, choose Drivers License/ID Card or Passport depending on which identification you are going to provide.

Screenshot of a blacked out drivers license

Step 2 - Take Photos

Move your phone or tablet camera over your passport or license so that it is inside the box on the screen.  The app with automatically capture an image.  If the image is clear, tap Submit.  If it is blurry, tap Retake and try the process again.  You will need to take a photo of both the front and back of your identification card.  Next, take a selfie

Step 3 - Verification Complete

Step 3 - Verification Complete

After taking a selfie, you will get a screen that confirms that your verification is complete and then you will be directed to the NIC website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.  Why am I receiving a text message to do this?

A.  There may be several reasons why some data on your application could not be verified.  You may have misspelled a word or entered an address incorrectly. Our system uses an automated process to review the application information and if it cannot validate the information, we ask for document verification of your identity to ensure that you are a real person. 


Q.  Is this really such a big problem that you need to do this?

A.  Yes!  Fraudulent students and "Ghost Students" have become an increasing problem in higher education.  Bad actors either use stolen credentials, identities, or take advantage of open enrollment colleges like North Idaho College to commit fraud or gain access to student emails for phishing purposes.  Fraudulent students also take up roster spots on courses which means that legitimate students may miss out on course times that better meet their schedules.


Q.  I did not get a text message, but I was accepted to NIC? 

A.  Great!  That usually means that your application data did not have any issues in it and you did not need to do additional verification.


Q.  I do not feel comfortable with using my phone to do Identity Verification.

A.  We get it!  If you do not wish to validate your identity via your cell phone, please make arrangements to visit campus and present your identification card in person.


Q.  I do not want to verify my identity this way, and I do not live near NIC or in the State of Idaho.

A.  Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate your application if that is the case.  If you are unable or unwilling to either participate in identity verification via your mobile device or present your identity in person physically, then NIC will cancel your application.


Q. Is this process the same as Federal Financial Aid verification?

A. No.  This process is used for verifying application data only.  If there are issues with your Federal Financial Aid information, then the Financial Aid Office will send you additional information and verification requirements.

Would you like more detailed instructions?

Please visit our knowledge-base for a complete step by step quide on how to use our identify verification system.

Knowledge Base Article