Juniper Research projects that companies will invest over $20 billion into digital ID checks by 2025. Why?
Because customers want convenience, and businesses are making compliance part of that experience.
But here’s the real question businesses are asking: should you go with mobile ID scanning for its flexibility—or stick with kiosk ID verification for in-person control?
From banks to hospitals to public offices, choosing between mobile ID scanning and kiosk ID verification is an important call.
This piece below helps you explore both and land on the best ID scanning solutions for your setup.
How Mobile ID Scanning Works
In mobile ID scanning, a user takes a photo of their ID using the camera on their phone, either through an app or a browser. OCR software extracts key information, such as your:
- Name,
- Birthdate,
- license details
And verifies this all in a matter of seconds, or with OCR solutions we’d do it in milliseconds in most cases.
What are the benefits of Mobile ID Scanning
- One of the biggest strengths of mobile ID scanning is how easy it is to use from any location. This makes it a natural fit for businesses handling remote onboarding.
- Customers appreciate it when identity verification happens on the spot—it speeds things up and makes the entire process feel less of a chore.
- Since there’s no extra hardware to buy or maintain, mobile ID scanning ends up killing two birds with one stone (cutting down on both time and costs).
- It functions well in small business environments and holds up in larger, more complex systems.
Where mobile ID scanning fits best
- Verifying identity for online payments or onboarding new users in fintech apps
- Confirming patient details during remote healthcare consultations
- Helping users register faster while processing insurance forms with less back-and-forth.
- Supporting gig economy apps and online marketplaces with quick ID checks
With OCR Solutions’ mobile SDKs, mobile ID scanning can be set up in a way that works like a well-oiled machine with steady returns.
What is Kiosk-Based Verification?
In a typical kiosk ID verification setup, a person uses a machine with a built-in scanner, camera, and screen to scan and verify their ID on the spot.
Why businesses turn to Kiosk ID verification?
- One major strength of kiosk ID verification is that it requires the person to be present. This step alone helps reduce impersonation, since the ID is checked while the individual is right there at the machine.
- It’s also helpful for people who don’t have access to a smartphone. Walk-in customers can complete the process without needing their own device, which makes the experience more inclusive.
- Because the setup is fixed, it avoids many of the scanning mistakes that happen with mobile devices. Consistent lighting and positioning make the process more dependable.
- Kiosks can also include extras depending on the location. You might find fingerprint readers, signature pads, or document scanners built into the machine to meet different needs on-site.
Where Kiosk ID verification works best
- Used in government offices and voting centers where in-person ID checks are required
- Helps visitors check in quickly at hospital reception desks and clinic booths
- Supports identity screening at airport gates and national borders
- Controls access to venues by verifying guests before they enter events or restricted locations
With OCR Solutions handling both the hardware and software, these ID verification kiosks are made to keep working without hiccups—even when foot traffic is steady.
Mobile vs. Kiosk ID Verification: Key Comparison
| Feature | Mobile ID Scanning | Kiosk ID Verification |
| Accessibility | Remote, anywhere | On-site only |
| Setup & Infrastructure | Minimal, app-based | Hardware and maintenance required |
| User Experience | Fast, app-driven | Guided, self-service terminal |
| Ideal User Base | Digital-native, remote users | Walk-in customers, in-person ID |
| Scalability | High, cloud-powered | Moderate, space-bound |
| Security Layer | Strong, with biometrics possible | Strong, with a physical presence |
What you choose and how you apply it will decide how much you can get out of the OCR solutions and document reading processes.
Customization and Integration
It’s common for teams to focus on features or performance when choosing between mobile ID scanning and kiosk-based verification, but what gets overlooked is how these methods work behind the scenes.
If the approach doesn’t match how your current system operates, or if it takes too much work to connect the dots, it can turn a smart decision into a slow one.
Mobile ID Scanning
To get the most out of mobile ID scanning, businesses often link it with the tools they already use, such as:
- Customer tracking softwares,
- Document sign-off apps,
- Back-office systems.
This keeps the onboarding process familiar while keeping important checks in place.
With OCR Solutions’ mobile SDK, companies can set up how they gather, check, and store details, while staying within international privacy rules. It’s a smart choice for industries where quick setup and solid results matter, including financial services, online retail, and insurance networks.
Kiosk-Based Verification
Kiosk setups allow businesses to design the full experience, from the buttons on the screen to the type of hardware in use. This approach helps make sure that people know exactly what to do, especially in settings where clear instructions, language options, or physical security steps are needed.
Whether the tool lives on a device or at a public desk, what makes it effective is how well it matches the task. A Flexible OCR Solution offers a lineup that fits these needs and helps teams stay prepared as expectations change or new rules come into play.
What Is the Best ID Scanning Solution for Your Company?
There’s no one-size-fits-all choice when it comes to ID scanning. It often comes down to three factors:
- Where your service takes place,
- What your users expect,
- And how strict your compliance needs are.
Mobile ID scanning may be the better match when your users are not onsite or when you want to shorten the time it takes to verify someone’s details.
For teams working in offices, clinics, or public spaces, a kiosk setup may make more sense. It supports ID checks in-person and can be built to meet specific needs like document scanning or fingerprint entry.
Some businesses offer both methods. By doing this, they make it easier for users to choose the route that feels most natural for them.
Two Paths, One Goal: Better ID Verification
A good identity check doesn’t just meet the basics. It needs to fit into your routine, protect those involved, and avoid slowing things down.
Mobile ID scanning brings speed and convenience. Kiosk setups offer consistency face to face.
Both are built for the same end goal: clear and secure identity capture that doesn’t interrupt the day.
Mobile, Kiosk, or Both?
OCR Solutions helps businesses roll out the best ID scanning solutions across different industries by offering support for both mobile and kiosk verification setups.
Our staff will assist you with everything you need to start using optical character recognition effectively, from choosing the right fit to training your team. Ready to begin? Book a demo with us today.
