--- title: 🔍 ARNECC VOI FAQ – Face-to-Face and Online Identity Verification | Realaml Help Center description: Realaml Knowledge Base --- [Skip to content](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/arnecc-voi-faq-face-to-face-and-online-identity-verification-realaml-help-center#main-content) ![6303e989](https://help.realaml.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6303e989.png?width=100&height=68&name=6303e989.png) Open main navigation Close main navigation How can we help you? - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. 1. [Realaml Knowledge Base](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base?hsLang=en) 2. [General Guides](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/general-guides?hsLang=en) # 🔍 ARNECC VOI FAQ – Face-to-Face and Online Identity Verification | Realaml Help Center ### 🔍 ARNECC VOI FAQ – Face-to-Face and Online Identity Verification ARNECC VOI FAQ: Learn the difference between in-person and online identity verification under ARNECC’s VOI Standard and Reasonable Steps. ![](https://help.realaml.com/hubfs/Knowledge%20Base%20Import/JORDAN_HEADSHOT_2025-1741884224-Apr-29-2026-05-29-29-6855-AM.png) Written by Jordan Updated over a year agoJordan ### ❓ What are the ARNECC requirements for verifying identity? ARNECC outlines two accepted methods for Verification of Identity (VOI) under the **Model Participation Rules (MPRs)**: 1. **The VOI Standard** – a prescriptive, in-person method 2. **The Reasonable Steps approach** – a flexible method used when the VOI Standard isn’t practical **The VOI Standard** – a prescriptive, in-person method **The Reasonable Steps approach** – a flexible method used when the VOI Standard isn’t practical ### ❓ What is the VOI Standard? The **VOI Standard** is the preferred method and requires: - A **face-to-face interview**, either by you or a trusted Identity Agent (e.g., Australia Post) - The person presenting **original, physical identity documents** - Use of specific document combinations from **VOI Categories 1–7** - Retention of a VOI record showing: - The verifier's details - The date and location - The documents sighted - Confirmation that the VOI Standard was followed A **face-to-face interview**, either by you or a trusted Identity Agent (e.g., Australia Post) The person presenting **original, physical identity documents** Use of specific document combinations from **VOI Categories 1–7** Retention of a VOI record showing: The verifier's details The verifier's details The date and location The date and location The documents sighted The documents sighted Confirmation that the VOI Standard was followed Confirmation that the VOI Standard was followed 🔹 **Biometrics and electronic verification are not required** under the VOI Standard. ### ❓ Can I verify someone’s identity online? Yes — but ARNECC doesn’t specifically mention “online verification.” Instead, it allows for a **Reasonable Steps** approach when in-person verification is not possible or practical. This flexibility has become more relevant since COVID. ### ❓ What is the Reasonable Steps approach? The **Reasonable Steps** method allows you to verify identity in alternative ways (including digitally) — as long as the steps taken are **reasonable in the circumstances** and provide a **high level of confidence** that the person is who they claim to be. ### ❓ What should an ARNECC-compliant online VOI process include? To be considered compliant under the Reasonable Steps framework, an online identity verification process should include: - ✅ **Verification of name, date of birth, and address** from **two or more independent and reliable data sources** - ✅ **Biometric face matching** with **liveness detection** (e.g., a selfie or video matched to the ID photo) - ✅ **Consent** from the individual being verified - ✅ **Secure storage** of: - Match results - Timestamps and IP/geolocation - Verification method - Risk decisions - ✅ **Clear justification** for not using the in-person VOI Standard (e.g., remote client, international location) - ✅ **Optional risk checks** like PEP & sanctions screening, and fraud flag detection (e.g., VPN usage) ✅ **Verification of name, date of birth, and address** from **two or more independent and reliable data sources** ✅ **Biometric face matching** with **liveness detection** (e.g., a selfie or video matched to the ID photo) ✅ **Consent** from the individual being verified ✅ **Secure storage** of: Match results Match results Timestamps and IP/geolocation Timestamps and IP/geolocation Verification method Verification method Risk decisions Risk decisions ✅ **Clear justification** for not using the in-person VOI Standard (e.g., remote client, international location) ✅ **Optional risk checks** like PEP & sanctions screening, and fraud flag detection (e.g., VPN usage) ### ❓ Is Realaml's online VOI compliant with ARNECC? Yes — **Realaml’s identity verification process can meet ARNECC’s Reasonable Steps requirements**, provided: - Two independent data sources are used to verify name, DOB, and address - Biometric facial matching and liveness detection are included - Full audit trails are maintained - Consent is obtained - The online method is used in situations where in-person verification is not practical Two independent data sources are used to verify name, DOB, and address Biometric facial matching and liveness detection are included Full audit trails are maintained Consent is obtained The online method is used in situations where in-person verification is not practical ### ❓ How does ARNECC VOI compare to AUSTRAC KYC/CDD? ARNECC VOI is **narrowly focused on identity verification for land transactions**. In contrast, **AUSTRAC’s KYC/CDD (Know Your Customer / Customer Due Diligence)** obligations are **more robust and comprehensive**, covering: - Customer risk profiling - Source of funds and wealth - Ongoing monitoring and due diligence - Suspicious matter reporting Customer risk profiling Source of funds and wealth Ongoing monitoring and due diligence Suspicious matter reporting 👉 VOI can form **part** of AUSTRAC compliance — but **not a substitute** for full KYC/CDD processes. - [New Zealand](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/new-zealand?hsLang=en) - [Australia](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/australia?hsLang=en) - [Canada](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/canada?hsLang=en) - [General Guides](https://help.realaml.com/knowledge-base/general-guides?hsLang=en) [![6303e989](https://help.realaml.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6303e989.png?width=100&height=68&name=6303e989.png "6303e989")](https://help.realaml.com/?hsLang=en) Copyright © 2026, RealAML Australia