Driver KYC (Know Your Customer)
Driver KYC for rentals is the verification of customer identity + driving licence validity before vehicle release, typically via document scan, OCR, and optional selfie + liveness check.
Definition
Driver KYC is the process confirming that the customer picking up a vehicle is the rightful, licensed driver. It is done by specialist KYC providers. The customer uploads a driving-licence scan + ID document, OCR extracts data (number, expiry, categories), and optionally takes a selfie compared to the document photo (face match) and verifies liveness.
How it works
A typical online check-in flow: 1) Customer gets a KYC link after booking. 2) Opens in mobile browser. 3) Scans driving licence (front + back). 4) Scans ID. 5) Takes a selfie (close-up, eyes open). 6) System submits to KYC provider. 7) Result (typically within minutes): approved / needs manual review / rejected. 8) Rental staff see the status on the reservation card and decide on release.
Why it matters for a rental company
Without KYC, it is easier to release a vehicle to someone with a fake or expired document, which can mean a lost vehicle and a dispute with the insurer. For some rental types, such as long-term or cross-border, checking the customer may also be a legal or insurer requirement. Online verification also shortens pickup, since the customer's documents are checked ahead of time.
What OneRental does
In OneRental you record the driver's licence details on the booking (number, issuing country, issue date and expiry), along with the driver's date of birth. The system asks for them before handover when the booking includes something driven on a driving or boat licence. Staff look at the document itself at pickup. The booking site can also ask for the driver's age and how long they have held a licence, if you turn that check on.
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