The DVS trust framework: what fraud teams need to do

The government’s new digital verification services trust framework will come into force on 1 September 2026.

It is a standard set of rules that control how companies that provide verification technology must run their services, safeguard customer data and generally run their services.

With the cancellation of the old Starmer digital ID scheme, it’s now clear that the DVS trust framework is the way forward for all things digital identity in the UK.

It is already required to use a provider certified to the framework for certain use cases:

• DBS checks
• Right to work checks
• Right to rent checks

Not doing so can put you at risk of hefty Home Office fines.

But since March, it’s clear that regulators are increasingly expecting firms to use certified providers for KYC/AML obligations too.

If you verify identity and address digitally, it’s now strongly recommended that you use a certified provider.

The guidance says: “Digital verification services which are not certified and therefore not on the DVS register cannot reliably be deemed suitable for identity verification in compliance with the MLRs.”

What exactly does the framework give me?

The framework shouldn’t just be thought of as a compliance checkmark.

The new rules are quite strict, particularly in how certified providers are allowed to describe what they do, and how they keep personal data safe.

Without certification, you can’t be certain that a provider is aligned with best practice. Even some well-known ones are not certified.

To get certified, companies have to pass regular external audits and prove they are following the rules.

What can I do today?

For fraud and compliance teams, there are three simple steps you can start taking today:

1. Start learning the language of the framework – confidence levels especially, and map it onto your current processes. We have a webinar to help you get started.
2. Ask your current provider if they are certified to the DVS framework, and if not, if they have plans to
3. Plan to move to a certified provider

Vouchsafe, for example, has been certified to the DVS framework since the beta version.

To learn more about the framework or how our real-time fraud intelligence can keep your business safe, book a conversation.