Question

We are designing an online application (college admission form) which mandates the user to upload a scanned copy of his photo along with his signature, so that this information can be used to cross verify the applicant when he appears for a exam + personal interview at a later point in time. This entire process requires a scanner for the applicant to scan his photo / signature into an appropriate size. Is there a better way to capture user identity for such purposes as usage of scanner for capturing signature, photo is a painful process.

Answer 1

I would capture some unique information that would be associated with a photo id, such as a driver’s license or passport number. Then I would ask them to present that form of identification when they show up. You check the number supplied against the number on their id and their photo on the id against their appearance. Of course, you also validate that the id is genuine as well.