What is the purpose of identity proofing?

The purpose of identity proofing is to affirm an individual's identity through a process that typically involves a third party. This means that identity proofing is not simply about generating identification documents or conducting background checks, but rather it focuses on validating that a person is who they claim to be. This process often includes the use of various methods, such as verifying government-issued IDs, cross-referencing against databases, or employing biometric checks. By involving a third party, the process enhances security and trust in the verification of identity, which is crucial in many contexts, such as notarial acts, where the integrity of the signer's identity is essential.