# Manage applicants

To perform [Identities](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities.md) checks, you need a profile for each physical person applying to use your services.
You can then use this profile to create [Identity Verification](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/verify-identities.md), [Face Authentication](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/authenticate-with-biometrics.md), [AML Screening](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/screen-aml-databases.md), and [ID Document Verification](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/verify-id-documents.md) checks for the applicant.

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## Before you start

Ensure Identities is enabled for your account. Contact your account manager or [request support](https://dashboard.checkout.com/support/new?topic=case_account_management_and_access&issue=issue_account_changes).

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## How it works

Create a profile for the applicant, using the [Dashboard](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/manage-applicants/using-the-dashboard.md) or the [API](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/manage-applicants/using-the-api.md), and receive an applicant ID prefixed with `aplt_`.
Use the ID to request checks for the applicant.

You can then:

- View the profile.
- Update the profile.
- Remove the applicant's personal details from their profile, if requested.
- In the Dashboard, retrieve their applicant ID.

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## Next steps

- [Using the Dashboard](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/manage-applicants/using-the-dashboard.md): Create and manage profiles for people applying to use your services, using the Dashboard.
- [Using the API](https://www.checkout.com/docs/business-operations/manage-identities/manage-applicants/using-the-api.md): Create and manage profiles for people applying to use your services, using the API.