The process for identifying an ID NOW instrument serial number and preparing a report varies depending on whether you are using the physical diagnostic instrument (Abbott) or the identity verification software (IDnow). Locating the Serial Number For the Abbott ID NOW instrument:
On the Device: Look for a sticker on the back of the instrument; the serial number is typically located in the bottom right corner.
In the Menu: Navigate to the Preferences menu on the touchscreen and select About to display the serial number digitally. Generating and Printing Reports
Reports for individual tests can be prepared directly from the instrument using a connected Universal Printer.
Preparation: Ensure a Universal Printer is connected to the instrument.
Printing at Completion: Once a test (e.g., Influenza or COVID-19) is finished, select the Print option on the screen to generate a report on a tear-off sticker.
Reviewing History: To print a report for a past test, navigate to Home > Review Memory on the instrument's screen.
Content: Reports typically include the instrument serial number, test result (Positive, Negative, or Invalid), and patient ID if entered. Software Installation (IDNow ID Card Software)
If you are referring to the ID card design software rather than the medical instrument: idnow serial number install
Installation: Run the setup file, select your printer driver, and specify the ribbon type.
User Setup: Administrators can create new user logins by enabling "Security Login," selecting "New User," and assigning administrative rights.
Data Reporting: The software allows importing data from text files or Access databases to batch print reports or ID cards. Identity Verification (Digital IDnow) For the digital identity platform:
Validation Code: Users receive a process ID (Ident-ID) via SMS or email to start the verification.
Reporting: Results are retrieved via the IDnow API or the My IDnow portal, which provides visual reports of the customer's identification journey.
To install and set up your ID NOW instrument (from Abbott/Alere) or the IDnow identity software, follow these steps to locate your serial number and complete the installation. For ID NOW Laboratory Instruments
If you are looking for the serial number for the physical diagnostic instrument:
Locating the Serial Number: You can find the unique serial number in two places: The process for identifying an ID NOW instrument
In-App: Navigate to the Preferences Menu on the device screen and select About.
Physical Label: Look at the back of the instrument; the serial number is on a sticker in the bottom right corner.
Registration/Support: For technical issues or registration, you can contact the Abbott Technical Support team. For IDnow Identity Verification Software
If you are setting up the identity verification platform for business use: Software Installation:
Launch the Installation Wizard and select your language (e.g., English). Accept the Terms and Agreements.
Choose the destination folder or hard drive for the program files.
The system will extract and install the necessary files automatically.
Ident-ID vs. Serial Number: For digital onboarding, users typically do not use a "serial number" but an Ident-ID. Prerequisites
Ident-ID: This is a unique process ID sent via SMS, email, or displayed within the IDnow App to start a verification session.
Mobile Apps: If you are a user being verified, download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and enter the token provided by your service provider.
Are you setting up the physical diagnostic machine or the identity verification software for your business? IDnow Online-Ident - App Store
SN-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX) from IDnow via email or your customer dashboard.IDnow serial numbers use the Latin alphabet. If your keyboard is set to Cyrillic, Arabic, or Chinese IME, the installer might insert a visually identical but technically different "look-alike" character. Fix: Switch your keyboard input to English US before typing the serial number.
Before going live, verify these three things:
https://api.idnow.de (or your regional endpoint).401 or 403 error.Serial number accepted during service initialization.| Problem | Likely Solution |
|---------|----------------|
| “Invalid serial number” | Double-check for typos, dashes, and case sensitivity. Ensure environment (Sandbox vs Production) matches. |
| No webhook received | Check that your endpoint is public, HTTPS, and responds with 200 OK. |
| Serial number not active | Some serials require manual approval by IDnow. Contact support. |
| CORS/network error | Whitelist IDnow API domains in your backend proxy or CORS policy. |
If you are installing a device that has been in storage for 2+ years, its firmware predates current security certificates. Fix: You cannot install it via the normal method.