What is Document Classification API
Veryfi's Classification API is an intelligent document classifier that identifies document types without performing full file processing and data extraction.
This lightweight API returns the document_type (receipt, invoice, W-2, etc.) along with a confidence score, enabling you to route documents to appropriate processing workflows or filter out irrelevant content before full processing or else custom handling.
Prerequisites
API Docs: https://docs.veryfi.com/api/classify/classify-a-document/
Endpoint URL: https://api.veryfi.com/api/v8/partner/classify
The following document types are supported: .webp, .heic, .txt, .gif, .htm, .avif, .xls, .ofd, .xlsx, .heif, .html, .zip, .csv, .jpg, .jpeg, .pdf, .png.
The max file size: 20mb, min file size is 0.25kb.
RPS: 60 requests per second.
How Classification API Differs from Document Processing
The Classification API operates fundamentally differently from other Veryfi Data Extraction APIs. While the Data Extraction API extracts all available data fields from documents (amounts, dates, vendor names, line items, etc.), the Classification API focuses solely on identifying what type of document it's analyzing.
Classification API is ideal for:
Pre-filtering documents before processing
Routing documents to specialized processing workflows
Rejecting irrelevant uploads
Bulk document sorting and organization
Data Extraction APIs are better for:
Complete data extraction from predefined document types
End-to-end document processing workflows
Situations where document type and data extraction happen simultaneously
Cases where preprocessing and/or classification of the document type is not required
What document types can the Classification API detect?
Standard document types include:
other, receipt, invoice, purchase_order, w9, statement, check, contract, w8, remittance_advice, business_card, bank_statement, w2, packing_slip, credit_note
⚠️ Important Note: You can use either standard document types (pre-trained) or define custom types.
Use document_types request parameter to define custom types.
What does a Classification API response look like?
Request:
curl -L -X POST 'https://api.veryfi.com/api/v8/partner/classify' \
-H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
-H 'Accept: application/json' \
-H 'CLIENT-ID: vrfY81111111111111yc6co' \
-H 'AUTHORIZATION: apikey en.apikeystest:2b886726a7710c3111110c41c460' \
--data-raw '{
"external_id": "string",
"package_path": "string",
"bucket": "string",
"file_data": "string",
"file_url": "https://veryfi-testing-public.s3.us-west-.amazonaws.com/receipt.jpg"",
}'
JSON Response:
{
"document_type": {
"score": 0.97,
"value": "receipt"
}
}The score indicates confidence (0.0 to 1.0), and value is the classified document type.
Score 0.97 = 97% confident this is the correct document type
Value "receipt" = The classified document type
Higher scores = More reliable classification
Learn more about Confidence Details here
⚠️ Important: You can start with either higher thresholds or lower, depending on the approach that depends on the requirement for precision and recall.
⚠️ Important: Different thresholds might be employed for default document_types and custom document_types.
Custom vs Standard Types:
Standard Types: Ready to use, trained on millions of documents
Custom Types: "medical_record", "legal_contract", "property_deed"
Q: How do I handle documents classified as "other" or “null”?
A: Documents classified as "other" are typically:
Personal photos, screenshots
Non-document content
Highly damaged/unclear documents
A: Documents classified as "null" are:
- Document that has fewer than 50 characters
Q: Can I improve the accuracy of custom document types?
A: Yes, contact Veryfi for custom model training for specialized industries or unique document types not covered by standard classifications.
Use Cases by Industry Vertical
Tax Forms & Accounting
Q: How can tax preparers use the Classification API?
A: Upload all client tax documents to the Classification API first, then route them automatically:
Documents classified as
w2→ W-2 Processing APIDocuments classified as
w9→ W-9 Processing APIDocuments classified as
w8→ W-8 Processing APIDocuments classified as
receipt→ Receipts APIDocuments classified as
other→ Manual review queue or special handling
Financial Services & KYC
Q: How does the Classification API help with KYC (Know Your Customer) processes?
A: Create a single document upload endpoint for customers, then route based on classification:
bank_statement→ Bank Statements API for account verificationcheck→ Checks API for payment verificationbusiness_card→ Business Cards API for contact extractionBank letters/official documents → Any Document API with custom templates
other→ Fraud review or rejection workflow
Compliance Benefits:
Faster customer onboarding
Reduced manual document review
Consistent compliance workflows
Audit trail for document classification
Q: Can I integrate Classification API with compliance workflows?
A: Yes, use Business Rules Engine to create automated compliance checks based on document types and confidence scores.
Learn more about KYC Toolkit at Veryfi
Expense Management
Q: How does Classification API improve expense management workflows?
A: Implement "garbage in, garbage out" prevention:
Pre-classify all user uploads
Only process documents classified as
receipt,invoice, orpurchase_orderReject
business_card,other, or low-confidence classificationsRoute legitimate documents to Receipts & Invoices API
Save processing costs by filtering non-expense documents upfront
Healthcare & Insurance
Q: How can healthcare organizations use Classification API?
A: Route medical documents efficiently:
receipt→ Medical expense processing for HSA/FSA claimsinvoice→ Provider billing verificationstatement→ Insurance claim processingother→ Manual review for non-medical documents
Healthcare Workflow Benefits:
Faster claim processing
Reduced manual document sorting
Better fraud detection
Improved patient experience
Getting Started
Quick Start Checklist:
📖 Review the Classification API documentation
🔑 Obtain API credentials from your Veryfi account
🧪 Test with sample documents from your use case
📊 Determine optimal confidence thresholds for your workflow
⚙️ Implement routing logic to appropriate processing APIs
📈 Set up monitoring and optimization processes
Do I need different API keys for Classification vs Processing APIs?
No, use the same Veryfi API credentials for all APIs. Billing is tracked separately by API endpoint usage.