Level AAPerceivable1.3.5

WCAG 1.3.5: Identify Input Purpose

The purpose of each input field collecting information about the user can be programmatically determined.

ADA Relevance: Level AA is the standard courts reference for ADA compliance. Failing this criterion creates direct legal exposure for ADA lawsuits.

Why Identify Input Purpose Matters

Autocomplete attributes help users fill in forms faster and with fewer errors, especially those with cognitive disabilities or who use assistive technology.

How to Test for WCAG 1.3.5 Violations

Check all form fields collecting personal information for appropriate autocomplete attributes (name, email, tel, address, etc.).

How to Fix WCAG 1.3.5 Violations

Add autocomplete attributes to form fields: <input type="email" autocomplete="email">, <input type="text" autocomplete="name">, <input type="tel" autocomplete="tel">.

Industries Most Affected by Identify Input Purpose Violations

These industries commonly fail WCAG 1.3.5 due to the nature of their website content and functionality:

Identify Input Purpose by Platform

Different platforms have different levels of built-in support for WCAG 1.3.5:

WCAG 1.3.5 FAQ

What does WCAG 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose require?

WCAG 1.3.5 requires that the purpose of each input field collecting information about the user can be programmatically determined. This is a Level AA criterion under the Perceivable principle, meaning it is required for ADA compliance (courts reference WCAG 2.1 AA).

How do I test for WCAG 1.3.5 violations?

Check all form fields collecting personal information for appropriate autocomplete attributes (name, email, tel, address, etc.).

Is WCAG 1.3.5 required for ADA compliance?

Yes. WCAG 1.3.5 is a Level AA criterion, and courts consistently reference WCAG 2.1 AA as the standard for ADA compliance. Failing to meet this criterion creates legal exposure for ADA lawsuits, which typically settle for $10,000 to $75,000+.

What happens if my website fails WCAG 1.3.5?

Failing WCAG 1.3.5 Identify Input Purpose means autocomplete attributes help users fill in forms faster and with fewer errors, especially those with cognitive disabilities or who use assistive technology. This violation is detectable by automated scanning tools that ADA plaintiff attorneys use to identify lawsuit targets. ADA CodeFix can scan your site for this specific violation and provide AI-generated code fixes.

Test Your Site for WCAG 1.3.5 Violations

ADA CodeFix automatically scans for Identify Input Purpose violations and provides AI-generated code fixes — not overlay widgets.

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