the invention relates to document - examining apparatus for automatically examining the authenticity elements of secured documents . it includes a compound slide which can be moved in the x and y directions and on which the components required to evaluate the distinguishing authenticity features are mounted . the x slide of the compound slide is mounted on a y slide . a first group of evaluating units for evaluating diffraction elements on a document is disposed on the x slide . a second group of evaluating components , for example , for evaluating text , an ir field and / or a photographic field , may be mounted on the y slide . in addition , a source of uv radiation may be provided for examining distinguishing fluorescence features of a document , the fluorescence being evaluated by means of a stationary evaluating unit or by means of the evaluating unit on the x slide .