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Scanning my photo ID

Step-by-step guide to capturing your photo ID during your identity verification

Updated over 2 weeks ago

How do I scan my photo ID?

To scan your photo ID:

  1. select the country that issued your ID

  2. choose your document type (passport, driving licence, etc.)

  3. position your ID within the frame and capture the image β€” on mobile, it captures automatically; on desktop, tap the green button

  4. check the photo is clear, then tap "Yes, continue"

  5. review the details extracted from your ID and confirm they're correct

If something doesn't look right at any step, you can go back and try again.


How to get a clear scan

βœ… Do:

  • Use the original document, not a photo or photocopy

  • Take the photo in good, even lighting; not too dark or too bright

  • Make sure all four corners are visible and text is readable

❌ Avoid:

  • Shadows or glare on the document

  • Cropping any corners of the ID

  • Taking a photo of your screen

πŸ’‘ Tips:

  • Check that the document is still valid/not expired

  • Use a smartphone if you can; it usually works better than a computer webcam

For some types of ID, Vouchsafe will ask you to scan both the front and back. For others, the front only is enough.

Good and bad examples

These examples use a CitizenCard, but the same rules apply to all photo ID

βœ… Acceptable:

  • All text can be read

  • ID card fills the frame with all corners visible

  • No harsh reflections

❌ Not acceptable:

  • Too far away

❌ Not acceptable:

  • Text is obscured

❌ Not acceptable:

  • Harsh reflections obscuring text

  • Too dark


What if I don't have a photo ID?

If you don't have a photo ID available, or yours isn't being accepted, tap "I don't have a photo ID" to see what other options are available.

Depending on how your verification has been set up, alternatives might include:

Click the links for more info.

⚠️ The organisation you're verifying with decides which options to offer, so you may not see all of these. If you don't have any, you may need to reach out to them to discuss.


Need more help?

Tap the icon to live chat with a member of our support team, or email [email protected]


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