How to take photos to verify your identity

If you do not have a valid state-issued ID, such as a driver's license or state ID card , you cannot use Login.gov for identity verification. Please contact the partner agency’s help center to find out what you can do instead.

Overview

To verify your identity online, you must both:

Take a photo of your valid driver’s license or state ID card, and
Enter your personal information

You may also need to take a photo of yourself with a phone or tablet to ensure you are the person on your ID. If you don’t have access to a phone or tablet with a camera, you can verify your identity in person.

This article covers how you can submit images to verify your identity.

How to take photos of your driver’s license or state ID card

If you are using a computer to verify your identity, you will be able to switch to a phone or tablet to take photos of your ID.

Using your phone or tablet

ID front is centered in the camera frame and placed on a dark background.

ID back is centered in the camera frame and placed on a dark background.

Use a high resolution camera like a smartphone or tablet camera, rather than a webcam.
Place your ID on a solid, dark background.
Take your photos in a well-lit area with indirect light.
Check that ID barcodes are not damaged or dirty.
Hold your device still while taking the photos. It may help to prop your arms on the table to steady yourself.

ID is placed on a white background. — Avoid white backgrounds.

ID is placed on a textured background. — Don't use textured, patterned backgrounds.

ID edges are cropped out. — Take a picture of your entire ID.

ID has a glare and shadows cast over it. — Avoid glare or shadows.

How to take photos of yourself

Some partner agencies may ask you to take a photo of your face and photos of your driver’s license or state ID card. This checks that you are the person on your ID.

Take your photo in a well-lit place, while avoiding glare.
Make sure your entire face is visible, from your chin to the top of your head. Only wear accessories, like glasses, that you also wear in your ID photo. Remove any other items covering your face.
Line up your face with the guidelines. Keep your expression neutral and remain still.
Follow the instructions to take a photo. The camera tool may automatically take a photo, or you may need to tap a button to take the photo.
Tap the checkmark or follow the instructions to accept the photo.

Troubleshooting

Ensure the information in your photo is clear

Make sure your name, address, and other information on your ID can be easily read.
Avoid bright light or glare that may impede the ID scan.

Consider verifying your identity in person

If the information on your ID is not up to date, or if you look very different from your ID photo, verifying your identity online may not work.
Select the option to verify your identity in person and visit a local United States Postal Service location to verify your identity.

Check your device and browser combination

iOS phones or tablets should use the Safari web browser.
Android phones or tablets should use the Google Chrome web browser.

Update your web browser, or clear your cache and cookies

If you’re using Safari, you can try updating the browser, or clear the cache and cookies.
If you’re using Google Chrome, you can try updating the browser, or clear the cache and cookies.