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Take photos of my ID

To verify your identity, you will need to take photos of your ID online, or bring your ID in person to a United States Post Office.

How to take photos

You need a phone or tablet with a camera to take photos of your ID using Login.gov’s camera tool. You cannot use a webcam. If you are using a computer, we will text you a link to open Login.gov on your phone or tablet. You will switch back to your computer after you take photos.

  1. Place your ID on a solid, dark background.

    ID is placed on a white background.
    • DON’T: Use a white background
    ID is placed on a textured background.
    • DON’T: Use textured, patterned backgrounds.

  2. Take your photos in a well-lit area with indirect light.

    ID has a glare and shadows cast over it.
    • DON’T: Use photos with glare or shadows
    ID edges are cropped out.
    • DON’T: Crop the edges of your ID

  3. Hold your device still while taking the photos. It may help to prop your arms on the table to steady yourself.

    ID front is centered in the camera frame and placed on a dark background.
    • DO: Line up your ID with the guidelines
    ID back is centered in the camera frame and placed on a dark background.
    • DO: Check that the barcode is not damaged or dirty

Troubleshooting

I don’t have a phone or tablet with a camera

If you don’t have a phone or tablet with a camera, you may be able to verify your identity in person at a United States Post Office near you.

The camera tool isn’t working

If Login.gov’s camera tool to take a photo of your ID isn’t working, check that you are using the latest version of your iOS or Android operating system, and that you are using the recommended web browser for your phone or tablet.

You may need to update your operating system or web browser, clear your cache or cookies, or give Login.gov permission to use the camera.

Login.gov couldn’t verify my ID

If you submit your photos and get an error message that we couldn’t verify your ID, check that you are using an accepted ID type.

Make sure that your name, address, and other information on your ID can be easily read. Avoid bright light, glare, or shadows that make it hard to read the ID.

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