Taking photos of your ID or documents

To verify your identity, you'll take photos of a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport, state ID, or permanent resident card. Before you start, make sure you:

Have a valid, unexpired government ID
Have a smartphone or a computer with a camera

Take a photo of your ID in Self-Service

After you sign in and complete multi-factor authentication (MFA), follow the prompts to use your phone's camera to take a new photo of your ID. Photos or files already saved on your device can't be used in this step.

When prompted, select Allow to use your camera.

Take clear photos of your ID

Follow these tips to ensure your photos are clear and complete:

Illustration with do’s and don’ts for taking a photo of your ID document

Set up your ID

Place it on a dark, plain surface
Remove other objects from the area

Position the camera

Hold your camera straight above the ID
Match the ID's orientation (vertical or horizontal)
Include all four corners

Check the image

Make sure the text is sharp and easy to read
Avoid glare, shadows, or blur

Submitting documents for a video call

If you need to verify with a Video Chat Agent on a video call, you may be prompted to provide additional documents. During this step, you can take new photos or upload images already saved on your device.

Submit documents using a smartphone

When prompted, choose which documents you’ll submit. For example, primary and secondary documents.
Answer questions to confirm that the info you entered earlier matches the information on your documents.
Next to each document, select Choose image.
Choose an existing image from your device or take a picture of the front and back (as applicable) of your documents.
Note: You may need to grant permission to use your device’s camera.
Answer questions about the documents you selected or took a picture of.
Select Continue to send your documents.

We’ll review your documents. If they’re approved, you’ll be prompted to join a video call.

Submit documents using a computer

When prompted, choose which documents you’ll submit. For example, primary and secondary documents.
Answer questions to confirm that the info you entered earlier matches your documents.
Submit your documents
- To upload saved files, select Choose image, then upload files from your computer.
- For any remaining documents you want to take a picture of, select Take photo, then select Continue. You’ll enter your phone number and receive a text message to begin the process.
  Note: You may need to grant permission to use your device’s camera.
Answer questions about the documents you selected or took a picture of.
Select Continue to send your documents.