Uploading documents

Uploading clear photos of your documents is an important step in the verification process. Your documents are one of the ways to prove you are you.

This article gives you step-by-step instructions to upload your documents and best practices for taking high-quality document photos.

Upload documents

Self-Service or Short Video Call

To upload documents using your smartphone:

1. Go to the website of the organization you need to access and select the ID.me button.
2. Sign in or create an ID.me account
   Sign in if you already have an account; do not create another account. If you have never created an ID.me account, create one using your personal email address.  
3. Select Self-Service or Video Call, if prompted.
4. Select the identity document you want to use.
   
   Tip: Driver’s License or State ID may be the default. To upload a passport or passport card, select Change document, then select the document you’d like to upload.
5. Select Take a photo, then follow the prompts to take and upload your photos. 

Extended Video Call

If you were unable to verify using Self-Service or on a short video call, you may be able to verify on an extended video call. You will upload additional identity documents and show your documents to an ID.me Video Chat Agent.

Smartphone

1. When prompted, choose which documents you’ll upload. For example, you may use Primary and secondary documents.
2. Answer questions to confirm that the information you previously entered matches the information on your documents.
3. Take photos of your documents
   1. Next to each document, select Choose image.
   2. 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.
   3. Answer questions about the documents you selected or took a picture of.
4. Select Continue to send your documents. Your document will be reviewed, then if approved, you’ll be prompted to join a video call.

Computer

1. When prompted, choose which documents you’ll upload to verify your identity. For example, you may use Primary and secondary documents.
2. Answer questions to confirm that the information you previously entered matches the information on your documents.
3. Take photos of your documents
   1. For documents you want to upload, select Choose Image, then upload your documents from your computer.
   2. 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.
   3. Answer questions about the documents you selected or took a picture of.
4. Select Continue to send your documents. Your document will be reviewed, then if approved, you’ll be prompted to join a video call.

Document photo best practices

Position the document

• Use a dark surface: Place your document on a dark, plain surface to make it more visible.
• Avoid other objects: Ensure the photo is free of any other items, like pencils or pens.

Position your camera

• Match camera orientation: Align the camera's orientation with the document (vertical or horizontal).
• Take the photo straight on: Avoid angled shots.
• Capture the entire document: Ensure all four corners are visible and none of the document's information is covered or cropped out.

Check photo quality

Ensure that your document photo is clear and sharp, without any blurriness.

Troubleshoot document issues

I couldn’t upload photos of my documents

If you weren’t able to successfully upload your document photos, visit Document upload troubleshooting.

My documents were rejected 

If you uploaded your documents but they weren’t approved, visit Rejected documents.