How to capture the best document image
A clear document image helps your identity check go through faster and avoids unnecessary delays.
Follow the guidance below when taking photos of your passport, driving licence or other identity document.
Before you start
Before taking your document photo, make sure:
- your document is valid and in date
- the details match your DBS application
- you are in a well-lit room
- the document is clean and flat
- your phone camera lens is clean
- you have enough space around the document in the photo
A few extra seconds here can save a lot of back and forth later.
Capture a clear image of the MRZ and full data page
The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) is the two lines of letters, numbers and chevrons at the bottom of a passport data page.
The MRZ contains security and verification information used during the identity checking process, so it needs to be fully visible and easy to read.
Make sure your image clearly shows:
- the entire MRZ
- your photograph
- your personal details
- all four corners of the document
If any part of the MRZ is blurred, covered or cropped out, the check may fail and you could be asked to retake the image.
Avoid covering the MRZ
It is fine if your fingers or thumbs appear in the image while holding the document, but they must not cover anything important.
Make sure nothing covers:
- the MRZ
- your photograph
- your document number
- your date of birth
- any important text on the data page
Watch out for glare
Natural lighting usually works best.
Strong reflections or glare can make the MRZ or photograph unreadable, especially on passports and identity cards with glossy surfaces.
Try to avoid:
- camera flash
- direct sunlight
- bright reflections
- overhead spotlights
- glare across the MRZ or photo
If you can see glare on your screen, the checking system probably can too.
Capture your image squarely
Putting the document on a flat surface usually helps.
Try to take the image straight on rather than at an angle. Images taken too horizontally or from the side can make the text harder to read.
A good image should be:
- flat
- clear
- evenly lit
- fully inside the frame
- taken straight on
It is completely fine if we can see something holding the document.
Irish Passport Card
If you are using an Irish Passport Card, make sure you capture clear images of both the front and back.
Both sides may be needed during the identity verification process.
