Help with proving your identity

You will receive a link to use our prove your identity service and can access it using either a smartphone or desktop. You’ll need to scan a QR code if you wish to change from one device to another.

You may get an error message if you are trying to access the service using a work device. You can try using a personal device if this happens. 

The frame around the photo will be red while you are positioning the camera and will turn green when the photo is ready to take.

Photos of your documents or face will take automatically, so you won’t need to press a button yourself.

If the photo doesn’t take straightaway, then follow the instructions on the screen, which will give advice such as to move closer or to hold the camera still.

If the photo still doesn’t take, then try moving to an area where the light is better.

Make sure that the photo ID details are clear and that there is no light shining on the ID that may make it difficult to read all the information. 

The capture screen will tell you if you are too far from the document or too close to it. It will also tell you if you need to hold your phone still.  

If the photo is blurred, then the ID checker may not be able to read the details, so you should click the retake button to take the photo again. 

If you are not satisfied that the photo meets the guidelines, you can press the retake button to take the photo again. 

For your passport, take a photo of the personal details page only. This is the bottom half of the opened passport. 

For a UK driving licence you will need to take a photo of the front and back of the document. This is also applies to PASS prove of age card and HM Armed Forces card.

The photo must include the full document, not just the address. We are checking that the document is legitimate so must see enough of it to be sure of this, such as your name and address, the issue date, and the branding of the company that issued the document.

If the photo takes too quickly and you are not satisfied that it meets the guidelines, you can press the retake button to take the photo again.

If the photo is blurred, then the ID checker may not be able to read the details, so you should click the retake button to take the photo again. 

You also have the option of uploading a PDF, instead of taking a photo of the document. 

Hold the camera directly in front of you, at arm’s length.  

The capture screen will tell you if you need to move your face closer to, or further from, your phone.  

Make sure you are in a well-lit room when taking the photo.  

Do not have light shining behind you.  

You will not be able to review this photo.  

The photo needs to be clear enough to check that your face matches the face on the photo ID documents. If it is not clear enough, then we may reject your application. In this case we’ll let you know why, and you will have to complete a new application. 

We use the photo that you have uploaded, as long as it meets professional and passport guidelines. 

If it does not meet these guidelines, then we'll use the photo of your face you took as part of the prove your identity service. 

If neither of these photos are suitable for your smartcard, your application may be rejected and you'll be re-invited to start your application again.

When you upload your photo, you'll have the opportunity to crop it, to ensure that it meets the guidelines. You'll also see a preview of the photo and have the option to change it if you want. 

If your gallery or file manager opens instead of your camera when trying to take a photo, you may have an issue with permissions. 

If you are directed to a page called ‘There is a problem with the service’, and selecting the ‘Try again’ option redirects you back to the same page, it may be because need to give permission for your web browser to access your device camera.