This guide is for individuals going through a Persona-powered identity verification flow. While we’ve included helpful tips, the verification was set up by the business, service, or organization that asked you to verify. They use Persona as a tool, and they ultimately decide what’s required and can assist with your specific situation, if you’re having trouble.
Why paper documents are a problem
Paper IDs, printed copies, and photos of screenshots lack the security features of a real card and can be edited, so most verification flows reject them. A paper document also often fails the barcode and chip checks built into verification.
What works instead
- A physical, government-issued ID card: driver’s license, national ID, passport, or residence permit.
- Your own document in your hands, photographed live, not a screenshot or copy.
If paper is all you have
Some businesses accept a paper interim ID or a notarized document when printed IDs are not available. The business that asked you to verify decides. Ask them what they accept before retrying. See I only have a temporary ID and my ID is expired for related cases.