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.
Usually you need the document itself
A scan step in a verification flow secured with Persona is generally reading the document through your camera as you hold it, rather than accepting a saved picture of it. Having the real thing in front of the camera is what it is set up for.
Why a saved photo often does not work
A picture of a picture, a photocopy, or a screenshot rarely reads as well as the document itself, and it is more likely to be turned away. That can happen even when it is a very clear photo of your own ID.
What to do instead
Hold the actual document up to your camera and scan it directly, edge to edge, in good light. If it is in your car, another room, or a drawer, retrieve it and then continue. License will not scan has the fix if the scan itself is the problem.
When a photo is allowed
Some flows accept an uploaded image alongside or instead of a live scan. If yours does, upload the clearest photo you can, with the whole document visible and no glare, and keep the physical ID safe in case the company asks to see it later.