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 the photo page blurs
The passport photo page is thinner than a card and can curve, and the writing near the bottom (the MRZ line) is tiny. Blur usually comes from a curved page, a moving camera, or low light.
Get a sharp photo
- Lay the passport flat and press down gently on the spine so the photo page lies open and even.
- Photograph the whole page from directly above, filling the frame.
- Steady the camera (rest elbows or set the phone on something stable).
- Light the page evenly and remove glare.
- Tap the preview to focus on the page text.
The MRZ matters
The two lines of characters at the bottom are read automatically, so they must be crisp and complete. If only the bottom is blurry, that is usually a low-light or focus issue.