Proof ID Review Process

When reviewing ID documents submitted by customers, Back-Office Agents must assess the following criteria to ensure the validity of the proof:

Face must be clearly visible:

• No filters, or obstructions.
• Eyes-medical conditions can create eyes to appear looking side-ways.
• Mental conditions can create a non-focused eye view.

No full-body photos:

• Only the face or from the neck up should be visible—close-up shots only.

No accessories covering the face or in the neck:

• This includes sunglasses, hats (unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons), masks, or anything that hides facial features.

Only one person in the photo: 

• The ID must only show one person.

No edited or digitally altered images:

• No signs of Photoshop, filters, or enhancements.

Photo on the ID must not appear tampered with:

• It should not look manipulated, glued over, or visibly altered in any way.

Make sure signature is not tampered:

• A black signature on a State IDcard, typically indicates it’s a “REAL ID” compliant card.  
• A black signature is a security feature used to prevent forgery.

Holographic overlays/ fluorescent elements:

• The ID cards include various security features to prevent counterfeiting, such as fluorescent elements and holographic overlays.

Here is one example of acceptable head covering:

Religious head coverings are acceptable for Government ID photos

This type of scarf is also considered valid.

Here are some examples of invalid pictures:

Head not facing the camera, sporting head band &pixilated

Head not facing the camera eyes closed & pixilated

Looking away & pixilated

Full body shot, double exposure & pixilated. Overly dark, unclear, indistinct, or obscure

Full body shot and double exposure. Overly dark, unclear, indistinct, or obscure

Sporting a cap & low brightness

Overly dark, unclear, indistinct, or obscure

Looking away & Head tilted

Hand(s)present in the state-issued photo

Digital manipulation and pixelated

Head tilted and high brightness

Picture cut off at the chin

Headshot with a chin-up pose

Sticking out tongue