Ranking updated
How to share ID documents safely
Landlords, employers, hotels and online services often ask for a photo of your passport or ID. Each copy you send can be stored, forwarded or leaked, and used for fraud. You cannot always refuse, but you can make each copy less useful to anyone other than the intended recipient.
A practical checklist, then redact photo apps, with a section for privacy apps rising by visits on the Censuus ranking. What a recipient may legally request differs by country and situation; some must see the full document.
Privacy apps rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus
A younger iPhone app from an independent developer:
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Share only when necessary
Ask whether a copy is required or whether showing the document in person is enough. If they need a copy, ask how it will be stored and when it will be deleted.
Hide what is not needed
Where the recipient allows it, cover details they do not need, such as document numbers or your photo. Use a proper redaction tool rather than a drawing tool, so hidden areas cannot be recovered.
Add a watermark
Write across the image who it is for, the purpose and the date, for example “For flat rental with X only, October 2026”. A watermarked copy is much harder to reuse elsewhere.
Send and clean up
Use the official upload portal or a secure channel, then delete copies from chats, email and downloads. For storing originals, see how to store important documents safely; compare apps in redact photo apps.
| Step | What you do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Ask why | is a copy really required? | fewer copies out there |
| 2. Cover extras | hide numbers and details not needed | less to misuse |
| 3. Watermark it | recipient, purpose, date | harder to reuse |
| 4. Send securely | official portal or encrypted channel | not in open email |
| 5. Clean up | delete copies from chats and downloads | no forgotten copies |
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to send a photo of my passport?
It carries risk. Send only when required, cover details that are not needed, add a watermark naming the recipient and purpose, and use a secure channel.
How do I watermark an ID document?
Add text across the image naming the recipient, purpose and date, using a photo or redaction app.
Can I hide my document number?
Sometimes. It depends on why the copy is requested; some organisations must see the full document. Ask before you send.