Is It Safe to Send a Photo of Your Driver's License?
Someone asked for your ID. Maybe it's a landlord, maybe it's a Craigslist seller, maybe it's a new job. Here's how to know if it's legit—and how to protect yourself if you decide to share.
Your driver's license is a master key to your identity. It contains your full name, date of birth, address, license number, and a photo of your face. In the wrong hands, that's enough to open credit cards, file fraudulent tax returns, or create a fake ID.
So when someone asks you to send a photo of it, your instincts are right to hesitate.
The Quick Answer
It depends entirely on who's asking and why.
- Legitimate businesses with secure processes: Generally okay, with precautions
- Random person on the internet: Usually no
- Someone you haven't verified: Verify first, then decide
Red Flags: When to Refuse
Legitimate landlords show the property first. Scammers collect IDs from dozens of people for fake listings.
"Send your ID now or someone else will get it." Urgency is a manipulation tactic.
Below-market rent or prices attract victims. The "deal" is the bait.
"I'm out of the country." Legitimate landlords and employers can verify their identity.
Professional landlords have phone numbers and email addresses, not just WhatsApp or Telegram.
"Send a deposit to hold the apartment" plus your ID = classic scam combination.
Green Flags: When It's Probably Okay
Property management company with an office, a website that's been around for years, reviews.
You contacted them, not the other way around.
In-person verification before sharing sensitive documents.
Tenant portal, secure upload form—not just "email it to me."
Background check, identity verification, regulatory requirement—with specifics.
What Someone Can Do With Your ID
Understanding the risk helps you make better decisions:
- Identity theft: Open credit cards, loans, bank accounts in your name
- Synthetic identity fraud: Combine your info with others to create fake identities
- Tax fraud: File false tax returns to claim refunds
- Create fake IDs: Your photo + their info, or vice versa
- SIM swapping: Take over your phone number using your identity
- Account takeover: "Verify" their identity to your bank using your license
If You Decide to Share: How to Protect Yourself
1. Redact What They Don't Need
Most ID requests only need to confirm your name and photo match. They rarely need:
- The barcode: Contains all your info in machine-readable format
- Your license number: Unless specifically required for a legitimate purpose
- Your signature: Can be used for forgery
2. Add a Watermark
Overlay text stating the purpose:
- "For 123 Main St rental application only - Jan 2026"
- "Acme Property Management verification only"
This makes the image harder to reuse for other purposes and creates evidence of where leaks came from.
3. Use Secure Transmission
In order of preference:
- Secure upload portal (look for HTTPS)
- Encrypted messaging (Signal, iMessage)
- Password-protected PDF via email
- Regular email (least secure—avoid if possible)
4. Ask How It Will Be Stored and Deleted
Legitimate businesses have data retention policies. Ask:
- "How long will you keep my ID on file?"
- "How is it stored?"
- "Will you delete it after verification?"
Common Scenarios
Rental Applications
Normal: ID requested after viewing property, as part of formal application through established property manager or verified landlord.
Suspicious: ID requested before viewing, from someone who can't prove they own/manage the property, via Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace with no verification.
Online Marketplace Sales
Normal: Most peer-to-peer sales don't require ID.
Suspicious: "I need to verify you're a real person before shipping." This is almost always a scam.
New Job/Employment
Normal: ID required for I-9 verification after accepting an offer, at a real company.
Suspicious: ID requested during application phase, before interview, or for a "job" you found through unsolicited contact.
Financial Accounts
Normal: Banks, brokerages, and crypto exchanges require ID for KYC regulations.
Suspicious: Requests from unfamiliar services, phishing emails, or platforms you didn't sign up for.
Already Sent Your ID to Someone Suspicious?
If you've already shared your license with someone you now suspect is a scammer:
- Freeze your credit immediately: Free at all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion)
- Set up fraud alerts: Also free at all three bureaus
- Monitor your accounts: Watch for unfamiliar activity
- Consider an IRS Identity Protection PIN: Prevents tax fraud
- Report to FTC: IdentityTheft.gov provides recovery plans
- Contact your DMV: Some states flag licenses as potentially compromised
The Bottom Line
Your driver's license is one of your most valuable documents for identity verification—which is exactly why criminals want it. Before sending:
- Verify who's asking and why
- Check for red flags
- Redact unnecessary information
- Use secure transmission
- Follow up on how it will be stored
When in doubt, refuse and ask for alternatives. Legitimate businesses understand privacy concerns and often have other verification options.