Privacy • Guide
When Should You Share a Redacted Driver's License?
Different situations require different information. Here's what to keep visible — and what to black out — for common ID requests.
Someone asks for a copy of your driver's license. Your instinct might be to send the whole thing — but that's rarely necessary and often risky.
Most requests only need specific pieces of information. By redacting what isn't required, you minimize your exposure to identity theft while still satisfying the request.
Here's a scenario-by-scenario guide.
Age Verification (Bars, Events, Online Purchases)
What they need: Proof you're over 21 (or 18)
Keep visible:
- Date of birth
- Photo (sometimes)
- State of issue (to verify it's a real license format)
Redact:
- License number
- Address
- Signature
- Entire back of license (barcode)
Landlord / Rental Application
What they need: Identity verification, current address
Keep visible:
- Name
- Photo
- Current address (they'll verify this)
- Date of birth
Redact:
- License number
- Signature
- Physical characteristics
- Entire back of license (barcode)
New Employer (I-9 Verification)
What they need: Proof of identity for employment eligibility
Keep visible:
- Name
- Photo
- Date of birth
- Expiration date (must be current)
Note: For official I-9 verification, employers may need the full, unredacted document. Ask HR what's specifically required before redacting.
Insurance Company
What they need: Identity verification, driving record access
Keep visible:
- Name
- License number (they need this for DMV records)
- Date of birth
- State of issue
Redact:
- Address (provide separately if needed)
- Signature
- Photo (usually not needed)
- Back barcode (they have the license number)
Online Marketplace (Seller Verification)
What they need: Proof you're a real person
Keep visible:
- Name
- Photo
- State of issue
Redact:
- License number
- Address
- Date of birth
- Signature
- Entire back of license
The Universal Rule
When in doubt, ask: "What specific information do you need, and why?"
Legitimate organizations will tell you exactly what they require. If they insist on a completely unredacted license for a simple verification, that's a red flag.
Always Redact the Back
Regardless of the scenario, the barcode on the back of your license should almost always be redacted. It contains your complete personal information in machine-readable format — and there's rarely a legitimate reason for anyone to need it.
The barcode exists for law enforcement scanners and official DMV systems. A landlord, employer, or online service has no use for it.
How to Redact Properly
Remember: a black box drawn over sensitive information isn't always secure. Some image formats preserve layers, allowing the redaction to be removed.
Use a tool that performs pixel-level redaction — actually destroying the underlying data rather than just covering it up. This ensures your information can't be recovered.
Redact your license in 30 seconds
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