A driver's license barcode (PDF417) encodes everything printed on the front in machine-readable form — name, address, DOB, license number, even physical description. If you redact the front but share the back, you've shared everything. Either don't share the back, or redact the entire barcode.
2 sec
Time to decode a driver's license barcode with a free phone app
PDF417 barcode scanner apps
16+
Personal data fields encoded in the AAMVA standard barcode
American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators
Risks / Avoid
- Sharing a photo of the back with the barcode visible
- Partially covering the barcode — partial barcodes can still decode
- Using visual overlays that don't permanently remove data
Best Practices
- Never share the back unless specifically required
- If sharing back, redact the ENTIRE barcode — completely
- Use pixel-burn redaction that destroys barcode data permanently
How to Redact With SafeRedact
1
Upload
Drop your document into SafeRedact. PDFs, PNGs, JPEGs — multi-page supported. Your file stays in your browser.
2
AI Detection
SafeRedact's AI automatically flags SSNs, account numbers, phone numbers, addresses, and other PII patterns.
3
Review & Add
Confirm AI detections. Draw boxes for anything additional — financial terms, names, or other context-specific data.
4
Apply & Download
Pixel-burn redaction permanently destroys the data. Cannot be recovered with copy-paste, Photoshop, or forensic tools.
Redact Both Sides
AI detects PII on the front. Draw a box over the barcode on the back. Done in 30 seconds.
Start Redacting Free