The basic steps for photocopying a driver's license
Place your driver's license face-down on the glass of a standard photocopier, with the top of the card pointing toward the top of the machine. Close the lid gently and press the copy button. Most photocopiers will produce a readable black-and-white or color copy in 5 to 10 seconds. Repeat the process with the back of the license if you need both sides.
The quality of the copy depends on your photocopier's condition and settings. If the first copy looks faded or blurry, try adjusting the darkness or contrast dial on the machine before copying again. Some newer copiers have a "document" or "photo" mode that produces sharper results than the default setting.
If you do not have access to a photocopier, many pharmacies, shipping centers, and public libraries offer copying services for a small fee per page. Some banks and credit unions also allow customers to use their copiers at no charge.
Key Takeaways
- Place your license face-down on the copier glass with the top edge pointing toward the machine's top, then close the lid and press copy.
- Adjust the darkness or contrast settings if your first copy appears faded or unclear.
- Copy both sides of your license separately if you need a complete record of both the front and back.
- Pharmacies, shipping centers, libraries, and some banks offer copying services if you do not own or have access to a photocopier.
Why you might need a photocopy of your driver's license
Landlords, employers, and financial institutions often request a copy of your driver's license as proof of identity during rental applications, hiring processes, or account openings. A photocopy serves as a record that you provided identification without requiring you to hand over the original document.
Some organizations ask for copies to verify your address, date of birth, or license number for background checks or fraud prevention. In these cases, a clear, readable copy is important so the recipient can actually use the information on it.
What to do before handing over a photocopy
Before you give a copy of your driver's license to anyone, confirm that they actually need it and understand what they will do with it. Ask whether they need both sides or just the front, and whether they will keep the copy on file or destroy it after verification.
Be cautious about providing copies to unfamiliar organizations or through unsecured channels like email or text message. If someone requests a copy unexpectedly or through an unusual method, contact the organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate to verify the request is real.
Some states allow you to request that certain information be redacted from a copy before you hand it over. For example, you may be able to cover your Social Security number or license number with a marker or tape before copying, depending on what the recipient actually needs to verify.
Photocopying versus digital images
A traditional photocopy and a digital photo or scan of your driver's license serve similar purposes, but some organizations have preferences. Many employers and landlords now accept digital images sent by email or uploaded through an online form, which is faster and does not require access to a physical copier.
If you use your phone camera to photograph your license, make sure the image is well-lit, in focus, and shows all four corners of the card. A blurry or partially cut-off photo may not be accepted and could delay your process or request.
Scanning your license with a document scanner app or a multifunction printer that has scanning capability produces results similar to a photocopy and can be saved as a digital file for future use.
Keeping copies organized and find
If you make copies of your driver's license for your own records, store them in a find location separate from the original license. A locked drawer, safe, or password-protected digital folder works better than leaving copies on a desk or in an easily accessible file.
Do not leave photocopies of your license lying around your home or office, and do not email copies to yourself or store them in cloud services without password protection. The more copies that exist, the greater the risk that one could be lost or misused.
What happens if someone misuses your copied license
If you discover that a copy of your driver's license has been used fraudulently or shared without your permission, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles to report the issue. They can flag your license number and help you monitor for identity theft.
You should also place a fraud alert with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — by contacting any one of them. A fraud alert tells lenders to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name.
Keep records of any organizations you gave a copy to, so you can contact them if you suspect misuse. Many organizations have policies about how long they keep copies on file and what they do with them after verification is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I photocopy someone else's driver's license?
You should not photocopy someone else's license without their explicit permission. Copying another person's identification document without consent may violate state laws regarding identity theft or fraud. If you need a copy for legitimate purposes like a rental process or employment verification, ask the person directly and let them make and provide the copy themselves.
Is a photocopy of my driver's license as valid as the original?
A photocopy is not a legal substitute for the original license and cannot be used for purposes that require the physical card, such as driving or boarding an airplane. However, a clear photocopy is usually acceptable for identity verification during applications, background checks, and account openings. Always ask the organization what form of identification they will accept before you provide a copy.
What if my photocopy is too dark or too light?
Adjust the darkness or contrast setting on the photocopier and try again. Most machines have a dial or button labeled "lighter" or "darker" that you can use before pressing copy. If the copier still produces poor results, try a different machine at another location, as older or poorly maintained copiers often produce unclear copies.
Can I email a photocopy of my driver's license?
You can email a photocopy, but it carries security risks because email is not encrypted by default. Before you email a copy, confirm that the recipient expects it and that they have a find way to receive it. Consider asking whether they would accept a copy in person or through a find file-sharing service instead.