How to collect a photo ID with a contract
Rental shops, tattoo studios, landlords and car dealers often need to see an ID before they hand over keys or start work. Collecting it with the contract keeps both in one place: the person signs and adds a photo of their license in the same few minutes, and the image is filed with the signed copy. Here's how to set that up, and how to do it without collecting more personal data than you need.
Updated November 5, 2026 · 3 min read
Pick the right field
| Field | What the signer does | Where it ends up |
|---|---|---|
| Photo | Takes a photo or chooses one (JPEG or PNG) | Printed inside the field's box on the signed PDF |
| Attachment | Attaches files: photos, PDFs or both, as you allow | Added to the end of the signed PDF |
| Driver's license | Types the license number | Printed in the field, in capital letters |
A Photo field is the neatest choice for a single card: the picture appears right on the form, next to the name. Use an Attachment field when you need the front and the back, or a passport page, and set Most files to the number of images you expect.
Add it to your contract
- 1
Place the field
In the Fields step of an envelope or template, drag a Photo field into the space where the ID should print, and assign it to the signer. Give it a label like Photo ID.
- 2
Make it required
Switch on Required in the field's settings so the signer can't finish without it, and add Help text such as "Photograph the front of your driver's license, flat on a table".
- 3
Send it, or sign in person
When the signer opens the link on their phone, the field offers Take a photo, so they can shoot the card right there. At a counter, tap Sign in person and they use your phone or tablet's camera.
- 4
Check it against the person
When the envelope completes, open the signed PDF and compare the name and photo with the person in front of you, or with the details they typed. SignMaster stores the image; checking it is your job.
Everyone with the signed copy sees the ID
The photo is part of the signed PDF, so every signer and everyone set to receive a copy gets it too. Keep those lists short on envelopes that carry IDs, and don't add people who have no reason to see someone's license.
Collect less when you can
An ID image is sensitive: it has a home address, a date of birth and a license number on it. If you only need to confirm someone is over 18, a staff checkbox labeled "ID checked, over 18" may be all you need, with no image kept at all. If you do keep the image, keep it only as long as you need it, store the signed copies somewhere access is limited, and check whether your state has rules on collecting license data.
If you ever have to pass a signed contract to someone who shouldn't see the ID, such as an insurer who only needs the terms, send them a redacted copy rather than the original. A black box drawn over the image isn't enough; see how to redact a PDF so the image is really gone.
Questions? Answers.
Does SignMaster verify that an ID is real?
No. It collects the image or the number with the signature and records who signed and when. It doesn't check the ID against a government database or match the face to the signer.
Can I ask for both sides of a driver's license?
Yes. Use an Attachment field that allows photos and set Most files to two, or place two Photo fields labeled Front and Back.
Where do I find the ID photo after signing?
In the signed PDF. A Photo field prints inside its box, and Attachment files are added at the end. The envelope page also lists attachments separately.
Is a signature with an ID photo stronger evidence?
It adds context, especially next to the certificate's record of the email, IP address and time. It isn't formal identity verification, so treat it as supporting evidence.