KYC Document Photo Format, File Size, Privacy, and Safe Upload Rules Explained
KYC document photos are sensitive personal data. The safest image workflow depends on the official request: government ID, passport, driver license, residence card, proof of address, business document, selfie, or liveness check.
When a creator verifies a payout account, the portal may accept one format for a document photo and another format for a proof-of-address file. The right answer is not universal: follow the current upload screen, keep the document readable, and avoid changing document content.
Why format and size rules vary
Some platforms accept JPG, PNG, or PDF. Others allow only certain formats depending on whether the file is a camera photo, scan, address document, business document, or selfie capture. Stripe's documentation, for example, lists JPEG or PNG for photos and PDF for scans in some verification flows.
File size limits also vary by verifier. A file that is too large may fail to upload, while a file that is too small or over-compressed can make text unreadable. The current portal is the source of truth for accepted file type and size.
Why over-compression is risky
Over-compression can blur document numbers, address lines, stamps, seals, barcodes, MRZ zones, and small text. If the image becomes easier to upload but harder to read, the verification problem is not solved.
Retaking the photo is often safer than compressing a poor image. A sharp, evenly lit original usually needs less file handling and has a better chance of staying readable within the allowed upload rules.
Format conversion must preserve content
Changing a file from one accepted format to another should not change document content. Do not change names, dates, faces, address lines, document numbers, seals, signatures, codes, or required fields. If the portal rejects a format, use the format options it lists or contact official support.
Keep an untouched original temporarily
Keep the original photo temporarily until the verification process is complete. That does not mean storing many extra copies forever. It means keeping one clean source capture so you do not need to re-handle the physical document for every file-size or format error.
Third-party tools require caution
Before using any image tool with a real ID image, review the verifier's instructions and the tool's privacy information. If the tool page clearly explains local/browser-side processing, still review the privacy policy and avoid unsupported assumptions. Do not send sensitive files to unknown people for adjustment.
Safe format decision table
| Document/upload type | Common accepted format logic | Main rejection risk | Safe fix | What to preview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government ID photo | Often JPG or PNG when captured by camera, but follow the portal. | Blur, glare, cropped corners, unreadable fields. | Retake in bright indirect light with all corners visible. | Text, face photo, dates, codes, and full outline. |
| Passport | Photo upload or scan format depends on verifier. | MRZ or face page not readable. | Capture the full required page without glare. | MRZ, face photo, name, dates, and document number. |
| Driver license or ID card | Front and back images may be requested separately. | Only one side uploaded or back-side data missing. | Upload each requested side exactly as prompted. | Front, back, barcode, address, and expiration date. |
| Proof of address | JPG, PNG, or PDF may be accepted depending on document source. | Name/address mismatch, old date, or unreadable statement. | Use an accepted document that matches account details. | Name, address, issuer, and statement date. |
| Business document | PDF is common for official records, but portal rules vary. | Wrong business name, incomplete page, or unsupported file. | Use the required official record and accepted format. | Business name, registration details, and full page. |
| Selfie or liveness check | Usually captured directly in the official flow. | Poor lighting, face not centered, or prompt not followed. | Follow the live prompt and retry in better light. | Only what the official flow allows before submission. |
If you are only learning how JPG, PNG, or PDF-style image workflows behave, test with non-sensitive samples. ConvertiImage should not replace the verifier's official portal or privacy rules for real ID images. For a safer capture workflow, continue to how to retake and upload an ID verification image safely.
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Sources checked
This decision guide was based on official verification and quality guidance. Sources reviewed: Stripe ID photo upload FAQ, Stripe acceptable verification documents, ID.me document upload help, ID.me upload issue help, Login.gov ID photo guidance, Google people-first content guidance, and AdSense page readiness guidance.
