Various administrative processes that can now be done online necessitate the need to store important documents digitally. One essential document that should always be readily available is your ID card. Instead of repeatedly taking new photos of your ID whenever needed, it’s better to have a digital file ready.
Nowadays, scanning an ID card no longer requires an electronic scanner. Your phone’s camera can serve as a practical scanning tool. You can save the digital file of your ID on your phone, laptop, or other devices. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the scanned ID is accurate and secure to avoid potential forgery. How can you do this? Check out these tips!
How to Scan an ID Card on Android and iPhone
Scanning an ID card using a smartphone can be done on both Android and iPhone devices. Here’s how:
1. Android Users
To scan and save your ID card directly to Google Drive, follow these steps:
- Open Google Drive on your phone.
- Tap the “+” or add icon in the lower right corner.
- Select the Scan option.
- Point the camera at your ID and take a picture.
- Once the scan is complete, save the file in PDF format or another preferred format.
You can also use third-party apps like CamScanner or Microsoft Office Lens from the Google Play Store. These apps function similarly and offer additional features, such as image quality adjustments.
2. iPhone Users
For iPhone users, you can scan your ID card using the Notes app! Here’s how:
- Open the Notes app and create a new note.
- Tap the camera icon and select Scan Documents.
- Point your camera at the ID card, and the app will automatically scan the document.
If you prefer, you can also use third-party apps. Choose the scanning method that works best for you.
Why You Should Scan Your ID Card
Aside from the increasing need for online administrative processes, scanning your ID card offers several advantages:
- Easy Access and Sharing: A scanned ID in digital format allows for quick sharing via email or online platforms, speeding up administrative processes.
- Digital Archiving: Digitized documents reduce the need for physical storage and make it easier to retrieve them when needed.
- Better Image Quality: Scanning with a phone enables image quality adjustments, ensuring the ID details are clear and legible.
- Time Efficiency: No need to visit a photocopy shop or use a dedicated scanner—everything can be done directly from your phone.
How to Scan Your ID Card Securely to Prevent Fraud
Scanning your ID card is not only about convenience but also about preventing misuse or forgery. Some people worry that their scanned ID in JPG or PDF format could be misused. This concern is valid, given the existence of ID card trading on online marketplaces. However, don’t worry, VIDA has a solution to secure your scanned ID from misuse.
1. Scan with Magic Scan by VIDA
VIDA Sign offers Magic Scan, a feature that allows you to scan documents directly using your phone’s camera. Here’s how:
- Ensure you are registered with the VIDA App.
- On the Dashboard, tap the green button with a camera icon.
- Point your phone’s camera at your ID card.
- Adjust the position so that the entire ID is captured properly; the system will then scan your ID.
- Once the ID scan is saved, you will be directed to the digital signature page.
2. Add a Digital Signature
This is where the magic happens! After scanning, your ID will appear on the digital signature page. Select “Digital Sign”, then apply your signature, which doesn’t have to be a handwritten image, it can be your initials or any preferred characters.
By adding a digital signature to your scanned ID, you ensure its authenticity and integrity. You might wonder, why choose Digital Sign instead of e-Sign?
The reason is that to apply a Digital Sign, you must go through an authentication process, which verifies your biometric data and personal information registered with VIDA Sign. This means Digital Sign guarantees that it’s really you who is signing, not someone else. Your scanned ID will contain a Digital Certificate that is uniquely linked to your identity.
So, when you need to upload an ID for an online administrative process, simply upload your scanned ID that has already been digitally signed. The digital certificate acts as a watermark, verifying that the ID belongs to you.
3. Always Upload in PDF Format
A scanned ID with a digital signature is stored in PDF format. If you need to upload your ID for an online process, make sure to upload the PDF version. Even if the PDF is downloaded, transferred, or shared for administrative purposes, your signature will remain embedded in it.
4. Avoid Sharing Documents on Unofficial Platforms
Always ensure that you only share your scanned ID on official platforms. Never upload it to social media or suspicious websites.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your scanned ID remains safe from fraud or misuse.
Scanning an ID card using a smartphone is a practical solution that simplifies various administrative processes. However, security and authenticity should always be a top priority. By using VIDA Sign for digital signatures and incorporating security features, you can protect your important documents from potential fraud.
Let’s make document security a habit. Try VIDA Sign today!
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