# Best practices for successful ID verification

Before starting the verification process, here’s what you need:
* A valid government-issued photo ID document. Not a photocopy or a picture of an ID document. Ensure that the ID document is not expired.
* Device with a camera, if possible, use a mobile device. Cameras on mobile devices typically take higher-quality photos than a webcam.
The quality of the images captured affects success rates dramatically. Below are a few best practices to help ensure that your verification passes:
* **Capture a clear image**. Make sure that the images are not too dark or bright, and don't have a glare. Hold steady and allow your camera to focus to avoid blurry photos.
* **Do not block any part of your ID document in the image**. Ideally you can lay it flat to take the photo.
* **Do not block any part of your face**. Remove sunglasses, masks, or other accessories.
Find a location with ambient lighting. Avoid spaces with strong overhead lights that cast a shadow on your face or ID document. Avoid sitting directly in front of a bright light which can wash out your face and add a glare to your ID document.