Avoiding Common Photographing Mistakes in ID Verification: Tips for Smooth ACSP and Companies House Checks

26 Jan

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we've helped dozens of UK directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) complete their identity verification under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act requirements. While many issues stem from mismatched details or expired documents, a huge number of rejections happen simply because of poor-quality photos of ID documents—like passports, driving licences, or biometric residence permits.

The most frequent problems we see? People snapping quick photos of their ID laid flat on a table under overhead lighting, which creates strong reflections, glare, or shadows that make text blurry, security features invisible, or the whole image unusable for automated or manual checks.

These are entirely avoidable. Here's a practical guide to the biggest photographing pitfalls and how to sidestep them for faster, successful verifications—whether you're using our service or another method.

1. Photographing Under Direct Overhead Lighting (The #1 Glare Culprit)

Overhead ceiling lights, desk lamps, or even bright room lights bounce straight off glossy passport pages, plastic driving licence surfaces, or laminated cards, creating white hotspots or reflective streaks that obscure names, numbers, photos, and holograms.

How to fix it:

Use indirect, diffused lighting — natural daylight from a window (but not direct sunlight) works best. Position yourself or the document so light comes from the side or front at an angle.
Avoid rooms with strong overhead bulbs. Turn them off or move to a different spot.
If indoors, use soft lamps aimed at walls/ceiling for bounce lighting rather than directly at the document.

2. Laying the ID Flat on a Reflective or Textured Surface

Tables (especially shiny wood, glass, or white desks) reflect light back into the camera, adding extra glare or showing the table's texture through translucent areas.

How to fix it:

Place the ID on a plain, matte, non-reflective surface — a dark-coloured book, mouse mat, piece of black/white card, or even a plain towel/cloth works well. Dark backgrounds often help the document stand out without adding reflections.
Keep the surface clean and free of other objects, crumbs, or shadows.

3. Not Holding the Camera Parallel or Getting Too Close/Far

Tilting the phone/camera creates distortion (making edges curved or text skewed), while being too close causes focus issues or lens distortion; too far makes details too small.

How to fix it:

Hold your phone/camera directly above the ID (parallel to the surface) at about arm's length for sharp focus.
Fill the frame as much as possible without cutting off edges—most verification systems require the entire document visible with some border space.
Use your phone's grid lines (enable in camera settings) to ensure straight alignment.

4. Using Flash or Harsh Direct Light Sources

Camera flash creates intense, uneven glare, especially on shiny surfaces, washing out details.How to fix it:

Turn off the flash completely.
Rely on ambient light only. If it's too dim, add more soft side lighting rather than flash.

5. Blurry, Shaky, or Low-Resolution Photos

Shaky hands, low light forcing slow shutter speeds, or low-res camera settings lead to fuzzy images where MRZ codes, chip details, or fine print can't be read.

How to fix it:

Steady your hands (rest elbows on a table) or prop your phone on something stable.
Use good natural light to allow faster shutter speeds.
Take photos in the highest resolution your phone allows, and zoom in slightly if needed (but not digitally—use optical zoom if available).
Take multiple shots from slightly different angles and pick the clearest one.

6. Ignoring Selfie/Liveness Requirements

Our process requires a live selfie alongside the ID photo. Poor lighting here can cause face-matching failures.

How to fix it:

Use the same even, indirect lighting for both.
Face the light source (window) rather than having it behind you to avoid shadows on your face.
Remove hats, glasses (if possible), or anything obscuring features unless required.

Quick Checklist Before Submitting Your ID Photos

Entire document visible with clear borders?
No glare, reflections, or hotspots blocking text/security features?
Sharp focus on all details (name, photo, numbers, dates)?
Document flat and undistorted?
Background plain and non-distracting?
Lighting even and indirect?

Following these steps dramatically reduces rejection rates— we've seen verification success jump when clients switch from table-top overhead snaps to side-lit, matte-background photos.

If your photo still gets flagged, many ACSPs (including us at ACSP.VIP) can guide you through retakes or accept in-person/video alternatives where needed.

Identity verification doesn't have to be frustrating. Get the photo right first time, and the rest of the process flows smoothly. If you're stuck or want expert help with your director/PSC verification, reach out—we're here to make compliance straightforward and stress-free.