Sharing a passport or ID copy safely: a practical checklist

Reduce risk when you must send a copy of an identity document: share with a specific recipient, limit time, and keep a record.

Before you share

• Confirm the recipient really needs the document and through which official channel.
• Prefer uploading directly to the organisation’s official portal instead of email or chat.
• Share only the pages requested.

If you must send a link

• Use a private link for one named recipient.
• Set an expiry (for example 24 hours) and revoke it once received.
• Never post the link in group chats or public places.

What a link cannot do

Once someone downloads or photographs a file, it cannot be recalled. Expiry and revocation only stop future access.

Keep a record

Note who received the document, when and why. If a copy is misused, contact the issuing authority and the recipient organisation.

Updated: 29 Sept 2026