Open the passport or licence copy and enter its intended recipient and purpose in Watermark. The tool adds today’s date. Keep required details readable, download for free and inspect the saved copy. Confirm that the recipient accepts a purpose label; it does not verify identity or prevent misuse.
Label a copy for its recipient and purpose
- Open the requested passport or licence photo or PDF. Add the reverse only when it is needed, then check the crop and orientation.
- Enter the recipient and purpose in Watermark. Keep the complete wording within 60 characters; the tool adds today's date in its fine print.
- Choose an intensity that leaves every required detail readable. Download as JPG or PDF and reopen the result to inspect it.
A fictional example is "Cedar Records Ltd., subject access request". Replace it with your actual recipient and purpose. A label states intended use; it does not prove who requested the copy or guarantee that it cannot be reused.
Check that an edited copy is accepted
A subject access request is one example: the ICO's helper lists passport or driving licence ID copies, but does not require a watermark. Confirm that the organisation can use the marked copy. Its guidance is under review.
If the recipient needs an unchanged document, use that rather than adding a label. For a right to rent check in England, follow the GOV.UK route that applies. A marked personal copy cannot replace the prescribed check or an original document where required.
To omit agreed unnecessary fields, use Hide details; watermarking leaves the underlying information readable. For requested card sides on a sheet, prepare the PDF. If the final attachment must be smaller, compress it after marking and recheck readability.
Browser processing and originals
Open JPG, PNG, supported HEIC or PDF up to 25 MB. Only the first ten PDF pages are processed. The exported PDF contains page images and loses selectable text, digital signatures and interactive fields. Keep the issued original when those properties matter.
Processing stays in your browser, without a document upload or account. The source stays unchanged and the download excludes camera metadata. The UK ID-sharing guide helps assess the request before sending a separate copy.
Common questions
What should I write on a copy's watermark?
Use the intended recipient's name and the purpose of this copy, within 60 characters. The tool adds today's date. Confirm that the recipient accepts a purpose-marked copy and keep required details readable.
Is this the same as a passport's built-in watermark?
No. This tool adds visible wording to a sharing copy. It does not reproduce a passport security feature, certify a document or create an official stamp.
Can I watermark both sides for free?
Yes. Add the requested reverse side and inspect both sides of the saved result. Do not send an extra side merely because the tool supports it.
Does a watermark prevent identity theft or removal?
No. It makes intended use visible but can be edited or removed. Verify the request, send only required evidence and follow the recipient's accepted process.
Can I watermark a PDF and keep its digital signature?
No. The output contains images and loses digital signatures, selectable text and interactive fields. Only the first ten PDF pages are processed. Keep the unchanged original separately.
Is my document uploaded to watermark it?
No. Processing stays in your browser on your device, without an account or document upload.
