Open the requested passport or IRP copy, add the letting agent, property reference and date, and keep required fields readable. Use this purpose label for the eventual tenant’s agreed sharing, after checking why a copy is needed.
Prepare a copy when a tenancy is being agreed
The Data Protection Commission distinguishes an initial rental enquiry from the stage of entering a tenancy. Its guidance questions collecting photo ID, financial statements and PPSNs from everyone applying to view. Ask why the letting agent needs the attachment at this stage and what evidence is necessary before preparing a copy.
The tasks below are for the eventual tenant's agreed document sharing. A copy does not establish immigration permission, certify an original or make an excessive information request appropriate.
How to watermark a passport or IRP tenancy copy
- Choose the passport or IRP scan, photo or PDF.
- Enter the recipient and purpose in the Watermark field. For example: “Harbour Lettings, agreed identity check, 21 October 2026”. This is a fictional recipient; replace it and the date.
- Adjust Intensity until the mark is visible across the document and the information the recipient needs remains legible.
- Download and inspect the actual copy, including its back where relevant.
A mark across the image makes the intended use clearer than a note beside the attachment. It can discourage reuse; it does not prevent copying or guarantee protection against fraud.
Agree what the letting agent needs first
In an Irish letting-agent case, the Data Protection Commission found an excessive collection of personal information at the initial application stage. Ask why a copy is needed now before preparing it. Adding a watermark does not make an unnecessary collection appropriate.
For an agreed reference copy, use the named organisation and specific purpose rather than a vague “private”. Ask whether the organisation can verify identity without retaining an image, how it accepts the copy and how long it keeps it.
Keep immigration submissions separate
ISD renewal instructions require clear copies. Do not assume an immigration upload or automated identity check accepts a watermark. Follow its checklist and use an unaltered scan when required. This tool does not provide identity verification, an official digital IRP or certification.
If the recipient agrees that certain fields are unnecessary, hide those details rather than expecting the watermark to conceal them. To reduce the final attachment, save it and open it in Compress.
Inspect the exported file
Inputs can be JPG, PNG, supported HEIC or PDF up to 25 MB. Only the first ten pages of a PDF are processed.
The downloaded PDF contains an image of each page. Selectable text, interactive fields and digital signatures are not preserved. Keep an original signed PDF or a fillable form outside this workflow.
The original is not modified. Processing stays in your browser and camera metadata is removed from the copy. The watermark itself remains readable on the downloaded image or PDF.
Common questions
Must I watermark my passport for an Irish letting agent?
There is no universal requirement established here. First establish that the copy is needed and that the recipient accepts a watermark; use it to state the intended recipient and purpose.
Can I watermark an IRP renewal upload?
Only if that service accepts an altered copy. Official applications may need an unaltered, fully readable image, so check the actual requirements first.
Does a watermark hide my passport number?
No. The number remains readable unless separately covered. A watermark states intended use and does not guarantee protection against misuse.
Can I use a stamp instead of a tenancy watermark?
Here the mark is text across the agreed passport or IRP copy, naming the recipient and purpose. It is not an official stamp or certification, and it does not lock the file. Keep the identity details required for the tenancy readable.
