To scan an ID card to PDF with both sides on one page, capture or upload the front and back, crop each side, and save them together on a single A4 page. The free PDFNova ID Card Scan tool lets you scan ID card to PDF format in your browser and places both sides at real card size, so the printout looks like a proper photocopy.
Banks, employers, landlords, schools and many offices ask for a copy of your identity card. A neat one-page PDF is easier to email, upload or print than two loose photos. This guide shows how to make one, how to print it correctly, and how to keep your ID safe while sharing it.
Why put both sides of your ID on one page
- One file instead of two: the person receiving it does not have to match up separate images.
- Looks like a photocopy: many offices are used to seeing the front above the back on one sheet.
- Prints at the right size: a card placed at real size prints at roughly the size of the actual card, not stretched across the page.
- Easy to attach: a single PDF fits neatly into application bundles with other documents.
Requirements differ by country and organisation. Some want colour copies, some want a certified copy, and some only accept documents through their own portal. Always follow the instructions you were given. This article is general information, not legal advice.
Scan ID card to PDF: front and back, step by step
PDFNova processes files in your browser, so your documents are not uploaded to a server. For something as sensitive as an identity card, that is a real advantage over tools that send your file elsewhere.
- Get ready. Wipe the card so there are no fingerprints or dust. Place it on a dark, plain surface in soft, even light.
- Open the tool. Go to ID Card Scan on your phone or computer.
- Add the front. Capture the front with your camera (allow camera access when the browser asks) or upload a photo you already have.
- Crop the front. Adjust the crop so only the card is included, with the edges lined up neatly.
- Add and crop the back. Turn the card over and repeat the same steps for the reverse side.
- Create the PDF. The tool places both sides on one A4 page at real card size, ready to print.
- Download and check. Open the PDF and zoom in to confirm that the name, number, photo and dates are sharp and readable.
If you have a Pakistani national identity card, our step-by-step guide on how to put CNIC front and back on one page as a PDF covers it specifically.
Tips for a sharp, glare-free ID scan
Avoid glare on laminated cards
Shiny cards reflect light, and a white patch can hide your number or photo. Do not use the camera flash. Tilt the card slightly away from the light source, or move to a spot with indirect daylight.
Keep the camera parallel to the card
Hold the phone flat above the card, not at an angle. A tilted photo makes the card look like a trapezium and cropping becomes harder.
Fill the frame
Move close enough that the card fills most of the screen, but not so close that the camera cannot focus. Tap the screen to focus if your phone allows it.
Use a photo you already took
If you have clear photos of the card in your gallery, you can upload them instead of capturing new ones. On iPhone, our guide on how to turn a photo into a PDF on iPhone also explains where photos are stored and how to pick them.
Printing your ID copy at the correct size
The PDF is designed so that each side appears at real card size on A4 paper. When you print, the main thing is to stop the printer from enlarging it.
- Choose A4 paper in the print dialog.
- Set the scale to 100% or “actual size”.
- Turn off options such as “fit to page” or “shrink to fit” if the result looks too big or small.
- After printing, hold your real card next to the copy to compare the size.
Protecting your ID when you share it
Your identity card is one of the most sensitive documents you own. A few simple habits reduce the risk of misuse.
- Add a purpose watermark. With Add Watermark you can place light text across the copy, such as “Copy for bank account opening only”. Keep the opacity low so the details stay readable, and check the receiver accepts watermarked copies.
- Add a password for email. The Protect PDF tool can add an open password. Share the password through a different channel, such as a phone call.
- Send only to trusted, verified recipients. Double-check the email address or portal before you attach your ID.
- Delete extra copies. Remove old photos of the card from shared folders and chat downloads once you are done.
Never alter the details on an ID card copy. Only scan and share your own documents, or documents you have permission to handle.
Troubleshooting
The file is too big for the upload form
Use Compress PDF and compare the before and after size. Check the limit shown on the upload page and keep the details readable.
The portal asks for a separate passport copy
Passports have a different shape and layout. Follow our guide on how to scan a passport to PDF for online applications.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan both sides of my ID card on one page using my phone?
Open the ID Card Scan tool in your phone’s browser, capture the front and back, crop each side, and download the A4 PDF with both sides on one page.
Is it safe to scan my ID card online?
With PDFNova the processing happens in your browser, so the images of your card are not uploaded to a server. Still, share the final PDF only with people and organisations you trust.
Can I scan an ID card without a scanner?
Yes. Your phone or laptop camera is enough. Good light and a steady hand matter more than special equipment.
Make your ID copy now
A clean, correctly sized copy of your ID saves trips to the photocopy shop and avoids rejected applications. Open the free PDFNova ID Card Scan tool, add the front and back, and download your one-page PDF in a couple of minutes.