How to upload documents and complete ID verification
Summary
• ID verification and document uploads are part of the RentCafe application process. Not all properties require every step, so follow the prompts specific to your application.
• Your information is handled securely. ID scans and uploaded documents are stored safely within your RentCafe account.
• Make sure photos are clear and legible before submitting. Blurry images may cause delays.
• If you run into issues during ID verification, try improving your lighting, cleaning your camera lens or switching to a different device.
What is ID verification on RentCafe?
ID verification is a quick step during your RentCafe application that confirms who you are using a government-issued ID. It’s designed to keep your application secure and help speed things along.
When you’re looking at a property on RentCafe.com, after you select a floorplan and begin your application, RentCafe guides you through this verification step.
To complete ID verification, you need:
- A government-issued ID such as an identity card, driver’s license or passport
- A smartphone or tablet with a working camera
- A quick selfie to confirm it’s really you
How to complete ID verification
Follow these steps to verify your identity during the application process:
- Choose country
Choose your document’s issuing country or region when prompted.
- Scan the front of your ID
Select “Identity card” and allow RentCafe to access your camera. Hold the front of your ID in front of the camera until you see the “Image captured” confirmation.
- Scan the back of your ID
Flip your ID and hold it steady in front of the camera. Wait for the confirmation message.
- Complete face verification
This step confirms you are a real person. Make sure your face is evenly lit and clearly visible against the background. Look straight into the camera, tap “Continue” and position your face within the frame. Hold still until you see the “Image captured” and “ID verified” confirmations.
- Confirm your details
After scanning, some fields in your application are filled in automatically, such as your legal name and Social Security number. Review this information and correct anything that’s inaccurate. If your Social Security number was not captured, enter it manually or check the “I don’t have SSN” box. You can also reorder your name fields (first name, middle name, last name) if needed.
Once these steps are done, your ID verification is complete.
Tip: For the best results during face verification, face a window or a light source so your face is evenly lit. Avoid backlighting and make sure nothing covers your face.
How to scan your ID to autofill personal details
Depending on the property, RentCafe may require you to complete an ID verification step. If ID verification isn’t part of your application process, you’ll still have the option to scan or upload a photo of your ID on the “Your personal details” page (which appears after you add roommates) to autofill your personal information — or you can fill in those details manually.
To use this feature:
- Open the personal details form
Tap “Scan now” in the “Scan ID to save time!” box on the personal details page.
- Choose to take a photo or upload one
If you take a photo, your camera opens. Place your ID in front of the camera and capture a clear image of the front. If you upload, select the image from your photo gallery.
- Review the autofilled details
Your personal information is added to the form automatically. Check that everything is correct, fill in any missing fields and tap “Continue.”
This step is optional but can save time by reducing the amount of information you need to type manually.
How to upload documents on RentCafe
After completing ID verification and entering your personal details, adding pets and extras, the next stage of the application involves uploading documents. You can tell you’ve reached this stage when you see “Documents” above the main title on your screen.
This is usually the stage where you have to check some tasks off your list before you complete your application.
Uploading works the same way as attaching a file to an email. Tap “Upload,” select the file from your device and it saves automatically to your RentCafe application. You can also choose to take a photo of a document instead of uploading a file.
Income verification
One of the first documents you may need to upload is proof of income. To verify your income using paystubs:
- Under “Verify income,” select “Upload paystub.”
- Upload your most recent paystub(s).
Income verification can also be completed through other methods depending on the options available in the RentCafe applicant portal for the property you’re applying for.
If you’re a co-applicant (roommate of the main applicant) or guarantor for the main applicant, you will also need to create an account on RentCafe to join the application process. You’ll also be required to complete income verification and be able to upload proof of income by following the steps above.
Portable tenant screening report
If you have a portable tenant screening report, you can upload it during this stage of the application process. Tap “Portable tenant report” and upload the document. Submitting this report may qualify you for reduced application fees.
Managing documents after move-in
Once the lease is signed and you move in, your applicant dashboard switches to a resident dashboard. Under the “Lease” section, you can find all documents related to your lease and residency, including:
- Lease agreement
- Insurance policy
- Proof of income
- Other previously uploaded documents
You can manage existing documents and upload new ones from this section.
Ready to apply? Visit RentCafe.com to browse apartments and start your application.
FAQ
RentCafe accepts government-issued identification documents, including identity cards, driver’s licenses, passports and visas.
ID verification requires a camera to scan your ID and take a selfie, so a smartphone or tablet with a camera is needed. If you start the application on a computer, you may be asked to continue this step on a mobile device.
If your Social Security number is not captured automatically, you can enter it manually in the confirmation step. If you don’t have a Social Security number, check the “I don’t have SSN” box to proceed.
RentCafe typically accepts common file formats such as PDF files and common image formats (JPEG, TIF, BMP, GIF and PNG), up to 10MB per file. You also have the option to take a photo of a physical document directly within the app.
The ID verification step is a required part of the application process on RentCafe. However, the optional ID scan to autofill personal details on the “Your personal details” page can be skipped. You can enter your information manually instead.
Yes. ID scans and uploaded documents are handled securely as part of standard digital identity verification procedures. Your data is stored safely within your RentCafe account.
Yes. After move-in, your applicant dashboard becomes a resident dashboard. All lease-related documents and previously uploaded files are available under the “Lease” section, where you can also upload new documents.