How to certify a photo with legal value
The ways to certify a photo
A photo taken in real time proves when and with which device you took it, and where, if you allow location. A photo you already have is certified from the moment you upload it.
- Method 1Recommended
Real-time capture
To document something as it happens. Certifies the date, time and device of the shot.
App for iOS and AndroidShoot in real time - Method 2
A photo you already have
For a photo in your gallery or on your computer. Certifies the file from the moment you upload it.
App and PortalCertify an existing photo - Method 3
From your software
For photos that come from one of your systems. Certifies the file or its fingerprint.
API and MCPIntegrate the API
How do you certify a photo in real time?
You take the photo the moment it happens and the certification is created together with the shot. As evidence, it is worth more than a photo uploaded later.
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45
How to certify a photo on your phoneVideo tutorial · 1:45- 1
Download the app
Free to download on the App Store and Google Play. Requires iOS 18.2 or Android 8.0 or later.
- 2
Open Photo
Log in or sign up, then tap “Photo” under “Certify now”.
- 3
Allow locationOptional
Tap “OK, enable GPS”: the report will show where you took the photo.
- 4
Take the photos
Tap “Take a picture”. On iPhone and iPad with LiDAR you can also add 3D depth, where available.
- 5
Confirm and send
Check the preview and tap “Confirm and send”.
TrueScreenHow do you certify a photo you already have?
You certify it as a file, from the app or from the Portal. The certified date starts when you certify it: it does not prove when the photo was taken.
From the app
Under “Certify now” tap “File”, then “Import file” and “Import from Camera Roll”. Choose the photo and tap “Confirm and send”.
From the Portal
Under “Fast certifications” click “File”, drag the photos into the window and click “Confirm”.
How do you certify photos from your own software?
With the API or MCP, your system sends the photo, or just its fingerprint, and receives the certification.
- Your softwareManagement system, app or archive
- TrueScreen API or MCPReceive the photo or its SHA-256 fingerprint
- Your certificationWith a qualified electronic seal and timestamp
What a certified photo contains
PDF report
Photos, date, time, location if allowed, and device data.
Electronic seal and timestamp
Qualified under the European eIDAS regulation.
SHA-256 fingerprint
If the photo changes by even one pixel, it shows.
Original photos
Exactly as you took them, with no filters.
JSON data
The same data, readable by software.
LiDAR depth
On iPhone and iPad with a LiDAR sensor, where available.
What legal value does a certified photo have?
A photo certified with TrueScreen carries full legal and evidentiary value, worldwide.
Forensic acquisition
The shot follows the international ISO/IEC 27037 standard for digital evidence.
Qualified electronic seal and timestamp
They fix the content and the date under the European eIDAS regulation.
Verifiable integrity
Any change to the photo or the report, however small, is detected.
Questions about certified photos
How do you certify the date of a photo?
Take it in real time with TrueScreen: the date and time of the shot are fixed with a qualified timestamp. The date in the EXIF data of an ordinary photo can be changed.
Can I certify a photo already in my gallery?
Yes, as a file. It gets a certified date from the moment you certify it, but it does not prove when it was taken: for that you need a real-time shot.
Is it the same as a certified copy?
No. A certified copy confirms that a copy matches an original document. TrueScreen certifies a photo so you can use it as evidence.
Do I have to turn on GPS?
No, it is optional. If you allow it, the report shows where the photo was taken on a map.
How much does it cost?
Photos are counted per item and the app shows the cost before you send. When you sign up you get 2 free credits.
How can the recipient verify the photo?
With the ZIP package and the TrueScreen verification page: the check runs in the browser and nothing is uploaded.
Certify your first photo
Sign up and get 2 free credits.
