Storing scanned copies of official documents on computer

Question #302:

I wanted to know if it is permissible to store a digital copy of scanned images of official documents like Passport, ID card etc. knowing fully well that these have images of people on them? We keep them in emails and online storage for easy access when applying for official work.

Answer:

Scanning and saving the copies of passports is not permitted. But if there is a need for that, like sending to others through e-mail for applying for jobs or for use in case of losing the passport or other needs then it is permitted to store the scanned copy of passport in the computer.

Answered by: Shaykh Abu Bilal al-Ḥaḍramī حفظه الله

Translated and Summarized by: ʿAbd an-Nūr al-Hindī