EXIF Camera Serial Number
A unique serial number for the exact camera body. It identifies one specific physical device in the world and is the strongest non-location identifier in a photo.
Quick facts
| Tag ID | 0xA431 BodySerialNumber, 0xA402 CameraSerialNumber (MakerNote) |
|---|---|
| Stored in | ExifIFD |
| Example value | 0921004487, 042024001755 |
| Also known as | BodySerialNumber, CameraSerialNumber, SerialNumber, camera serial, unique device id |
| Privacy risk | High risk. Identifies one specific device, and a serial is routinely used to tie photos to a person. |
What the Camera Serial Number tag actually means
BodySerialNumber is the serial of the camera body. Some manufacturers also write the same value into proprietary MakerNote blocks under vendor-specific tag names, and phone makers store a device identifier in similar fields.
Why it matters
A camera serial is a direct link between a photo and a physical object. If a photo is recovered from a crime scene or a private account, the serial can identify the exact camera. Paired with a lens serial it is effectively a unique hardware fingerprint that survives across every photo ever taken with that body.
What to do about it
Remove it. There is no legitimate consumer reason to publish it, and it is one of the tags most strongly recommended for removal in every reputable privacy guide.
Who writes this tag
Camera bodies (DSLR, mirrorless, compact). Some phone makers write a device identifier in a similar field.
Sources and how this was verified
Tag IDs and encodings are taken from the CIPA DC-007-Translation (Exif 3.0) and ISO/IEC 21222-1 specifications. The privacy rating is our own editorial judgement, based on what each field can uniquely identify. Every entry in this reference is checked against real files produced by the cameras, phones and editors we test with.
- CIPA DC-007-Translation 2019 (Exif 3.0) — tag identifiers and IFD structure
- ISO/IEC 21222-1:2015 — data element registration
- Adobe XMP Specification (2024) — XMP packet properties
- IPTC IIM 4.2 — news/photo metadata field numbers
See our editorial and review policyfor how we test, rate and correct these entries. Found an error? Tell us.
Related EXIF tags
The make, model and sometimes serial number of the lens attached to the camera. The most over-precise field in the entire EXIF block.
The specific camera or phone model, such as "iPhone 15 Pro" or "Canon EOS R6 Mark II". Narrower than the make and more identifying.
The exact latitude, longitude and altitude where the photo was taken. The single most dangerous tag in any photo, and the reason most people want a metadata remover.
The exact moment the shutter fired, down to the second. It is one of the most revealing tags on a photo and one of the most frequently leaked.
Camera Serial Number FAQ
Common questions about the EXIF camera serial number tag, its values and its privacy implications.
Do photos really contain the camera serial number?
Yes, on most professional and enthusiast cameras. It is tag 0xA431 BodySerialNumber, and several manufacturers duplicate it into their proprietary MakerNote blocks.
Why is a camera serial number considered sensitive?
Because it identifies one specific device rather than a model. Investigators use it to tie seized or leaked photos to a particular camera body, and it makes it trivial to group every photo ever taken with that camera.
Can the camera serial number be removed without damaging the photo?
Yes. It lives in the metadata block, not in the image data, so a proper metadata removal strips it with no visible change to the photo.
Cite this reference
If you are writing about the EXIF camera serial number tag, you are welcome to link to this entry. It is maintained, versioned and reviewed on a published schedule.
“EXIF Camera Serial Number (0xA431 BodySerialNumber), freexifdata.com EXIF Tag Reference, reviewed October 20, 2026.”