Verify your identity on Coinbase

Coinbase requires identity verification for legal compliance and fraud prevention. This process may involve uploading ID photos or taking a selfie.

Your Coinbase account will have limited functionalities until the identity verification process is completed. Read more about Data Privacy at Coinbase and how Coinbase uses your information.

Before you move on

  • All ID documents must be verified through the Coinbase website or mobile app. Emailed documents will not be accepted.

  • Changing your legal name or country of residence requires uploading a valid ID with the updated information. This may require Coinbase Support assistance.

  • Enter the PIN code from the initial verification steps if signing in while verification is in progress.

  • ID verification typically takes 10 minutes to 48 hours to complete.

Start the process

To verify your identity (Mobile app/Browser):

  1. Access the Coinbase mobile app or your Coinbase.com account and sign in.

  2. Go to our Document Verification page and follow the on-screen instructions.

    • Make sure the information on your documents matches your current account details.

    • For a selfie video, make sure your microphone is turned on while recording and follow the in-app instructions.


An email is sent to you once your verification is complete.

Accepted identity documents

  • Passport (UK only)

  • Government-issued photo ID (UK only)

  • National Identity Card (UK only)

Important:

Please make sure your document is valid. We can't accept expired IDs.

Unaccepted identity documents

  • United States Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

  • School IDs

  • Medical IDs

  • Temporary (paper) IDs

  • Residence Permit

  • Public Services Card

  • Military IDs

Taking a photo of your Identity Document

  • Use the latest version of Google Chrome browser (whether you’re on a computer or mobile device).

  • Your phone’s camera typically produces the clearest photo.

  • Make sure your area is well lit (with natural light working best).

  • Use indirect light for your ID to avoid glare.

  • If you must use a webcam, try setting the ID flat down and move the webcam instead of moving the ID.

  • Use a plain background for the ID.

  • Don’t hold the ID in your fingers (confuses the focusing lens).

  • Clear your browser cache, restart the browser and try again.

  • Wait 30 minutes between attempts.

Taking a selfie (photo of your face)

This may be required for account recovery if you lose your 2-step verification device or additional security is required for an action you are trying to perform.

  • Use the latest version of Google Chrome browser.

  • Face the camera directly and include your shoulders to the top of your head.

  • Have a plain wall as a background.

  • Use indirect light for your ID to avoid glare and no backlight.

  • Do not wear sunglasses or a hat.

  • If you were wearing glasses in your ID photo, try wearing them in your selfie photo. 

  • Clear your browser cache, restart the browser and try again.

  • Wait 30 minutes between attempts.

Still having trouble?

Learn some Identity Document verification troubleshooting tips.

Access your Profile page to update your residential address and display name or to correct your date of birth.

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