Verify your identity on Coinbase

Coinbase uses identity verification to comply with Know Your Customer (KYC) laws and prevent fraudulent activity. KYC is a multi-step process that confirms the identity of customers. We collect necessary information mandated by law, such as verifying your identity and protecting you from potential fraudulent activity.

Identity verification is required for all Coinbase customers during sign-up and for existing customers. The process can include uploading pictures of your ID, taking a selfie, or recording a short selfie video. We may occasionally request additional details from some customer accounts to meet regulatory obligations.

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, follow the in-app instructions.


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

Accepted identity documents

United States

  • State-issued ID such as a Driver's License or Identification Card

  • Passport

  • United States Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

Outside of United States

  • Passport

  • Government-issued photo ID

  • National Identity Card

Important: Please ensure your document is valid—we can't accept expired IDs.

Unaccepted identity documents

  • 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 (natural light works 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)

  • Wait 30 minutes between attempts

Still having issues? Clear your browser cache, restart the browser, and try again.

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 

  • Wait 30 minutes between attempts

Still having issues? Clear your browser cache, restart the browser, and try again.

If you're still having trouble, reference the Identity Document verification troubleshooting tips.

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

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