SideBySideCrypto
Getting Started December 18, 2025

How to Verify Your Crypto Exchange Account

KYC verification is required on all major US exchanges. Here's exactly what you need and how to get verified fast.

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Quick Summary

Most exchanges verify accounts in under 10 minutes with a government ID and selfie. Coinbase and Kraken have the fastest verification. Have your driver's license or passport ready, use good lighting for photos, and make sure your name matches exactly.

What Is KYC Verification?

KYC stands for "Know Your Customer." It's a legal requirement for financial services companies—including crypto exchanges—to verify the identity of their users. This helps prevent money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes.

All major US exchanges (Coinbase, Kraken, Gemini, Binance.US) require KYC before you can trade. There's no way around it if you want to use regulated platforms.

Verification Requirements by Exchange

Exchange ID Required Selfie Proof of Address Typical Time
Coinbase ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Sometimes 2-5 min
Kraken ✅ Yes ✅ Yes For higher limits 1-5 min
Gemini ✅ Yes ✅ Yes Sometimes 5-15 min
Binance.US ✅ Yes ✅ Yes No 5-60 min
Crypto.com ✅ Yes ✅ Yes No 10-30 min

Documents You'll Need

✅ Accepted IDs

  • • Driver's license (most common)
  • • Passport
  • • State ID card
  • • Government-issued ID

📋 Proof of Address (if required)

  • • Utility bill (last 3 months)
  • • Bank statement
  • • Government letter
  • • Lease agreement

Step-by-Step Verification Process

  1. 1
    Create your account

    Sign up with email and create a secure password. Enable 2FA immediately.

  2. 2
    Enter personal information

    Full legal name (exactly as on your ID), date of birth, address, SSN (last 4 or full).

  3. 3
    Upload ID photos

    Front and back of your ID. Use good lighting, avoid glare, ensure all text is readable.

  4. 4
    Take a selfie

    Live photo or video to match your ID. Some exchanges require holding your ID in the selfie.

  5. 5
    Wait for approval

    Most verifications complete in minutes. You'll receive email confirmation when approved.

Tips for Fast Verification

  • ✓ Use good lighting — Natural daylight works best. Avoid shadows on your face or ID.
  • ✓ Match names exactly — If your ID says "William" don't enter "Bill" on the form.
  • ✓ Use current documents — Expired IDs will be rejected. Check expiration dates.
  • ✓ Avoid glare — Tilt your ID slightly to prevent flash reflection on laminated cards.
  • ✓ Show all corners — The entire ID must be visible in frame, including edges.

Common Verification Problems

Problem Solution
ID photo rejected Retake in better lighting, ensure all text is sharp and readable
Selfie doesn't match Remove glasses/hat, use same hairstyle as ID photo
Name mismatch Enter name exactly as shown on ID (middle name, suffixes)
Address verification failed Upload recent utility bill or bank statement showing your address
Stuck in pending Wait 24-48 hours; contact support if longer. Busy periods cause delays.

Verification Levels

Most exchanges have tiered verification with different limits:

Basic (Email + Phone)

Very limited or no trading

$0 - $100/day

Intermediate (ID + Selfie)

Standard trading limits

$5K - $50K/day

Full (ID + Address + Income)

Highest limits, all features

$100K+/day

⚠️ Privacy Note

Your KYC data is stored by the exchange and may be shared with regulators upon request. Major exchanges have strong data protection, but if privacy is your top concern, centralized exchanges require this tradeoff. The alternative is decentralized exchanges (DEXs), which don't require KYC but have other limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to verify my identity? +
US law requires financial services to verify customer identities (KYC) and report suspicious activity (AML). Exchanges must comply to operate legally. This also protects you—verified accounts are easier to recover if compromised.
Can I use a passport instead of driver's license? +
Yes, all major exchanges accept passports. In fact, passports often verify faster because they have a standardized format. Just ensure it's not expired.
How long does verification take during busy periods? +
During market surges (bull runs, major news), verification can take days or even weeks due to new user influx. Coinbase and Kraken typically handle volume better. Sign up before you need to trade urgently.
What if I don't have a driver's license? +
State ID cards and passports work equally well. Any government-issued photo ID with your name, photo, date of birth, and expiration date should be accepted.

The Bottom Line

KYC verification is quick and painless on modern exchanges. Coinbase and Kraken typically verify in under 5 minutes. Have your ID ready, use good lighting, and match your name exactly. Don't wait until a market move to sign up—get verified now so you're ready to trade when opportunities arise.

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