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In quite a rapid amount of time, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a whole host of other cryptocurrencies have entered the mainstream. If you’re into buying popular meme coins or if you like playing it with more long-standing ones like Bitcoin – security has to be top of mind. That’s where    reputable platforms like Coinbase come in.

If you’re new to that, let’s walk you through the Coinbase ID verification so you know what to expect.

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Cryptocurrencies 100+

Getting Verified on Coinbase: A Quick Step-By-Step Guide

Getting verified on Coinbase is fairly straightforward. One phase of the signup process that often trips people up is the identity verification. Yes, the process has a lot of steps, however, that shouldn’t be seen as a con.

The reality is, the best cryptocurrency exchanges have to comply with stringent financial regulations and provide a secure platform for customers. Coinbase is one of the most secure crypto exchange platforms in the industry, which is why they require you to complete an identity verification process.

  • Coinbase verification takes anywhere from 10 minutes to 48 hours.
  • They’ll need to verify your identity to help prevent fraud and crime.
  • They have an experienced risk and fraud team that uses the latest technology to quickly verify your identity.
  • You’ll need to have all of your info ready. Otherwise, the process can take longer.

Verifying Your ID on Coinbase in 10 Easy Steps

1. Create and Verify Your Email Address

  • Go to the Coinbase website or open the Coinbase mobile app.
  • Click “Get Started” and fill in your name, email address, and password.
  • Coinbase will send a verification email to the address you provided.
  • Open the email and click the verification link to confirm your email address.

2. Secure Your Account with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

  • After verifying your email, sign in to your Coinbase account.
  • Enter your phone number when prompted.
  • Coinbase will send a verification code via SMS to your phone.
  • Enter the verification code to enable two-factor authentication.

3. Sign In to Your Coinbase Account

  • Open the Coinbase website or mobile app.
  • Log in using your email and password.

4. Access Identity Verification

  • On the website: Go to the Settings menu (usually in the top right corner).
  • On the app: Tap your profile icon, then look for “Identity Verification” or a prompt to “Verify your identity.”

5. Prepare Your Documents

Have a valid, government-issued photo ID ready. Accepted IDs include:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • National identity card
  • Ensure your ID is not expired, altered, or damaged.
  • For some regions, you may also need proof of address (e.g., bank statement, utility bill dated within the last 3 months). etc.

6. Start the Verification Process

  • Click the Document Verification link or follow the on-screen instructions to begin.
  • Select the type of ID you want to use.

Coinbase-id-Verification

7. Upload Your ID

  • Choose to take a photo with your device’s camera or upload an existing image.
  • Ensure the photo is clear, well-lit, glare-free, and shows all details. You may need to upload the front and back of the ID.
  • Do not send documents by email. Only upload through the website or app.

8. Take a selfie or video (if prompted).

  • Some people will be asked to take a selfie or record a short video for facial verification.
  • Hold your ID next to your face, remove hats and sunglasses, and make sure your face is clearly visible.
  • If asked for a video, ensure your device’s microphone is enabled.

9. Submit and Wait for Review

  • After uploading, submit your documents.
  • Coinbase will review your submission, which usually takes a few minutes to 48 hours, depending on demand.
  • You’ll receive an email notification once your identity is verified.

10. After Verification

Once verified, you’ll have full access to Coinbase features, including higher trading limits.

Coinbase Verification Delays? Get the Best Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re stuck waiting for Coinbase to verify your account, you’re not alone. Verification delays can be frustrating, but there are a few simple things you can try to speed up the process and get back on track.

  • If verification fails, check that your information matches exactly between your ID and your Coinbase account.
  • Retake photos if they are blurry or unclear.
  • Try using a different browser or the mobile app if you encounter upload issues.
  • Add contact@coinbase.com to your email contacts to ensure you receive notifications.

A Quick Guide on How to Verify Your Bank Info on Coinbase

After you have verified your identity, Coinbase enables you to link your bank account to your account if you’re a US, EU, or UK resident. Linking your bank account facilitates transactions to and from your traditional bank account. When you want to buy cryptocurrency or transfer money back to your account, the move goes seamlessly.

Once you add your account, Coinbase is going to send you two small transactions. Usually, it’s just a couple of pennies, and it’s two different amounts. To verify, you have to look at your bank transactions and then report back to Coinbase what those transactions were (the amounts). Done correctly, that links your account.

Once this is done, your bank account is successfully linked.

Secure Your Data: Top Reasons Why You Should Verify Your Account

The main reason that you need to complete a verification process for your Coinbase account or any other cryptocurrency exchange is to help prevent criminal activity. Without a verification procedure, it would be easy for criminals to use platforms such as Coinbase to launder money, use it to pay for criminal activity, and so on.

If you want cryptocurrency to be legit and adopted mainstream, it’s in everyone’s best interest to weed out the shady or fraudulent transactions. Here are some other reasons:

Compliance with Regulations:

  • Verification ensures the platform adheres to KYC (know your customer) and AML (anti-money laundering) laws.
  • Helps maintain the integrity and legality of the cryptocurrency market.

Security Enhancements:

  • As a user, you know your account is protected from unauthorized access.
  • Enhances the overall security of the platform.

Financial Assessment:

  • Evaluates users’ experience and knowledge in crypto investments.
  • Assesses sources of investment income.
  • Determines the scale of trading activity and potential risk tolerance.

Personalized User Experience:

  • You can create your own customized trading limits.
  • You’ll receive appropriate support and resources based on your experience level.
  • You can have more freedom on the platform. You can buy more, sell more, and transfer more.

How Long Does Coinbase Verification Actually Take?

In short: This really depends on how detailed your information is and how accurate it is. The faster you can provide legitimate, certified documentation, the faster they’ll verify you.

Coinbase claims it takes only 10 minutes to 48 hours to verify your ID. If you give a legible ID supported by a bank statement, address, and date of birth that all checks out, you might get verified right away. If you give them a blurry picture of your ID, mistype, or address or are unclear with your answers, they will likely have to follow up with you. When that happens, the process takes longer.

It’s in everyone’s best interest to get you verified ASAP. If you do your part, it should be a fast and smooth process.

Coinbase-id-guide

FAQs


The time it takes for Coinbase to verify an account varies, but most identity verifications are completed within a few minutes to a few hours. The process involves uploading your identification documents and waiting for Coinbase to review them. For most people, verification is finished within minutes if the documents are clear and all information matches. During periods of high demand or if there are issues with the submitted documents, the process can take up to 24 to 48 hours, and in rare cases, even longer. On average, users can expect to be verified within 24 hours.


If your Coinbase account is still in the verification stage, there are several possible reasons for the delay. High volumes of new sign-ups can slow down processing times, especially during periods of increased interest in cryptocurrency. Additionally, if your documents are blurry, expired, or contain information that does not exactly match your Coinbase account details, the verification may be delayed or rejected. In some cases, Coinbase may require additional compliance checks depending on your region or if there are flags on your account. Technical issues, such as upload errors or browser incompatibility, can also interrupt the process. If your verification is taking longer than 48 hours, it is advisable to review your submissions for errors and contact Coinbase Support for assistance.


Instant verification on Coinbase is possible if you provide clear, valid documents and ensure that all your information matches exactly. For linking payment methods, instant verification can be achieved through services like Plaid or Trustly, which allow you to connect your bank account instantly using your online banking credentials. For identity verification, using a high-quality camera to take clear photos of your ID and following all instructions carefully will help accelerate the process. Most users who meet these criteria are verified within minutes. In some regions, consenting to allow Coinbase to verify your details with credit bureaus or third-party services can also expedite verification.


The time it takes to confirm a transaction on Coinbase depends on the type of transaction and network conditions. Cryptocurrency transactions are typically broadcast to the blockchain network instantly, but the actual confirmation time can range from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on network congestion and the transaction fee. Transactions with higher fees are usually confirmed faster. For fiat currency purchases and deposits, methods like debit card and USD balance transactions are processed instantly, while ACH bank transfers can take three to five business days to clear. You can always check the status of your transaction in your Coinbase account or use a blockchain explorer for more details.

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About the Author

Evan Jones

Evan Jones was introduced to cryptocurrency by fellow CryptoVantage contributor Keegan Francis in 2017 and was immediately intrigued by the use cases of many Ethereum-based cryptos. He bought his first hardware wallet shortly thereafter. He has a keen and vested interest in cryptos involving decentralized backend exchanges, payment processing, and power-sharing.

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