After creating your Binance account, the next step is identity verification — commonly known as KYC (Know Your Customer). Without completing this, you're essentially locked out: no buying, no trading, and no withdrawals. Many people get stuck at this stage with repeated failures, but most issues can be avoided with a little preparation.
Why KYC Is Mandatory
Binance operates as a regulated exchange, and regulatory authorities worldwide require exchanges to verify user identities. After completing KYC, you can:
- Buy cryptocurrency via P2P trading
- Trade on spot and futures markets
- Withdraw to external wallets
- Access higher withdrawal limits
If you don't have a Binance account yet, you can register through the Binance official site with a built-in fee discount. Mobile users can download the Binance App for a smoother photo-verification experience.
KYC Verification Levels
Binance's identity verification has several tiers:
Basic verification: Requires personal information and ID photo uploads. Once completed, you can trade, and the daily withdrawal limit is usually more than enough for individual users.
Advanced verification: Requires additional materials such as proof of address. Only needed for high-volume traders or institutional users — basic verification is sufficient for most people.
This guide focuses on the basic verification process.
What You'll Need
- National ID card (most common for Chinese residents) or passport
- Make sure the document hasn't expired — expired IDs are automatically rejected
- A well-lit environment for taking photos and completing facial recognition
You don't need to print anything, and you don't need to take a photo holding your ID (a common misconception) — photos are taken separately now.
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Navigate to the Verification Page
After logging in, tap the user icon in the top-left corner and find "Identity Verification" or "Identification." The page will show your current verification status.
Step 2: Select Nationality and Document Type
Choose your nationality (e.g., "China"), then select your document type. Mainland Chinese users typically choose "ID Card." If you have a passport, that works too — the approval rate is about the same.
Step 3: Fill In Personal Information
Enter your details exactly as they appear on your document:
- Name must match the document exactly
- Double-check your ID number for typos
- Date of birth must be consistent
The most common mistake here is name order. If the system requires an English name, Chinese users typically use the Pinyin format: given name first, family name second (e.g., Ming Li). However, some systems reverse this — read the input field labels carefully before filling in.
Step 4: Upload Document Photos
Front of ID: The side with your photo. When taking the picture:
- Ensure the entire document is visible — don't crop any corners
- Text and photo must be clearly legible, not blurry
- Use a clean background — avoid patterned tablecloths
- Don't use the flash, as it causes glare that obscures text
Back of ID: The side with the national emblem, with the same clarity requirements.
Photo tips: Place your ID flat on a solid-color surface (white or dark), hold your phone directly above it at about 20–30 cm, and shoot from a top-down angle. Natural light works best — avoid direct sunlight and lamp glare.
Step 5: Facial Recognition
This is the final step, and where many people fail. The system will activate your camera and ask you to perform certain actions like blinking, turning your head, or opening your mouth.
Tips for passing facial recognition:
- Remove glasses — whether prescription or sunglasses, take them off
- Front-facing light — face a window or light source so there are no shadows on your face
- Simple background — a white wall behind you is ideal; no other people in the frame
- Avoid heavy makeup — if you look too different from your ID photo, recognition may fail
- Follow the prompts — keep movements moderate; not too fast, not too slow
- Stay steady — if using your phone, keep it stable or use a stand
Step 6: Wait for Review
Typical review times after submission:
- Normal conditions: A few minutes to a few hours
- Peak periods: May take 1–3 days
- Manual review required: Up to one week
You can check your progress on the "Identity Verification" page. You'll receive an in-app notification and an email once approved.
Common Failure Reasons and Solutions
Blurry or obstructed photos Retake the photos, making sure every character is readable. Pay special attention that your fingers don't cover the edges of the ID.
Information doesn't match the document Go back and verify that the name, ID number, and date of birth you entered match the document exactly.
Facial recognition keeps failing Try a better-lit environment. If the desktop webcam isn't working, switch to the mobile app — front-facing phone cameras generally perform better.
"This region is not currently supported" message Check your network environment and IP address. Make sure the nationality you selected is consistent with your current network location.
Expired document You'll need to wait until you have a renewed document. Expired IDs simply cannot pass verification.
Additional Tips
Don't use digitally altered ID photos: The system has detection mechanisms. Modified ID photos will be flagged, and not only will they fail verification — they may get your account frozen.
Don't pay someone else to do your KYC: Some people find it tedious and pay someone to complete verification on their behalf. This violates the rules and poses serious security risks. If someone else has access to your ID information and account, the consequences can be severe.
Save your verification records: After approval, take a screenshot for your records. If you ever need to file an appeal about your account, these records will come in handy.
Choosing nationality when you hold multiple documents: If you have both a Chinese ID and documents from another country or region, you can choose either nationality. But once selected, changing it later is quite involved, so think carefully before deciding.
Once KYC is complete, your Binance account is officially "activated." The next step is to deposit funds and start your crypto trading journey.