CoinFeedWhat Documents and Materials Do I Need to Prepare for Binance KYC Verification?
When many new users open the Binance official site to prepare for real-name verification, they are often intimidated by the long list of documents on the KYC page, not knowing what they actually need to prepare. Simply put, Binance KYC requires only two types of materials: a government-issued identity document (choose one from an ID card, passport, or driver's license) plus proof of residential address (optional, not mandatory for the basic tier). The entire process is more convenient to complete in the Binance official App. If you haven't installed the App yet, you can first refer to the iOS installation tutorial.
The essence of KYC is to link your on-chain address with your real-world identity to meet global anti-money laundering (AML) regulatory requirements. Binance currently employs a three-tier KYC system with different documentation requirements for each level. This article will explain what is needed for each tier one by one.
Three Types of Identity Documents Accepted by Binance
Binance does not restrict you to using only one specific type of document; any valid government-issued document with a photo, name, and date of birth is acceptable.
ID Card
The most commonly used document for residents of mainland China is the second-generation resident ID card. The requirements are simple:
- The document must be within its validity period; expired documents will be rejected immediately.
- Both the front and back must be photographed. The front features the photo and name, while the back shows the national emblem and validity period.
- All four corners must be fully within the frame, with no obstruction by fingers.
- Document information must be clear and readable, not blurry.
The advantage of an ID card is the speed of verification. Binance's OCR system has an accuracy rate of nearly 99% for simplified Chinese ID cards, and most people receive approval within 30 minutes to 2 hours of submission.
Passport
Compatriots from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, or those who do not have their ID card handy can use a passport for verification.
- Photograph the personal information page with the photo (usually page 2).
- The passport must be valid for more than 6 months.
- Both the document number and the machine-readable zone (MRZ) must be clearly visible.
- Do not photograph pages with visas; only the personal information page.
Passport verification is universal across the global version of Binance, supporting almost any country or region's passport.
Driver's License
In some regions, a driver's license is allowed as an identity document, but acceptance depends on your country or region. For mainland Chinese users, using a driver's license for Binance KYC is generally not recommended as the system's OCR support for Chinese driver's licenses is not as robust as for ID cards.
What to Prepare for Proof of Address
Proof of address is not required for basic KYC; it is only requested when upgrading to Verified Plus or higher tiers. Binance accepts several types of proof of address:
- Bank statements (within the last 3 months)
- Credit card statements
- Utility bills for water, electricity, gas, or internet
- Government-issued tax bills or residency certificates
- Property ownership certificates (with name and address on the certificate)
The requirements are: the document must simultaneously display your name and residential address, the issue date must be within 3 months, and the document must be complete and not cropped. Handwritten rental contracts or employer certificates are generally not accepted.
Are Digital Statements Acceptable?
Yes. Digital statements in PDF format are recognized by Binance as long as they contain the original sender information, your name, and address. When uploading, do not use screenshots; uploading the PDF file directly is better as the OCR system can read more complete metadata.
Comparison of Documentation Requirements for the Three KYC Tiers
Binance categorizes KYC into three levels, with documentation requirements increasing at each step.
| Tier | Document Requirements | Daily Deposit/Withdrawal Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Verified (Basic) | ID Document + Selfie Facial Recognition | Approx. $50,000 |
| Verified Plus | ID Document + Proof of Address + Facial Recognition | Approx. $200,000 |
| Enterprise/VIP | Verified Plus Materials + Proof of Source of Wealth | Approx. $1,000,000 |
For regular users, completing basic KYC is sufficient. Only users engaging in large-volume trades or significant fiat deposits need to upgrade.
How to Perform Selfie Verification
In addition to documents and proof of address, Binance requires a liveness facial recognition test. Specific steps:
- Open the KYC verification page in the App and tap start verification.
- Align your face with the frame in the center of the screen.
- Follow prompts to blink, open your mouth, or turn your head left and right.
- Once the recording ends, the system automatically compares it with the document photo.
Liveness detection does not require a special environment; normal indoor lighting is sufficient. However, you must not wear masks, hats, or sunglasses, and long hair should be pulled back to fully expose the face.
FAQ
Can I do Binance KYC without an ID card?
Yes, use a passport or driver's license as a substitute. The three documents are alternatives (OR relationship), not all need to be submitted.
What if the name on my ID and bank card are different?
They must be consistent. The name used for KYC must be exactly the same as the name on the bank card or payment method you bind later, otherwise, subsequent deposits and withdrawals will be blocked by risk control.
Can the address on the proof of address be different from the ID card address?
Yes. Binance only requires that the address on the proof of address be your actual place of residence; it does not need to perfectly match the registered address on your ID. Many people have their registered household and residence in two different cities; in this case, just use a bill from your place of residence.
What documents do residents of Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan use for KYC?
Residents of Hong Kong and Macau are recommended to use their SAR passports or Home Return Permits. Taiwan residents should use their passports or ID cards. Note that some users have reported recognition issues with mainland-issued Home Return Permits for Hong Kong and Macau residents, so using a SAR passport is preferred.
Can I have someone else do KYC for me?
Absolutely not. Binance KYC involves liveness facial recognition, and the document photo must match the face in the live video. Using someone else's document will not only fail but will also be marked by the system as identity impersonation, and the account could be frozen immediately.
How long does the review take?
Basic KYC is usually completed within 30 minutes to 72 hours. It may be slightly slower during peak periods (bull markets, Asian morning sessions). Verified Plus and Enterprise KYC usually take 3-7 business days as they require manual review of address proof and source of wealth.
Summary
The list of materials for Binance KYC is actually quite simple: a government-issued identity document (ID/passport/driver's license) plus a liveness facial recognition test is enough for basic verification. If you plan on large trades, prepare a proof of address from within the last 3 months to upgrade to Verified Plus. Check the clarity and validity of all materials before uploading to save yourself the trouble of most resubmissions.