How to complete KYC identity verification on Usko
What identity verification is, which documents to prepare, and how to get through it first time without a rejection.
What you need first
- A verified Usko account.
- A valid government-issued identity document — typically a passport, a national identity card or a driving licence.
- A phone or webcam for the selfie step.
- Good light and a flat surface. Most rejections are simply unreadable photographs.
KYC stands for “know your customer”. Every regulated exchange in the world has to confirm who its customers are. It protects you as well: it makes it far harder for somebody else to pretend to be you and take over your account.
Step 1 — Open the verification page
Select your profile icon, then Verification (it may also appear as a prompt on your dashboard). You will see the verification levels available to you and what each one unlocks.
Step 2 — Choose your level and country
Start with the first level. Select the country that issued your documents — not necessarily the country you live in. The list of accepted documents changes depending on that choice.
Step 3 — Enter your personal details
Type your name, date of birth and address exactly as they appear on the document you are about to upload. A middle name on the document but not in the form is enough to cause a mismatch and a rejection.
Step 4 — Photograph your document
- Put the document flat on a plain surface in good, even light.
- Fill the frame with it. Do not crop any corner off.
- Avoid flash glare across the text, and avoid your own shadow.
- Upload the front, and the back as well if you are asked for it.
Before uploading, read the small print on your own photo. If you cannot read it on your screen, neither can a reviewer.
Step 5 — Take the selfie
Follow the instructions on screen. Face a window or a lamp, remove sunglasses and hats, and hold still. If you are asked to hold your document or a handwritten note, make sure both your face and the text are in focus.
Step 6 — Submit and wait
Submit the application. Your verification status changes to pending. Each application is reviewed by a person on our team, so allow some time; you will be notified by email when there is a decision, and the status on the verification page updates too.
Step 7 — If you are rejected
A rejection is not the end of the process and is usually mundane. The message tells you the reason. The common ones are:
- Blurred or cropped photograph — retake it in better light with the whole document visible.
- Details do not match — correct the form so it matches the document character for character.
- Expired document — use a current one.
- Glare — move away from the direct light source and retake.
Fix the specific issue and resubmit. If you cannot work out what is wrong, contact support and ask.
Is my data safe?
Your documents are used to verify your identity and to meet legal obligations, and they are handled as confidential personal data. Only the review team sees them, and they are never shown to other users.