
To ensure the security of your account and comply with regulatory requirements, Coinbase requires users to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) and identity verification process.
This process typically involves providing identification documents such as a driver's license or passport to verify your identity.
In the US, you'll need to provide a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to complete the verification process.
The entire process usually takes around 10-15 minutes to complete.
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Benefits of Verification
Completing full ID verification on Coinbase provides numerous benefits, and it's essential to understand what they are.
The primary benefit of ID verification is enhanced account security. This is achieved through Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures that verify your identity and prevent the creation of fraudulent accounts.
With ID verification, you can unlock different levels of privileges and limitations. Level 1 allows you to make weekly purchases and sales across all payment methods, albeit with limitations.

At Level 2, you can confirm your personal information, such as proof of residence, to unlock unlimited investments and enable wire transfers in and out of your account.
The highest level, Level 3, requires a fully verified government ID, which grants you the ability to send and receive cryptocurrencies on the blockchain.
Additionally, ID verification improves the security of your account by restricting who can access and alter your personal information. This includes important credentials like your withdrawing bank account information, which cannot be changed once you've gone through ID verification.
Here's a breakdown of the three levels of ID verification on Coinbase:
Verification Process
To start the Coinbase verification process, you need to create an account on the platform's website or mobile app. You'll then log in and navigate to the "Settings" page, specifically the "Limits and Features" section.
From there, you can verify your photo ID, which requires a valid ID document issued by your country's authorities. You can take a picture of it and send it to Coinbase through the app or attach it to the website.

US residents can provide a photo of their ID card or driver's license, while residents of other countries can use passports, national ID cards, or government-issued photo IDs. You'll need to provide your full primary address during this step.
To verify your personal information, you'll visit Coinbase's verification page and provide details such as your legal name, date of birth, country of residence, and ID number. You'll also need to specify how you plan to use the exchange, with options including investing, trading, business, and more.
The entire verification process typically takes around 5 minutes to validate your identifying information.
Compliance
Compliance is a crucial aspect of using Coinbase and other cryptocurrency platforms. Bitcoin to fiat currency exchanges are obliged by law to ask for a certain degree of personal information from customers wishing to trade on the platform.
This is done to prevent money laundering, or at least lessen it. Most companies choose to strike a balance between the minimum required by law and what some would consider to be an invasion of privacy.
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You'll often be asked to provide a scan of a government-issued ID or a passport, and link a social media account. Many in the community question the practice as their personal and social life has little to do with their financial decisions and trading activities.
Fortunately, there are solutions available to help with compliance. Instnt, for example, offers a KYC solution that can help financial institutions and digital asset agencies operate confidently and responsibly.
By using Instnt, you can shift fraud loss liability off your balance sheet and ensure loss liability shift, fraud loss indemnification, and fraud loss protection.
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Invasion of Privacy
Coinbase's move to ask for LinkedIn information has raised concerns about invasion of privacy. Many people consider this a step too far.
Some argue that LinkedIn is related to a person's trading activities, especially in the financial sector or Bitcoin industry. However, this doesn't justify asking for the information on top of other details.

It's been suggested that Coinbase is using KYC compliance as an excuse to access traders' business contacts. This could be a way to expand its client base to those interested in cryptocurrency and trading.
Exchanges like LocalBitcoins, Mycelium Trader, and Paxful offer more leniency with identification. Some even allow buying BTC in cash, providing a degree of anonymity.
Using Coinbase
Using Coinbase for KYC is an intriguing idea. This approach leverages Coinbase's extensive KYC process to simplify user registration and increase legal compliance.
Coinbase is a well-known exchange that does extensive KYC before users can access most of its functionality. This makes it an attractive option for integration.
The idea is to grant the Coinbase app privileges to send a small amount of Ether to the user's MetaMask browser address and view their basic Coinbase account details. This allows for a basic KYC validation, which is not meant to be the main KYC component.

However, this integration is not without its limitations. Coinbase does not directly allow access to check if an ID has been verified on their platform due to security reasons.
To work around this, the system queries if the user has a bank account that allows withdrawals, as withdrawals require ID verification. This provides a line of defense against legal entities.
Here are the pros of using Coinbase for KYC:
- Fast to implement
- No cost
- Well-known exchange
Once the necessary information is obtained, the access token is revoked to prevent further access to the user's account.
Verification Time and Process
Verification time is relatively quick, taking around 10 to 20 minutes to attach all the necessary documents and 2 to 3 minutes for the ID verification itself.
The document verification process on Coinbase is pretty straightforward, and you can start by creating an account on their website or mobile app.
You'll need to provide a valid ID document issued by the authorities of your country of residence, which can be a photo of your ID card, driver's license, passport, national ID card, or government-issued photo ID.
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US residents can provide a photo of their ID card or driver's license, while residents of other countries can use passports, national ID cards, or government-issued photo IDs.
The verification process involves several steps, including validating your identifying information, providing personal information, and choosing how you plan to use Coinbase.
It takes about 5 minutes to validate your identifying information, and you'll need to provide your legal name, home address, date of birth, and ID number.
You'll also need to provide your primary residence address, which includes your house number, street name, city or town, and postcode.
Finally, you'll be asked what you'll use Coinbase for and what your job status is, which is required under federal regulations.
After completing these steps, all you need to do is wait patiently for Coinbase to validate your identity.
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Why Verify Your Identity?
Verifying your identity on Coinbase is a crucial step in securing your account and unlocking its full potential. By doing so, you'll gain an additional layer of account security, preventing scammers from accessing and altering your personal information.
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ID verification at Coinbase is done on three levels, each offering different privileges and limitations. The first level requires a photo ID and phone number, allowing for weekly purchases and sales across all payment methods with some limitations.
You'll reach the second level when you confirm your personal info by providing proof of residence, enabling unlimited investments and wire transfers. This level also allows you to use all payment methods without any restrictions.
The final, third level requires a government-issued identification card, granting you the ability to trade crypto on the blockchain. This level provides the highest level of security and flexibility.
Here's a breakdown of the levels:
By verifying your identity, you'll also be able to restrict who can access and alter your personal information, including your withdrawing bank account information. This adds an extra layer of security to your account, giving you peace of mind when using the platform.
Step-by-Step Guide to Verify Personal Information

To verify your personal information on Coinbase, you'll need to provide some essential details. This process typically takes around 5 minutes to complete.
First, you'll be asked to enter your legal name, which should match the name on your government-issued ID. You'll also need to provide your date of birth, country of residence, and identification number.
Next, you'll be required to enter your primary residence address, including your house number, street name, city or town, and postcode. This information is crucial for Coinbase to verify your identity.
After entering your address, you'll be asked to specify how you plan to use Coinbase, such as for investing, trading, or business purposes. You'll also need to provide your job status.
Here's a summary of the steps involved in verifying your personal information:
Once you've completed these steps, Coinbase will verify your identity, and you'll be able to unlock higher levels of functionality, including unlimited investments and wire transfers.
Final Thoughts

If you're having trouble authenticating your ID, try using the Coinbase mobile app, which can help you overcome difficulties in just a few minutes.
The app is a game-changer, allowing you to use your phone's camera to quickly and easily verify your identity.
Using the mobile app is a great way to resolve issues, with 90% of users successfully completing ID verification this way.
The process is straightforward and usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes to complete, making it a quick and painless experience.
By verifying your identity and address, you'll be able to take advantage of all the benefits that come with a fully verified account.
This includes increased security and safety for your account, as well as compliance with worldwide standards for KYC/AML requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw from Coinbase without KYC?
No, you cannot withdraw from Coinbase without completing KYC verification. Complete KYC to unlock withdrawals and receive funds on your Coinbase account.
Can you use Coinbase unverified?
You can use Coinbase unverified, but certain features like buying, selling, and withdrawing require identity verification. Verification is necessary for full access to Coinbase's services.
Sources
- https://www.instnt.org/ourblog/lessons-from-coinbase-compliance-why-financial-institutions-must-prioritize-kyc
- https://cryptohead.io/how-long-does-it-take-coinbase-to-verify-id/
- https://finbold.com/guide/coinbase-verification-kyc-guide/
- https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-asks-users-for-linkedin-info-citing-know-your-customer-policy
- https://medium.com/mybit-dapp/coinbase-kyc-integration-746830771a45
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