How to Apply for Facebook Verification

Thinking about getting that blue checkmark next to your name on Facebook? You’re in the right place. That little badge signals authenticity and credibility, but the process can feel a bit confusing. This guide breaks down exactly how to apply for Facebook verification, what you’ll need beforehand, and what to do if you don’t get approved on your first try.

What Does the Blue Verification Badge Actually Mean?

First things first, let’s get clear on what Facebook verification is - and what it isn’t. The blue checkmark on Facebook (and Instagram) is a symbol confirming that a Page or profile is the authentic presence of the public figure, celebrity, or brand it represents. Essentially, it’s Facebook’s way of saying, “Yes, this is the real deal.”

It’s not an endorsement from Meta, nor does it give your content special treatment in the algorithm. Its primary job is to build trust and prevent impersonation. There are two main paths to getting one:

• Traditional Verification: This is the classic method for public figures, brands, and organizations that are considered “notable.” It’s free but requires you to prove you’re well-known and often searched for. This is what most of this article will focus on.
• Meta Verified Subscription: This is a newer, paid subscription service aimed primarily at individual creators. It verifies your identity with a government ID but doesn’t require notability. We’ll cover this in more detail later on.

Are You Eligible? Understanding the Requirements

Before you even click "apply," you need to make sure your Page or profile lines up with what Facebook is looking for. Their standards are pretty straightforward but firm. The platform checks every application against these four core criteria:

1. Authentic

This one is simple: your Page or profile must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity. No fan pages, meme accounts, or parody profiles allowed (for this purpose, anyway). You’ll have to prove this with official documentation.

2. Unique

You need to be the one and only. Facebook typically only verifies one Page or profile per person or business. The main exception is for different language versions of a Page, but for most people, this means one checkmark per entity. If you have multiple pages representing your brand, you’ll need to clean house or designate one as your official hub before applying.

3. Complete

This is basic profile hygiene, but it’s a stumbling block for many. An incomplete profile is an immediate red flag. To be considered, your Page or profile must have:

• A profile picture
• A cover photo
• An “About Us” or bio section filled out
• Recent activity, meaning you have to actually be posting on the platform

Don't try to apply with a bare-bones, inactive profile. It shows Facebook you're not actively using the platform, giving them little reason to verify you.

4. Notable

This is the most challenging requirement for most applicants. Being “notable” means you’re a well-known, frequently searched-for person, brand, or organization. Facebook isn’t a magical fame-granting machine, it’s a mirror that reflects the notability you’ve already built elsewhere.

How do you prove it? Facebook looks for evidence that you’ve been featured in multiple, independent news articles or media sources. Critically, paid or promotional content and press releases don't count. They want to see that legitimate, C-level media outlets have decided you're newsworthy on their own terms. Blogs, your own website, and links to your other social media profiles won't cut it either.

Think features in national news publications, reputable magazine articles, or TV appearances. Building this kind of organic press takes time and is a major part of building a brand worthy of verification.

Get Your Documents Ready: A Quick Checklist

When you apply, Facebook will ask you to upload official identification to prove you are who you say you are. Make sure you have clear, readable images of these documents ready to go.

• For a Personal Profile or Creator Page: You’ll need a government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver’s license, passport, or national identification card.
• For a Business or Organization: You have a few more options. You can submit documents like a utility bill in the organization’s name, your articles of incorporation, tax documents, or a certificate of formation.

Make sure the image you submit is a clear, in-focus photo of the entire document. Don’t crop the corners or use a blurry image, as it will likely result in an automatic rejection.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Filling Out the Application

Ready to go? Here’s how to submit your verification request. You’ll need to do this from a desktop computer, as the options can be tricky to find on mobile.

How to Find the Form

The form is tucked away in the settings. You can find it by following these steps:

1. Click your profile picture in the top-right corner of Facebook.
2. Go to Settings & Privacy >, Settings.
3. If you’re on the new Pages experience, click See more in Accounts Center, then go to Meta Verified. If the form for traditional verification is available to you, it will be distinct from the paid subscription.
4. Alternatively, you can access the request form directly by searching for "Request a blue verification badge" in the Facebook Help Center or by going to this direct link.

Once you’ve found the form, here’s how to fill it out correctly.

Step 1: Confirm Authenticity

First, you'll need to tell Facebook what you're trying to verify (a Page or a profile) and then upload your official ID.

• Select whether you’re verifying a Page or a Profile.
• If you have multiple Pages, select the correct one from the dropdown menu.
• Choose your document type and upload a clear picture of it.

Step 2: Demonstrate Notability

This is where you make your case. You need to provide context and evidence that you meet the “notable” criteria.

• Category: Select the category that best describes your Page or profile (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Business, Creator, etc.).
• Audience (Optional): Describe who follows your Page/profile and why. Keep it brief and focused on the community you serve.
• Also Known As (Optional): If you or your organization are known by a different name, list it here.

Step 3: Add Your Press Links

This is the most important part of the application. You can add up to five links to articles that prove your public interest. Quality over quantity is the rule here.

• Include links to news articles, magazine features, or other media mentions about you or your brand.
• DO NOT use paid content, sponsored posts, press releases, or links to your website or other social media profiles. Facebook will ignore these.
• Choose your strongest, most reputable, and most recent sources. A feature in a major national publication is worth far more than five mentions in smaller, local blogs.

Once you've filled everything out and double-checked your links, click "Send" to submit your application.

What Happens Next? (And What to Do if You Get Denied)

After you submit, it's a waiting game. You'll typically hear back from Facebook within a few days to a couple of weeks. If you're approved, congrats! The blue check will automatically appear on your profile. If you're denied, don't sweat it - it happens to most applicants on their first try. You’ll get a generic notification telling you that you don't meet the criteria right now. Here's the good news: you can reapply after 30 days. But don't just resubmit with the exact same information. Use that month to strengthen your case:

1. Review Your Application: Did you provide the right documents? Are your press links high-quality? The most common reason for denial is not meeting the "notable" requirement.
2. Build Your Media Presence: A rejection is basically feedback that you need a bigger digital footprint. Focus your energy on getting featured in reputable, independent media outlets. This is a long-term branding play, not a quick fix.
3. Optimize Your Profile: Go back and fill out every single section of your Page info. Make sure you're posting high-quality, engaging content consistently to show that you're an active and valuable member of the community.

The Alternative Path: Meta Verified for Creators

Recently, Meta launched a paid subscription service called Meta Verified, creating a second path to the blue checkmark. This service is fundamentally different from traditional verification.

What is Meta Verified? It's a monthly subscription for individuals (not yet available for business Pages) that provides:

• A verified badge, confirming your identity with a government ID.
• Proactive account protection from impersonation.
• Direct access to account support from a real person.
• Exclusive features like stickers for Stories and Reels.

Who is it for? Right now, it's geared toward individual creators and public figures, not brands or businesses. You must be at least 18 years old, have a history of posting activity, and provide a government-issued ID that matches your profile name and picture.

How to get it: Meta Verified is being rolled out gradually. You can join the waitlist in the Accounts Center within Facebook or Instagram settings. If it's available for your account, you'll see an option to subscribe. It's an excellent way to get a badge if your goal is primarily to prove your identity and get better support, without needing to pass the notability test.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Facebook account verified is a stamp of credibility that tells the world you’re the genuine article. The path you choose - either the traditional route of proving notability or the new Meta Verified subscription - depends on your goals, but both require a professional, consistent, and authentic presence on the platform.

Ultimately, building a "notable" online presence that earns a verification badge comes down to consistently showing up with great content. At Postbase, we designed our platform to make that consistency feel easy, not overwhelming. With a clear visual calendar and rock-solid scheduling across all your social platforms, we help you focus on creating the content that builds your brand, so you can spend less time wrestling with clunky tools.