How to Complete Identity Verification on TikTok

Completing identity verification on TikTok is a standard step for creators and businesses looking to access features like monetization or advertising. This guide will walk you through exactly why TikTok asks for your ID, the different types of verification you might encounter, and a clear step-by-step process to get it done without the usual headaches.

What is Identity Verification on TikTok and Why is it Necessary?

First things first, it's normal to feel a bit hesitant about handing over a photo of your ID to a social media app. But TikTok’s identity verification isn't just a random request, it’s a necessary process tied to security, legal compliance, and unlocking specific account functions. For most users who are just scrolling and posting for fun, you'll likely never be asked for this. The prompt usually appears when you graduate from casual user to creator, streamer, or advertiser.

Protecting the Community and Platform Integrity

At its core, identity verification is a powerful tool for keeping the platform safe. Here’s what it accomplishes behind the scenes:

• It helps fight spam and bot accounts. Automated accounts and bad actors can’t easily produce legitimate government IDs, making it harder for them to proliferate.
• It deters impersonation. By linking an account to a real person, TikTok can take more definitive action against users trying to impersonate others.
• It reinforces age restrictions. For features involving payments or specific creator tools, verifying a user's date of birth from an official document helps TikTok enforce its age requirements and protect younger users.

Unlocking Specific Features and Monetization

The most common reason you’ll be asked to verify your identity is to unlock tools that involve money or advanced functionalities. This is where the process becomes a gatekeeper - and for good reason.

• Withdrawing Funds: If you've earned money through features like LIVE Gifts, the Creator Fund (though its successor, the Creativity Program, has different rules), or other monetization tools, TikTok needs to confirm your identity before sending you payment. This is a standard anti-fraud and financial regulation practice, similar to what any bank or payment app would require. They need to know they're paying a real, identifiable person.
• Running Advertisements: If you plan to run ads through TikTok Ads Manager, get ready for verification. This process confirms that the person managing the ad account is real, which adds a layer of accountability and helps prevent deceptive advertising from anonymous accounts. Both the advertiser’s identity and business documents may need to be checked.
• Accessing Advanced Tools: In some cases, access to tools like LIVE Studio (for streaming from a desktop) or permissions for mobile gaming might trigger an identity or age verification check to grant access to a broader set of features.

Understanding the Different Types of Identity Verification

One of the biggest points of confusion on TikTok is the difference between "getting verified" and "getting verified." They sound the same, but they refer to two completely separate processes with different goals.

Standard Identity Verification (What This Guide is About)

This is the functional, behind-the-scenes verification process. Its purpose is entirely for security and functionality.

• Goal: To prove to TikTok that you are a real person of a certain age for financial, legal, and security reasons.
• Process: Submitting a government-issued photo ID and often a live selfie photo.
• Result: Access to monetization, advertising, or other locked features. It’s entirely private and doesn’t change the public appearance of your profile. No one else knows you’ve done it.

The Blue Checkmark (Verified Badge)

This is the public-facing status symbol most people think of when they hear "verification." It’s about notability, not just authenticity.

• Goal: To confirm the authenticity of high-profile accounts (celebrities, public figures, notable creators, brands) to prevent impersonation.
• Process: This is a much murkier process. It’s not something you can just "apply" for by uploading your ID. TikTok grants this badge based on factors like being featured in multiple credible news sources, receiving press, having a verified presence on other social platforms, and demonstrating consistent, high-quality content.
• Result: A blue checkmark appears next to your username, signaling your account’s official status to the public.

This guide is focused exclusively on the first type: standard identity verification to unlock features.

Before You Start: Your Pre-Verification Checklist

The most common reason for verification failure is a simple submission error. Taking a few moments to prepare will save you a lot of frustration. Before you tap "Start," make sure you have everything ready to go.

Accepted Forms of ID

TikTok generally accepts standard government-issued photo IDs. While this can vary by region, your best bets are:

• Passport
• Driver's License
• National ID Card
• Residence Permit

The most important part? It must not be expired. An expired ID will be rejected automatically by the system.

Tips for Taking a Clear Photo of Your ID

You'll be using your phone's camera, so image quality matters. The automatic system needs a crystal-clear image to read the details.

• Find a spot with good, even lighting. Avoid direct spotlights that cause a harsh glare on the ID's surface. Natural daylight from a window is often best.
• Place your ID on a dark, flat surface. This creates contrast and helps the camera's auto-focus pick up the edges of the card.
• Make sure all four corners are visible in the frame. Don't let your fingers cover any part of the card.
• After taking the photo, review it. Is it blurry? Can you easily read the smallest text? If not, retake it.

Tips for the Live Selfie or Selfie Photo

Most verification systems require a selfie to match your face to the photo on the ID. This is called a "liveness check."

• Follow the lighting tips from above. You want your face to be clearly lit without strong shadows.
• Remove sunglasses, hats, or anything that might obscure your face.
• Look directly at the camera.
• Keep a neutral facial expression (don't smile too big or frown).

How to Verify Your Identity on TikTok: A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Since the verification prompt is triggered by taking a specific action, the steps can look slightly different depending on what you're trying to do. Here are the two most common scenarios creators and marketers face.

Scenario 1: Verifying to Withdraw Funds from Your Balance

You’ve been streaming on LIVE and received some gifts, and now you want to cash out. Here is the typical flow:

1. Navigate to Your Balance: From your TikTok profile, tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner to open the menu. Select 'Settings and privacy', then tap on 'Balance.'
2. Initiate a Withdrawal: Tap on your LIVE Gifts balance and select 'Withdraw.' If this is your first time, this is usually where the verification process will be triggered.
3. Begin the Verification: TikTok will present a screen explaining why verification is needed. Tap 'Verify' to begin.
4. Follow the Prompts: The app will guide you through the next steps. You'll typically need to:
   • Confirm your country of residence.
   • Choose the type of ID you're submitting (e.g., driver's license, passport).
   • Grant the app camera permissions.
5. Capture Your ID and Selfie: Using your phone’s camera, you'll be instructed to take a photo of the front of your ID, and sometimes the back. Next, you'll need to take a live selfie. The system might ask you to turn your head slowly to prove you're a real person and not a photo.
6. Submit and Wait: Once you've submitted your documents, the review process begins. This can be very fast (a few minutes) or take up to 24 hours. You'll receive a notification in the app once it's complete.

Scenario 2: Identity Verification for TikTok Ads Manager

This process is slightly different because it often happens on a desktop, which then directs you to your phone to complete it.

1. Go to Account Settings: Log into your TikTok Ads Manager account. Click on the module icon in the top right (it looks like a circle with your user icon) and select 'Account Settings.'
2. Find Account Verification: In the left-hand navigation menu, you will see a section for Verification. Here you may see options for "Business Verification" and "Identity Verification." We are focusing on personal identity.
3. Start Identity Verification: Click the 'Verify Now' button. TikTok often uses a third-party service for this, so the interface may look slightly different.
4. Scan the QR Code: You will most likely see a QR code on your desktop screen. You need to scan this code with your mobile phone’s camera. This creates a secure, temporary link between your desktop session and your phone.
5. Complete on Mobile: A web page will open on your phone’s browser. This is where you'll follow the same capture a photo, take a picture of your ID, followed by a selfie protocol.
6. Submit and Check Status: After you finish on your phone, the verification status on your desktop Ads Manager page will update to 'Verifying' or 'In Review.' Once approved, it will change to 'Verified.'

What to Do If Your Verification Fails: Common Problems and Solutions

Getting a rejection notice is frustrating, but it’s almost always due to a solvable issue. Here are the most common culprits and how to fix them.

Problem: Blurry or Unreadable ID Photo

This is the number one reason for failure. The automated system simply couldn't read the text or recognize the security features on the card.

Solution: Retake your photos. Lay the ID on a dark-colored table or desk and stand directly over it to avoid angles. Use light from a window instead of a harsh lamp to eliminate glare. Tap your phone screen on the ID to make sure it’s in sharp focus before you snap the picture.

Problem: Information Mismatch

If you were asked to type your name or date of birth manually, a typo can cause rejection. The information must match your ID exactly.

Solution: Look over your ID carefully. Does it include your middle name? Does the legal name spelling differ slightly from what you regularly use? Re-enter the information, checking every character.

Problem: Expired ID Document

The system automatically checks the expiration date. There is no getting around this.

Solution: Unfortunately, the only fix is to get a renewed, valid ID document before attempting verification again.

Problem: The Process Timed Out or Glitched

Sometimes apps just glitch out. The connection might break, or the upload could get stuck.

Solution: The trusty "turn it off and on again" approach works here. Force-close the TikTok app, clear your cache (under 'Settings and privacy' >, 'Free up space'), and try the verification process again from the beginning.

If you're still stuck after multiple tries, you can reach out to TikTok Support through the 'Report a problem' section in the settings menu, though it's best to fix submission issues on your end first.

Final Thoughts

Getting your identity verified on TikTok is a straightforward process once you know why it's needed and follow the steps carefully. It’s all about a secure platform and giving legitimate creators and businesses the ability to use its financial features. With clear photos and a valid ID, you can get approved quickly and unlock the next level of your TikTok journey.

As you level up your TikTok strategy with verified features, organizing your content calendar becomes that much more important. Here at Postbase, we built our tool specifically for the demands of video-first platforms like TikTok. We help you visually plan, schedule, and analyze your content, making it easier to stay consistent and focus on creating, not just managing. Our stable platform connections and reliable scheduling mean you can trust your content will go live exactly as planned, letting you build your brand without the logistical headaches.