How to Get a Facebook Check

That coveted blue check next to your name on Facebook projects immediate authority and trust, but the path to getting one has changed significantly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the two distinct methods for getting verified: the new subscription-based Meta Verified badge and the classic verification badge for public figures. We'll cover the specific requirements for each, step-by-step application instructions, and actionable strategies to build the kind of profile that gets approved.

What is the Facebook Verification Check, Anyway?

A Facebook verification checkmark is a badge that appears next to a Page or profile's name, confirming that Facebook has authenticated it as the official presence of the individual or brand it represents. For years, this was a symbol of notability - reserved for celebrities, well-known journalists, and global brands. Today, there are two different checkmarks, and it’s important to know the difference.

• The Notability Badge (Classic Blue Check): This is the traditional verification badge. It's granted to accounts that Facebook deems "notable" and in the public interest. Think actors, musicians, politicians, major brands, and established news organizations. This badge cannot be purchased and is earned by demonstrating significant public influence and authenticity.
• The Meta Verified Badge (New Blue Check): Rolled out in 2023, this is a paid subscription service. The badge looks identical to the classic version, but its purpose is different. It verifies your identity using a government-issued ID, not your notability. It comes with added benefits like impersonation protection and direct account support.

Deciding which badge to pursue depends entirely on your goals. Are you looking to protect your account and access customer support, or are you trying to solidify your status as a public figure?

Path 1: Meta Verified – The Paid Subscription Route

For most creators, small business owners, and individuals, Meta Verified is the most direct and accessible way to get a blue check. It's less about fame and more about proving you are who you say you are, which helps prevent impersonation and builds trust with your audience.

What You Get with Meta Verified

Meta's subscription bundle is about more than just a badge. Subscribers get several perks:

• A Verified Badge: Confirms your profile is authentic after you verify with a government ID.
• Proactive Impersonation Monitoring: Meta actively scans for fake accounts trying to impersonate you.
• Direct Account Support: Get access to a real human for help with common account issues. This alone is a major benefit for many users.
• Exclusive Features: Access to special stickers for Stories and Reels, and in some regions, an increased reach in searches and comments.

Eligibility Requirements for Meta Verified

To qualify for Meta Verified, you need to meet a specific set of criteria. It’s a straightforward checklist:

• Be an Individual: Currently, Meta Verified is only for personal profiles, not Pages. Business verification is in testing and may become available later.
• Be at Least 18 Years Old: You must be an adult.
• Live in an Eligible Region: Meta Verified is still rolling out globally. You must be in a country where the service is available.
• Have a Government-Issued ID: You’ll need a driver’s license, passport, or other official ID that matches the name and photo on your Facebook profile.
• Meet Minimum Activity Requirements: You need a history of prior posting. Brand new or dormant accounts may not be eligible.
• Have Two-Factor Authentication Enabled: This is a security requirement to protect your account.

How to Sign Up for Meta Verified: Step-by-Step

The process is simple and handled directly within the Facebook or Instagram app.

1. Open Facebook or Instagram: Navigate to your profile settings.
2. Go to Accounts Center: You’ll usually find this under "Settings & Privacy."
3. Look for "Meta Verified": If it’s available in your region and for your account, you will see an option for "Meta Verified." Tap on it.
4. Set Up Payment: Choose the profile you want to subscribe for and set up your monthly payment. Pricing varies by region but is typically around $11.99/month on the web and $14.99/month on iOS/Android.
5. Complete the Verification Process: You'll be prompted to take a photo of your government-issued ID and, in some cases, a selfie video to confirm your likeness.
6. Wait for Review: The review process usually takes up to 48 hours. Once approved, the blue badge will appear on your profile.

Path 2: Traditional Verification – Proving Notability

The original blue check is an entirely different process. It's not for sale, and there's no way to shortcut it. You have to earn it by demonstrating that you are a genuine, unique, complete, and - most importantly - notable public figure or brand. Facebook's internal team manually reviews these applications, and the bar is high.

Understanding the Four Pillars of Traditional Verification

Facebook's guidelines for notability-based verification are built on four main criteria. Your Page or profile must be:

1. Authentic

This means your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity. You prove this by providing official documentation:

• For an Individual: A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport).
• For a Business or Organization: A utility bill, certificate of formation, articles of incorporation, or tax documents.

2. Unique

Your Page or profile must be the one-and-only presence of the person or business it represents. Only one Page or profile per person or business can be verified (with exceptions for language-specific pages). If there are multiple unofficial or fan-run pages for you, it can complicate the process.

3. Complete

Verifiable accounts must look professional and legitimate. Your profile or Page needs to have:

• An About section.
• A profile photo.
• A cover photo.
• Recent activity, including at least one post.

A half-finished profile signals to Facebook that you're not actively managing your presence, which makes verification unlikely.

4. Notable

This is the hardest requirement to meet. Your Page or profile must represent a "well-known, often searched for" person, brand, or entity. Facebook judges notability by looking for press coverage from independent, credible news sources. Paid or promotional content doesn’t count.

What does Facebook consider a "notable" press feature?

• Articles in major news outlets (think The New York Times, BBC, Forbes, TechCrunch, The Guardian).
• Features in established industry-specific magazines or websites.
• Mentions on broadcast television news segments.
• A Wikipedia page that is well-sourced and follows Wikipedia's notability standards.
• Significant follower count or online recognition can help, but it’s the external validation from press mentions that carries the most weight.

How to Apply for Traditional Verification: Step-by-Step

If you believe you meet the notability requirements, you can submit an application directly.

1. Go to the Verification Request Form: You can typically find this by searching "request a verified badge" in the Facebook Help Center or by going to this link (if you're logged in): Facebook Verification Form.
2. Choose What You're Verifying: Select either "Page" or "Profile" and then choose the specific account from the dropdown menu.
3. Confirm Authenticity: Select the correct document type (e.g., "Driver's License") and upload a clear photo of your ID.
4. Confirm Notability: This is your chance to make your case.
   • Category: Choose the category that best describes your Page or Profile (e.g., "News/Media," "Sports," "Musician/Band," "Digital Creator/Blogger").
   • Country/Region: Enter the country where you are most well-known.
   • Audience (Optional): Briefly describe who follows you and why they are interested.
   • Also Known As (Optional): If your brand or you are known by another name, enter it here.
   • Links (Crucial Step): Add up to five links to news articles, social media accounts, or other websites that prove you are in the public interest. Prioritize independent news coverage over your own website or profiles.
5. Submit and Wait: After submitting, you’ll have to wait. Facebook can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to review your application. You'll receive a notification about their decision.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Chances of Approval

Simply filling out the application isn't enough. Here's how to build a profile that reviewers are more likely to approve.

1. Build Your Presence Outside of Facebook

The verification team is looking for external proof of your notability. The best thing you can do is generate legitimate press. Consider hiring a PR professional, contributing expert quotes to articles, or launching a project that is newsworthy enough to get covered by journalists.

2. Optimize and Complete Your Profile

Go through your profile with a fine-toothed comb. Is your bio descriptive? Is your contact information up-to-date? Have you posted in the last week? An active, fully-fleshed-out profile looks much more professional and legitimate.

3. Consolidate Your Presence

If there are old, duplicate, or fan-made pages for you or your brand, do your best to clean them up. Report unofficial pages or merge duplicates if you have control over them. A single, clear, authoritative presence makes it easier for Facebook to confirm your uniqueness.

4. Don't Mention Other Social Platforms in Your Bio

Facebook wants you to be notable on their terms. Linking to your YouTube or Twitter profiles in your bio section is generally a bad look when applying for verification. Use the optional links section in the application form for those instead.

What if You Get Rejected?

A rejection notice is common, especially on the first try. Don't panic. The key is to see it not as a permanent "no," but as a "not yet."

You can re-apply for verification 30 days after receiving a rejection. Use that month productively. Look for weaknesses in your application. Did you provide strong enough press links? Is your profile complete? Work on landing another one or two press features, build your follower base with engaging content, and try again when you have a stronger case.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, getting a Facebook check comes down to clearly establishing your identity. For most users, the Meta Verified subscription offers a simple, paid path to prove your authenticity and gain valuable account protection. For public figures and established brands, the traditional verification badge remains the goal, but it demands building a genuine, well-documented public presence that extends far beyond the Facebook platform itself.

At Postbase, we understand that building a notable brand presence requires consistency and a professional content strategy. While it won't guarantee a blue check, having a clear, well-executed plan is fundamental. Our visual content calendar helps you organize your schedule across all your platforms, ensuring you maintain the active, high-quality profile that both your audience and verification teams expect to see. With a tool that makes it easy to stay on track, you can focus more on creating great content and less on the logistics. Learn more about how you can streamline your social media at Postbase.