How to Get a Verified Facebook Account

That coveted blue checkmark next to a name on Facebook isn't just for celebrities and mega-corporations anymore, it’s a powerful symbol of authenticity and authority for public figures, creators, and brands. Getting verified can boost your credibility, help you stand out from imitators, and give your audience confidence that they’re interacting with the real you. This guide will walk you through exactly what it takes to get verified on Facebook, from meeting the eligibility requirements to submitting a strong application.

What Does a Verified Badge on Facebook Actually Mean?

Before jumping into the application process, it’s important to understand what the blue badge represents. First and foremost, verification is about authenticity. Facebook uses the badge to confirm that a Page or Profile is the genuine presence of the public figure or brand it claims to represent. It’s a way for users to know they're looking at the official source, not a fan page, parody account, or imposter.

What a verified badge is not, however, is an endorsement from Facebook. It doesn't mean Facebook supports the content on the Page or considers it more important than others. It also doesn't unlock special features or guarantee better reach in the algorithm. Its primary purpose is to clearly signal an account's legitimacy to the public.

Historically, Facebook also used a gray verification badge for local businesses and organizations. This has since been phased out, and the blue checkmark is now the universal symbol of verification for both Profiles and Pages that meet the public interest criteria.

Are You Eligible? Understanding the Verification Criteria

Facebook isn't vague about what it takes to get verified, but its criteria require some interpretation. To be eligible for a blue badge, your account must comply with Facebook’s Terms of Service and Community Standards, and it needs to be Authentic, Notable, Unique, and Complete.

Let's break down each of these requirements so you know exactly where you stand.

1. Authentic

This is the simplest requirement. Your account must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legitimate entity. You'll need official identification documents to prove it.

• For a personal Profile: This means you need a government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport, that clearly shows your name and date of birth.
• For a Page representing a business or organization: You'll need official business documents, such as tax filings, a certificate of incorporation, or a utility bill with the organization's name on it.

The goal here is undeniable proof that you are who you say you are.

2. Unique

To be verified, your account must be the only official presence for the person or business it represents. Facebook will only verify one Page or Profile per entity, with a few exceptions for language-specific pages. If you have multiple Pages for your brand, you'll need to determine which one is the definitive source and consider merging or deleting the others before applying.

This rule prevents confusion and ensures there's a single, centralized account for your audience to follow.

3. Complete

An empty or partially filled-out profile looks unprofessional and isn't likely to be approved. Your account must have all the essential elements in place to be considered for verification:

• An About section that’s fully filled out.
• A clear profile photo.
• A high-quality cover photo.
• Recent activity, including at least one post.
• "Followers" must be enabled for personal profiles.

Essentially, your profile should look active, professional, and fully set up. No "coming soon" placeholders.

4. Notable

This is where most applications live or die. Being "notable" means your account must represent a well-known, frequently searched-for person, brand, or entity. This is the most ambiguous requirement, but it’s also the most important.

So, how does Facebook determine notability? It reviews whether the person or brand is featured in multiple, independent, and credible news sources. This is critical. The press coverage you submit for review cannot be paid or promotional content. Think feature articles in established newspapers, magazine profiles, or appearances on news segments - not sponsored posts, press releases, or mentions in your own company's blog.

• Broad Reach: The coverage should come from a variety of sources, proving that your notability isn't confined to a tiny niche.
• Independent Press: Articles you paid for or write yourself don't count. An editor at a reputable news outlet had to decide you were newsworthy enough to cover.
• More Than a Fleeting Mention: Being quoted in an article is great, but getting a full feature story about you or your brand is much stronger proof of notability.

Facebook doesn't have a magic follower count that guarantees verification. You could have a million followers and still be denied if you lack the off-platform notability to support it.

Prepping Your Facebook Account for Verification

Before you even think about hitting that "submit" button, take some time to prepare. A little groundwork can significantly improve your chances of approval.

Optimize Your Profile or Page

Go through your account with a fine-toothed comb. Make sure every section is diligently filled out. Your bio should be clear, your contact information accurate, and your visuals (profile and cover photo) high-resolution and professional. Your goal is to look like an established, credible entity that deserves a blue check.

Build a Strong Online Presence Off Facebook

Since a major part of verification relies on notability, your work starts well beyond Facebook. Facebook's reviewers will Google you, so make sure they find what they're looking for.

• Get Press Coverage: Actively seek opportunities to get featured in the media. Reach out to journalists with a compelling story, offer your expertise for industry articles, or collaborate with reputable publications. Remember, organic media hits are what count.
• Establish a Presence on Other Platforms: If you are also verified on X (formerly Twitter) or Instagram, this can strengthen your case. It shows that other platforms also recognize your public figure status.
• Have a Professional Website: A legitimate website connected to your name or brand adds another layer of authenticity. Ensure your Facebook page is linked from your website and vice-versa.

Clean Up Your Content Feed

Scroll through your recent posts. Are they high-quality? Do they align with your brand's image? Delete any low-quality content, broken links, or posts that might not meet community standards. Present a feed that's active, engaging, and professional.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Verification

Once you've prepared your profile or page and believe you meet the criteria, it’s time to apply. The process is straightforward, but each step is important.

1. Find the Application Form: Facebook varies the placement, but you can typically find the verification request form in your Page or Profile settings under "Help" or by searching for "Request a blue verification badge" in the Help Center. You'll be directed to an official form page.
2. Choose Profile or Page: The first step is to specify what you want to verify. Select whether it’s your personal profile or a business/brand Page.
3. Provide Your Documentation: This is the "Authenticity" step. Upload a clear photo of your official documents. The form will prompt you for the specific type needed (e.g., driver's license for a person, articles of incorporation for a business).
4. Confirm Your Notability: Next, you'll need to make your case for being a "public figure, celebrity, or brand."
   • Select a Category: Choose the category that best describes your account (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Business, Fashion, Creator, etc.).
   • Add Links: This is your opportunity to prove your notability. In the provided space, add links to 3–5 of your best press features. Select articles that clearly demonstrate your presence in the public interest. Avoid press releases or sponsored content. You can also link to your official website and other verified social media profiles.
   • Optional Info: You may also include details about your audience and other names your organization is known as. Providing more context never hurts.
5. Submit and Wait: After submission, all you can do is wait. The review process may take anywhere from 48 hours to 45 days. Facebook will notify you of their decision, usually via your notification center. Be cautious of emails claiming to be from Facebook asking for money to verify you - that's a scam.

What to Do If Your Verification Request is Denied

Receiving a rejection can be disappointing, but it’s not the end. If Facebook denies your request, you can reapply after 30 days. Don’t reapply immediately with the same information, you'll likely get the same result.

Use those 30 days to strengthen your case. The most common reason for denial is a lack of "notability." Focus on building your off-platform presence and media coverage.

• Review the criteria again. Were your press links weak? Was your profile incomplete? Be honest about where the gaps are.
• Work on securing more press. Pitch new story ideas to journalists, guest post on major industry blogs, or look for opportunities to be featured as an expert source.
• Keep posting quality content. Continue to develop your community and stay active on Facebook. A vibrant, engaged page will support your next application.

Final Thoughts

Getting a verified badge on Facebook is a straightforward process, but it’s not necessarily simple. It ultimately comes down to proving your identity and demonstrating that you are a figure of public interest through credible, independent media coverage. Focus on building your brand’s authority both on and off Facebook, and verification will follow naturally.

We understand how much effort goes into establishing a notable presence. Cultivating authority involves sharing engaging content, maintaining active engagement, and weaving a cohesive brand narrative across multiple platforms. At Postbase, we designed our platform to streamline this process - featuring a visual content calendar for planning and a unified inbox to manage comments and DMs - so you can focus on creating the content that gets you noticed, instead of worrying about the logistics of publishing.