How to Verify a Facebook Account

That little blue checkmark next to a Facebook name carries a lot of weight, signaling authenticity and authority in a crowded digital world. But getting it isn’t a secret handshake, it's a process you can follow. This guide walks you through the entire process, explaining the two different types of verification, the eligibility requirements for each, and the exact steps to submit your application.

What Does That Blue Checkmark Actually Mean?

Before you apply, it’s important to understand that there are now two different paths to getting a blue check on Facebook. One is a paid subscription focused on identity verification and customer support, while the other is the traditional, merit-based badge for public figures and notable brands. They might look the same, but their purpose and requirements are very different.

The Traditional Blue Verification Badge: For Public Figures & Brands

This is the original blue checkmark you’ve seen for years on the profiles of celebrities, well-known journalists, and major global companies. This badge is not something you can buy. Facebook awards it to accounts they deem to be of "public interest."

Its primary purpose is to confirm the authenticity of accounts that are at a high risk of being impersonated. Getting this badge tells the world you are who you say you are and that your presence is notable enough to warrant distinction. It won't boost your posts in the algorithm or unlock secret features, but it provides a powerful layer of trust and credibility that can be invaluable for a public brand or personality.

The New Kid on the Block: Meta Verified Subscription

Introduced in 2023, Meta Verified is a paid monthly subscription service for creators and, more recently, businesses. For a monthly fee, you get a verification badge, proactive account protection against impersonation, and, most importantly, direct access to account support from a real human.

While the badge looks the same, its meaning is different. It verifies your identity through a government-issued ID, not your notability or public interest status. This is a game-changer for smaller creators, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants peace of mind and access to help when things go wrong - something notoriously difficult to get from Meta otherwise.

For most individual creators, small businesses, and marketing managers, the Meta Verified subscription will be the more accessible and practical path.

So, Who Can Get Verified? Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for each path are completely different. Take a look at the criteria below to see which one you and your brand might qualify for.

Eligibility for the Traditional Blue Badge (Notability Required)

To earn the classic blue badge, you must meet Facebook's standards across four categories. This process is highly selective, and having a lot of followers isn't enough on its own.

• Authentic: Your Page or profile must represent a real person, a registered business, or a legal entity. You'll need to prove this with official documentation.
• Unique: Your Page or profile must be the unique 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).
• Complete: Your account must be active and have all the necessary elements filled out. This includes an About section, a profile photo, a cover photo, and recent posts.
• Notable: This is the hardest requirement to meet. Your account must represent a well-known, frequently searched-for person, brand, or entity. Facebook reviews accounts featured in multiple, independent, reputable news sources. Paid or promotional content does NOT count. You need organic media mentions from established publications to prove public interest.

Think nationally recognized figures, legacy media outlets, and global brands. If your press coverage is limited to a few local articles or sponsored posts, you likely won't meet this standard.

Eligibility for the Meta Verified Subscription

The eligibility for the subscription service is much more straightforward because it's about verifying your identity, not your fame.

For individuals and creators, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a complete public or private profile with your full name that aligns with official ID standards.
• Have a profile picture that clearly includes your face.
• Have a history of recent activity, like posting content.
• Have two-factor authentication enabled on your account.
• Provide a government-issued ID (like a driver's license or passport) that matches the name and photo on your profile.

The program for businesses is still rolling out, but the requirements are similar. Business applicants typically need to demonstrate their connection to the business through officially registered business documents and have a sufficiently aged business account.

How to Apply for Facebook Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve figured out which verification you’re aiming for, follow the appropriate steps below. The application processes happen in completely different parts of the platform.

Applying for the Traditional Blue Verification Badge

If you believe your Page or profile meets the "notability" criteria, here’s how to submit your request.

1. Prepare Your Profile and Gather Documents

First, make sure your Page or profile is polished and fully complete. Update your bio, check your links, and ensure your photo is high-quality. Then, gather your documentation. You will need:

• A clear photo of your government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, national ID card).
• Links to 3-5 strong, independent press articles about you or your brand. These should be from well-known news organizations, not blogs or press releases.
• Optionally, you can include links to other verified social media profiles or an official website.

2. Find and Complete the Application Form

The request form for the traditional badge isn't promoted heavily. You'll want to log into your Facebook account and navigate to the application contact form. For quick access, visit the page here: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/295038365360864.

3. Fill Out the Form and Submit

The form is straightforward. You will need to:

• Select whether you're verifying a Page or a Profile.
• Choose the specific Page/Profile from the dropdown menu.
• Confirm authenticity by uploading the digital copy of your official ID.
• Confirm notability by selecting your category (e.g., News/Media, Sports, Business) and country.
• Provide the links to news articles and social media accounts in the optional fields. Use your strongest examples first. This is your chance to make a case for why you are a person of public interest.

After you submit, the waiting game begins. The review can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. You'll receive a notification about their decision.

Signing Up for Meta Verified

If you're opting for the subscription service, the process is much simpler and is usually done through the mobile app.

1. Go to Your Account Center

Open the Facebook app, tap the menu icon (three lines), and go to Settings & Privacy >, Settings. Then, tap on Accounts Center at the very top.

2. Find "Meta Verified"

Inside the Accounts Center, you should see an option for "Meta Verified" under Account Settings. If you don’t see it, it may not be available for your account or in your region yet, as it's still being rolled out. If it's there, tap it.

3. Subscribe and Set Up Payment

The screen will outline all the benefits of subscribing. Select the profile you want to verify and tap "Subscribe." You will then be prompted to set up your monthly payment through the app store.

4. Verify Your Identity

Now for the most important step. You will be asked to take photos of your government-issued photo ID and, in some cases, a short video selfie to confirm you’re a real person. Make sure the name on your ID matches your profile name exactly. Meta is strict about this, you may be asked to update your profile name to match if it doesn’t.

Once submitted, an actual person reviews your application, typically within 48 hours. When approved, the blue checkmark will appear on your profile automatically.

Best Practices for a Stronger Application

Whether you're applying for the traditional badge or the paid subscription, a few best practices can make the process smoother.

• Be Honest and Accurate. Never provide false documents or misleading links about your notability. Doing so will lead to rejection and may even jeopardize your account.
• Clean Up Your Online Presence. Before applying, do a quick audit of your social media profiles and websites. Make sure they all present a consistent, professional image of you or your brand.
• Avoid Third-Party "Verification" Services. Anyone promising to get you verified for a fee (outside of the official Meta Verified subscription) is a scam. Period. Verification can only be obtained through the official channels outlined above.
• If Denied, Try Again (Later). For the traditional badge, if your application is rejected, you can apply again after 30 days. Use that time to strengthen your case by seeking more press coverage and growing your presence. Don't just resubmit with the same information and expect a different result.

Final Thoughts

Getting verified on Facebook, whether through the traditional blue badge or the Meta Verified subscription, is a clear process once you know which path fits you. It boils down to proving your identity and, for the legacy badge, demonstrating public interest with credible, third-party press.

Building that brand credibility takes time and consistent effort. At Postbase, we’ve seen firsthand how a well-managed professional presence is the foundation for earning trust and authority. Since our scheduler is built for modern social media - especially the short-form video that drives so much engagement today - we help you plan and publish consistently across every platform without the headache. Instead of wrestling with clunky legacy tools, you can focus on building the kind of brand that naturally commands attention. Get started with Postbase when you're ready to sync up your entire social strategy.