Binance KYC: Should You Use Passport or National ID?

Two Document Options for Verification

When completing Binance KYC verification, you need to choose between submitting a passport or a national identity card. Both are accepted for Basic Verification, and neither is inherently better than the other. However, depending on your specific circumstances, one may provide a smoother verification experience than the other.

Understanding the advantages and limitations of each option helps you make the right choice and complete verification on your first attempt, avoiding the frustration of rejections and re-submissions.

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Using a Passport for KYC

Passports are internationally standardized documents with a consistent format recognized globally. This standardization is their primary advantage for KYC verification.

Advantages of using a passport: The Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) at the bottom of the passport page provides standardized data that automated verification systems can read reliably. Passport photos tend to be more recent and of higher quality than national ID photos. The international format is consistently recognized by Binance's verification system regardless of your country. Only one photo is needed (the information page), making the process simpler. Passports are universally accepted in all regions where Binance operates.

Disadvantages of using a passport: Not everyone has a passport, as they are optional documents in many countries. Passports can be bulky to photograph, and the glossy pages are prone to glare. The booklet format may be difficult to hold flat for a clear photo. Passport renewal is often more expensive and time-consuming than ID card renewal.

Tips for photographing your passport: Open it flat on a dark, non-reflective surface. Use even, diffused lighting to minimize glare on the glossy page. Ensure the MRZ (the lines of characters at the bottom) is clearly readable. Include the entire page with margins but crop out other pages.

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Using a National ID Card for KYC

National identity cards (or government-issued ID cards) are the primary identification document in many countries and are equally valid for Binance KYC verification.

Advantages of using a national ID card: Most people already have one, as it is a mandatory document in many countries. The card format is easy to photograph flat on a surface. ID cards are compact and can be clearly captured in a single photo. Renewal is typically simpler and cheaper than passports.

Disadvantages of using a national ID card: Two photos are required (front and back), adding an extra step. Format and quality vary significantly between countries, which can affect automated recognition. Some countries issue ID cards with non-Latin scripts that may require additional processing time. Older ID cards may have faded photos or worn text that is difficult for the system to read. Not all national ID card formats are recognized by every verification system.

Tips for photographing your ID card: Place the card on a contrasting background (dark card on light surface or vice versa). Photograph the front, then the back, ensuring all four corners are visible. Avoid holding the card in your hand, as fingers may obscure edges or cause shadows.

Which Should You Choose?

Here are practical recommendations based on different situations.

Choose a passport if: You have a valid, non-expired passport. Your national ID card is old, worn, or has faded text. Your ID card is in a non-Latin script. You want the simplest process with one photo instead of two. Previous attempts with your ID card have been rejected.

Choose a national ID card if: You do not have a passport. Your passport is expired or about to expire. Your ID card is in good condition with a recent photo. Your passport has glare-prone glossy pages. You find it easier to photograph a flat card than an open booklet.

General recommendation: If both documents are in good condition and valid, a passport is slightly more likely to be processed without issues due to its standardized international format. However, a good-quality national ID card works perfectly well.

Preparing Your Document

Regardless of which document you choose, follow these preparation guidelines. Verify the document is not expired. Clean the document surface to remove fingerprints or smudges. Check that all printed text is clearly readable. Ensure the photo on the document reasonably resembles your current appearance. If you have significantly changed your appearance (grown a beard, changed hairstyle dramatically, etc.), be prepared for the facial verification step to take a bit longer.

Conclusion

Both passports and national ID cards are fully accepted for Binance KYC verification. The best choice depends on which document you have in the best condition and which you find easier to photograph clearly. When in doubt, try the passport first for its standardized format, and switch to the national ID if the passport attempt is rejected.

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