Binance KYC Verification - Should You Use a Passport or ID Card

Supported Document Types on Binance

When completing KYC (Know Your Customer) identity verification on Binance, you need to choose a government-issued document to prove your identity. Binance currently accepts three main document types: national ID cards, passports, and driver's licenses. Each document type differs in approval rates, functional implications, and ease of use during the verification process.

This article focuses on comparing the two most commonly used documents, the national ID card and the passport, so you can make the best choice based on your personal situation.

Register through this official link with referral code UPUVPIW5 for a permanent fee discount on your new account, then complete KYC with the document type that suits you best.

Advantages of Using a National ID Card

High Availability

For residents of many countries, a national identity card is the most commonly held government document. Unlike a passport, which requires a separate application process, most adults already possess an ID card, making the preparation cost essentially zero.

Easy to Photograph

National ID cards are compact, credit-card-sized documents that sit flat on a surface. Placing the card on a table and taking a photo from above is straightforward. You only need to capture the front and back, and the flat surface minimizes issues with glare or blurring.

Clear Information Layout

ID cards typically have a standardized layout with reasonably large text. When photographed, the automated recognition systems on Binance can easily read the name, ID number, date of birth, and other key details. This leads to higher first-pass recognition rates.

Fast Approval Times

Binance's verification systems are well-optimized for national ID cards from major countries. The automated review process for ID card submissions tends to be fast, with most verifications completing within a few minutes during normal processing times.

Limitations of Using a National ID Card

Regional Restrictions

National ID cards are primarily recognized for the country that issued them. If you register Binance from a different country than the one that issued your ID card, that document may not appear in the list of accepted verification options.

Expiration Concerns

ID cards have validity periods. If your card is nearing expiration or has already expired, you will need to obtain a replacement before proceeding with verification. Temporary ID documents are generally not accepted for KYC verification.

Potential Cross-Border Limitations

In certain edge cases, accounts verified with a national ID card may have slightly less flexibility for cross-border features compared to passport-verified accounts. However, for the vast majority of standard users, this difference is negligible.

Advantages of Using a Passport

Universal International Recognition

A passport is a globally recognized identity document. Regardless of which country you select during Binance registration, a passport is virtually always available as a verification option. If you travel frequently or reside abroad, the universal acceptance of passports makes them the more practical choice.

Ideal for Overseas Users

For users living outside their home country, a passport is often the most natural choice for verification. The romanized name on a passport (using Latin characters) is more easily processed by international platform systems, reducing the chance of encoding issues or mismatched characters that can cause verification failures.

Longer Validity Periods

Passports generally have a 10-year validity period for adults, which means you are less likely to need a document renewal in the near future. This long validity window reduces the chance of having to re-verify your identity on Binance due to an expired document.

Consistency Across Platforms

If you use multiple international financial or cryptocurrency platforms, verifying with the same passport across all of them keeps your identity information consistent. This simplifies account management and can help with support requests that involve cross-platform verification.

Limitations of Using a Passport

Lower Ownership Rate

Compared to national ID cards, significantly fewer people hold a valid passport. If you do not already have one, obtaining a passport requires visiting the appropriate government office, and the processing time typically ranges from one to several weeks depending on your country.

Photographing Difficulty

Passports are booklet-format documents, which makes photographing them more challenging than flat ID cards. You need to open the passport to the information page and keep it completely flat. If the passport does not lie flat or the lighting is uneven, glare and shadows can appear on the laminated page, reducing recognition accuracy.

Binding and Edge Issues

The binding area near the spine of the passport can interfere with photography. You must ensure that all four corners of the information page are fully visible in the photo and not obscured by your fingers, objects, or the passport cover. Missing corners is a common reason for passport verification rejections.

Recommendations Based on Your Situation

Domestic Residents

If you live in the country that issued your national ID card, using the ID card for verification is generally the best choice. The high recognition rates, ease of photography, and fast processing times make it the most efficient option for local residents.

Overseas Citizens

If you are living abroad, using your passport for verification is recommended. When selecting your country of residence during registration, choose the country where you currently live, and use your passport as the verification document. The romanized name on the passport aligns better with international platform standards.

Frequent International Travelers

If you move between multiple countries regularly, passport verification provides the best long-term stability. A passport's international recognition means your account will not be affected by changes in your location or residence.

Expiring ID Card

If your national ID card is expiring within three months, it is advisable to either use your passport instead or renew your ID card before attempting verification. Submitting an about-to-expire document may result in a successful verification now but require re-verification sooner than expected.

Both Documents Available

If you hold both an ID card and a passport, choose whichever is easier to photograph clearly in your current environment. Generally, if you are at home in your country of issuance, the ID card is more convenient. If you are abroad, the passport is the better option.

Photography Tips for Maximum Approval Rates

Regardless of which document you choose, photo quality directly impacts your verification success rate.

ID Card Photography Tips

Place the ID card on a dark, contrasting background surface such as a dark-colored desk or a sheet of dark paper. This helps the system clearly identify the edges of the card. Photograph from directly above, avoiding any angle that might cause perspective distortion. Ensure that all text and the photo on the card are crisp and fully legible. Capture the front side (the side with your photo) and the back side separately.

Passport Photography Tips

Open the passport completely flat on a level surface. If the passport tends to close on its own, you can use small weights on the corners, but do not cover any information areas. Photograph the page containing your photo and personal details (typically the second or third page). Make sure the MRZ zone (the two lines of machine-readable code at the bottom of the page) is fully visible and sharp. Avoid using your camera flash, as the laminated surface of the passport information page is highly prone to reflection and glare under direct flash. Natural, diffused lighting produces the best results.

What to Do If Your Verification Is Rejected

If your initial verification attempt is rejected, do not worry. Check the rejection reason provided by Binance, which usually specifies the issue such as blurry text, incomplete document edges, or face mismatch. Retake the photos following the tips above, paying particular attention to the specific issue flagged. If the rejection persists, try submitting the other document type. For example, if your ID card verification keeps failing, switch to your passport and vice versa.

Updating Your Verification Document Later

If you initially verified with an ID card and later want to switch to a passport, or if your document expires and you obtain a new one, you can contact Binance customer support to request an update to your verification information. Keep in mind that document updates may require a new round of verification and are typically processed within a few business days.

Conclusion

Both national ID cards and passports are fully valid documents for Binance KYC verification. The best choice depends on your specific circumstances: domestic residents generally find ID cards more convenient, while overseas users and frequent travelers benefit from the universal recognition of passports. Regardless of which document you choose, ensure it is within its validity period and that your photos are clear and complete.

If you have not yet started the registration process, create your account through the Binance registration link with referral code UPUVPIW5 to enjoy a permanent fee discount. CoinPath recommends downloading the Binance App for completing your KYC verification, as mobile phone cameras generally produce better document photos than webcams.