Facebook requires users to submit legal identification documents to verify their identity if their account is locked or disabled. This is to ensure real people are using Facebook and maintain the integrity of the community. The specific documents needed depend on whether you are verifying an individual or business account.
Documents required for individual Facebook account verification
To verify your individual Facebook account, you will need to provide a copy of either your government-issued ID, passport, driver’s license, or other legal identification. Some of the acceptable documents include:
- Passport
- Driver’s license
- State or government-issued ID card
- Resident registration card
- Green card or visa
- National identification card
- Tax identification card
- Voter ID card
- Military ID card
- Concealed carry permit
The identification document must:
- Be valid and not expired
- Legibly display your photo, full name, and date of birth
- Match the details listed on your Facebook account
If the name on your Facebook account does not match your official ID due to nicknames, abbreviations, or spelling differences, you may need to provide supplemental documentation like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal papers verifying your name change.
Requirements for ID document copies
When providing copies of your ID documents to Facebook, make sure:
- The photo page is clearly visible and not blurry
- Text and details are readable
- No glare or reflections block information
- The entire page fits within the frame
Facebook recommends scanning or taking high-quality digital photos of your ID in a well-lit area and against a plain background. Avoid shadows and use flash if needed. Upload clear, color copies – do not edit or alter the documents.
Documents required for Facebook business account verification
To verify a Facebook business account, Pages, or Ads account, you will need to provide documentation that proves you are authorized to represent the business. Acceptable documents may include:
- Business license
- Certificate of incorporation
- Tax registration documents
- Legal letter of authorization
- Annual company report
- Official letter from a board member
In addition to business registration documents, Facebook also requires proof of identity from the individual completing the verification process. You will need to provide a legal ID document like those required for personal account verification.
What details are needed on business documents?
For business documents to pass Facebook’s verification process, they must:
- Be complete – no missing pages
- Be currently valid, not expired
- Show the company’s official legal name
- Match the business name listed on your Facebook account
- Prove current operating status – no dissolution notices
Scans or photos of business documents must clearly show:
- Issuing authority
- Document ID numbers
- Issue and expiry dates
- Official stamps
- Signatures of company representatives
What if my documents are not in English?
Facebook accepts international identification and business documents in various languages. If your ID or registration papers are not in English, you will need to provide:
- A color scan or photo of the original non-English document
- An official English translation from an accredited translator
Make sure the translator’s stamp and credentials are visible on the translated papers.
How to submit documents to Facebook
Once you have gathered the required identity and/or business verification documents, you can submit them directly through Facebook to verify your account. The process may differ slightly depending on why your account was locked.
Submitting ID for a disabled personal account
- Access your disabled account and click on the “Secure your account” page.
- Select the option to send your ID and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Take a picture of your photo ID or upload a scanned copy from your computer.
- Enter your full date of birth as it appears on your ID document.
- Click Review to finish submitting it to Facebook.
Submitting documents to verify a Page or Ads account
- Go to the Business Tools section of your Page.
- Click Verifications on the left menu.
- Choose the type of documents you want to submit.
- Take pictures or upload scans of your business registration papers.
- Also submit a photo ID belonging to the authorized representative.
- Check for a confirmation email once submitted.
Facebook aims to review documents within 1-3 business days. Some reviews may take longer for additional verification. Check your email for update notifications on the status of your submitted papers.
Troubleshooting tips for verification issues
Having trouble getting your Facebook account verified? Here are some tips that may help:
- Double check all details on your ID match your account info like name, birthdate, location.
- Try scanning documents or taking better quality pictures in bright lighting.
- For business accounts, confirm all documents are valid and show the legal entity name.
- Make sure your face is clearly visible in your personal ID photo.
- Be sure to submit English translations if using foreign documents.
- Check that text and details on docs are readable and not cut off.
If your documents continue to get rejected, consider contacting Facebook support for assistance. You may need to go through additional verification steps to regain access to your account.
Conclusion
Keeping your Facebook account properly verified is crucial to stay within Facebook’s terms of use and maintain access to your profile. Individual users need government-issued ID documents like a passport, driver’s license or national identity card showing matching personal details. Businesses require official registration papers, licenses and authorized representative IDs. Submitting high-quality scans or photos of these documents through Facebook’s screens will allow them to verify your identity or company. Ensuring all information is visible and exact makes the process quicker.