Fix Coinbase Identity Verification Not Working

When your Coinbase identity verification isn't working, it’s usually due to blurry ID photos, mismatched personal details, or a simple app glitch.

The fastest fix: Retake your photos in a well-lit room and ensure the name and address on your profile exactly match your government-issued ID.

Why Your Coinbase Verification Fails and How to Fix It

Hitting a verification wall on Coinbase is more than just an annoyance—it's a roadblock that can lock you out of trading when you see an opportunity. This isn't a random bug. It's a signal that there’s a disconnect between the information you’ve submitted and what Coinbase's automated system needs to give you the green light.

For any active trader, this delay means potentially missing a profitable move. This process is a crucial security layer designed to meet strict Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, which protect both you and the platform from fraud. However, the system is rigid, and even a tiny error can cause it to fail.

To help you troubleshoot, here’s a breakdown of the most common issues and their immediate, actionable solutions.

Quick Fixes for Common Coinbase Verification Errors

If that table didn't solve your issue, let's break down the failure points in more detail.

Common Failure Points

The verification system is laser-focused on your identity document and profile data. If they don't align perfectly, you'll get an instant rejection.

Here are the usual suspects:

• Bad Photos: This is the #1 reason for failure. Glare from a lamp, a thumb covering a corner, or a slightly out-of-focus image will get your submission kicked back. The automated system needs to read every single character.
• Mismatched Info: A classic mistake. You signed up as "Jim," but your driver's license says "James." Or you moved and forgot to update your address. It must be an exact match.
• Wrong or Expired Documents: Using an ID that expired last month or a document type not supported in your country is an automatic rejection.

This decision tree gives you a visual of how the system processes your information and where things often go wrong.

As you can see, the most common hurdles are the quality of the ID itself and data inconsistencies.

The Real Impact of a Flawed Submission

Even with advanced AI, verification systems aren't perfect. Coinbase has previously mentioned hitting about a 90% success rate with their automated system. That leaves 10% of users stuck in verification limbo.

What was the main culprit for that 10%? According to Coinbase, it was cropped, blurry, or low-quality ID photos.

Key Takeaway: The verification system is a robot. It doesn't guess or interpret—it just matches data. Your job is to make your submission so clean and accurate that the system can approve it instantly without human intervention.

If you've tried everything and are still hitting a wall, your account might have been flagged for other reasons. In that case, you might need to check out our guide on how to handle a Coinbase restricted account, which involves a different set of steps.

Your Pre-Verification Success Checklist

Getting your Coinbase identity verification right on the first try saves you from a world of frustration. Think of these next few steps as a pre-flight check before you even open the app. Nailing this prep work dramatically increases your odds of a smooth, one-and-done approval.

Actionable Checklist for a Flawless Submission

Follow this step-by-step checklist to eliminate any potential red flags before you begin.

1. Prepare Your Environment:

• Find Good Lighting: Use a room with bright, even, natural light. Avoid direct sunlight, which creates harsh shadows.
• Use a Plain Background: Sit or place your ID in front of a neutral-colored, clutter-free wall or surface. A busy background confuses the camera.
• Eliminate Glare: Turn off overhead lights or lamps that reflect off your ID. Glare is a top cause of rejection.

2. Prepare Your Device:

• Clean Your Camera Lens: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe your phone’s camera. A smudge can make the photo appear blurry to the system.
• Ensure Stable Internet: Use a strong Wi-Fi connection. If it's unreliable, switch to cellular data to prevent upload interruptions.

3. Prepare Your Documents and Profile:

• Check Expiration Dates: Make sure your driver's license or passport is valid and not expired.
• Match Your Name Exactly: Your full legal name in your Coinbase profile must be identical to what is on your ID (e.g., "James A. Smith," not "Jim Smith").
• Verify Your Address: Your residential address on Coinbase must perfectly match the address on your document, including abbreviations and apartment numbers.

A few minutes of prep now can prevent days of back-and-forth later.

Solving Document and Photo Rejection Errors

When Coinbase verification isn't working, it almost always comes down to the quality of the photos you're submitting. Their automated system is incredibly picky, but these errors are fixable.

The key is to understand what the system is flagging. Think of each error message as a clue pointing you to the exact problem.

Fixing Blurry Photos and Glare

Blurry images and reflective glare are the most common culprits. They prevent the system's Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software from reading your ID.

To Fix "Blurry Photo" Errors:

1. Place your ID on a flat, non-reflective surface (like a wooden table).
2. Hold your phone with both hands to keep it steady.
3. Tap the screen directly on your ID to force the camera to focus.
4. Ensure all four corners of the document are visible in the frame.

To Fix "Glare Detected" Errors:

1. Turn off your phone's camera flash.
2. Move to a room with natural, indirect light.
3. Avoid standing directly under overhead lights.
4. Slightly tilt the ID to deflect any reflections away from the camera lens.

Pro Tip: Before using the Coinbase app, take a picture with your phone's normal camera app. Zoom in on the image. Can you clearly read every single letter and number? If not, neither can Coinbase's software.

Dealing with Document and Data Mismatches

If your photos are clear, the next roadblock is the information itself.

Unsupported Document Types

The "Unsupported Document" error means Coinbase does not accept that form of ID in your region.

Always use a document that is valid and not expired. An expired ID is an automatic rejection.

Information Mismatch Rejections

This error is painfully common. It happens when the name, address, or birthdate on your ID doesn't perfectly match the information in your Coinbase profile.

Before re-uploading, go to your Coinbase profile settings. Meticulously edit your personal information to be an exact, character-for-character copy of what's on your ID. Pay close attention to middle names, initials, and street abbreviations (e.g., "Street" vs. "St.").

Navigating Technical Glitches and App Bugs

You've done everything right, but the verification still fails. What now? Sometimes, the problem isn't you—it's the technology. A technical glitch, a shaky network, or an app bug can block an otherwise perfect submission.

Actionable Technical Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a quick list of technical fixes that solve most platform-related issues.

1. Clear Browser Cache & Cookies: Old data can cause conflicts. Go to your browser settings and clear the cache and cookies, then restart the browser.
2. Disable VPN & Ad-Blockers: These tools can interfere with Coinbase’s location verification, which is mandatory. Turn them off temporarily during the process.
3. Update Your App or Browser: An outdated app or browser is a common source of bugs. Check for updates in your app store or browser settings.
4. Switch Platforms: If the mobile app is failing, try using a desktop computer with a webcam. If your desktop isn't working, try the mobile app using cellular data.

We know from experience that platform vulnerabilities are a real thing. For instance, a past Coinbase data breach that affected 70,000 users showed how internal flaws, not just user mistakes, can create serious issues. This history underscores why having a few troubleshooting tricks up your sleeve is so important.

Choosing the Right Platform for Verification

Wondering whether to stick with your phone or fire up the computer? Here’s a quick comparison.

Ultimately, if one environment is giving you grief, the other is your best bet. Don't waste time fighting a buggy app when a simple switch might solve the problem in minutes.

Once you’re successfully verified, you’ll probably want to start moving funds. If you need a little guidance, we have a complete walkthrough on how to transfer from Coinbase to your Coinbase Wallet to help you with the next steps.

How to Effectively Contact Coinbase Support

You’ve tried everything, and your Coinbase identity verification is still stuck. It's time to bring in the experts. A strategic approach to contacting support can get you a real solution, not just a canned response.

The goal is to arm the support agent with all the necessary information in your very first message to avoid a frustrating back-and-forth email chain.

Preparing Your Support Request

Before opening a support ticket, gather these details:

• Your Coinbase Account Email: Contact them from the email address tied to your account.
• A Clear Description of the Issue: State that your identity verification is failing.
• Specific Error Messages: Write down the exact error message (e.g., "Photo Unclear," "Verification Failed").
• Steps You've Already Taken: Briefly list your troubleshooting efforts (e.g., "cleared cache, used both mobile and desktop, tried passport and driver's license").

This isn’t just about getting a faster resolution; it’s also a security measure. A stalled verification can leave your account vulnerable. According to Coinbase's own data, 95% of account hacks in late 2022 targeted users with less secure SMS-based authentication. You can read more about their findings on account security at Coinbase.com.

What to Include in Your Message

Structure your email or support ticket for clarity.

A clear, detailed ticket helps the support team bypass generic scripts and focus on the actual problem, dramatically increasing your chances of a quick solution.

Your Top Coinbase Verification Questions Answered

Getting through the final hurdles of setting up your Coinbase account can bring up a few last-minute questions. Here are quick, clear answers to the most common ones.

How Long Should Coinbase Identity Verification Take?

Ideally, the automated system approves you in just a few minutes. However, if your submission is flagged for a manual review or during periods of high traffic, it can take longer.

• Automated: 2-10 minutes
• Manual Review: 24-48 hours

If you've been waiting for more than 72 hours with no update, it's time to contact Coinbase support.

Can I Use Coinbase Without Identity Verification?

No. Due to strict global financial regulations like Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML), Coinbase must verify the identity of every user.

Without verification, your account is essentially locked. You cannot buy, sell, send, or receive crypto. This is a legal requirement that keeps the platform secure for everyone. You can learn more about Coinbase's safety measures in our detailed guide.

What If I Am Stuck in a Verification Loop?

The dreaded verification loop—where you upload documents, and it asks for them again—is a known glitch. Before contacting support, try these technical fixes:

1. Clear your browser's cache and cookies.
2. Switch from the mobile app to a desktop computer (or vice versa).
3. Ensure your app and browser are fully updated.

If the loop persists, the issue is likely on Coinbase's end. When you contact support, use the exact phrase "stuck in a verification loop" in your message. This keyword helps their system route your ticket to the correct team.

Why Does Coinbase Need My Address and SSN?

As a regulated financial services company in the United States, Coinbase must comply with federal laws like the Bank Secrecy Act. This requires them to collect and verify customer information to prevent financial crimes like money laundering and fraud. The required information typically includes:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Physical residential address
• Social Security Number (SSN) or another government ID number

Providing this information is a standard and non-negotiable part of signing up for any legitimate financial platform in the US.

At Wallet Finder.ai, we turn complex on-chain data into clear, actionable signals. Discover profitable wallets and mirror the strategies of top traders in real time. Start your 7-day trial and trade smarter at https://www.walletfinder.ai.