Can You Use a Driver's License for Binance KYC Verification?
This question comes up frequently, especially from people who don't have their national ID card on hand or whose ID has expired. A driver's license is something most people carry — using it for verification would be convenient. Let's explore whether it actually works. You can register at the official Binance website and check what document types are supported, or download the official Binance app to go through the verification process. iPhone users should refer to the iOS installation guide first.
The Short Answer: It Depends on Your Country
Driver's licenses from some countries: Supported. In countries where a driver's license serves as a valid form of government-issued ID — such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong — Binance accepts them for KYC verification.
Driver's licenses from other countries: Not supported. In countries where the driver's license is only a driving qualification certificate and not an official identity document, it cannot be used for KYC. In such cases, you'll need to use a national ID card or passport instead.
Why Some Countries' Driver's Licenses Are Accepted and Others Aren't
Different levels of international recognition: In the US, UK, and Australia, a driver's license doubles as an official identity document — you can use it to board flights, open bank accounts, and more. In other countries, a driver's license is issued by the transportation authority as proof of driving qualification, not as a formal identity document.
Document information differences: Not all driver's licenses contain the full security features found on national ID cards (such as chip data, machine-readable zones, etc.), making automated verification more difficult.
Compliance requirements: Binance follows different KYC compliance standards in different countries. For users in some regions, regulations require government-issued identity documents specifically, and the driver's license isn't on the accepted list.
What Documents Can You Use?
Here's a general overview of commonly accepted document types:
National ID Card (Recommended where available):
- The most convenient and fastest option where supported
- Mature automated recognition systems
- Fastest approval times
- Simply photograph both sides
Passport:
- Universally accepted across all countries
- Photograph the information page
- Review time may be slightly longer
- Must be within its validity period
Driver's License (Where accepted):
- Available in select countries (US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.)
- Photograph both sides
- Must be a valid, government-issued driver's license
If Your ID Has Expired
Many people want to use a driver's license because their primary ID has expired. Here are your options:
Option 1: Renew your ID
This is the most fundamental solution. In many countries, renewal processes have been streamlined and can sometimes be done remotely. You may be able to get a temporary ID quickly while waiting for the permanent one.
Option 2: Use your passport
If you have a valid passport, use that instead. On the KYC verification page, select "Passport" as the document type and upload a photo of the information page.
Option 3: Register first, verify later
You can register a Binance account with email first, set up all security features, and complete KYC once your new ID arrives. Your account won't expire because KYC isn't completed yet.
Document Support by Country
Here's a general reference (subject to Binance's latest policies):
| Country/Region | National ID | Passport | Driver's License |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | Yes | Yes | No |
| Hong Kong | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Taiwan | Yes | Yes | No |
| United States | - | Yes | Yes |
| United Kingdom | - | Yes | Yes |
| Japan | Yes | Yes | No |
| Singapore | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Australia | - | Yes | Yes |
Note: This table may not reflect the latest policies — check the options displayed during your actual verification process.
Tips for Taking Document Photos
Regardless of which document you use, photo quality directly affects review speed and outcome:
ID card photography tips:
- Place on a solid-colored (preferably white) background
- Ensure all four edges are visible, not blocked by fingers
- Even lighting without glare spots
- Text must be clearly readable
- Photograph both sides
Passport photography tips:
- Photograph the open information page
- Ensure the MRZ code (two-line machine-readable zone at bottom) is clearly visible
- No blurring
- No shadows covering text
General tips:
- Don't edit photos (cropping is fine, but no filters or beauty mode)
- File size between 1-5MB is ideal
- JPG or PNG format
The Facial Recognition Step
After uploading your document, there's a facial recognition step. Regardless of which document you use, the process is the same:
- The system asks you to face the front camera
- You may need to perform certain actions (blink, turn head, open mouth, etc.)
- The system compares your live face with your document photo
Facial recognition success depends on:
- Lighting: Natural light is best, avoid backlighting
- Makeup: Minimal or none is best; heavy makeup may affect recognition
- Glasses: Best to remove them
- Hair: Don't cover your face
- Expression: Stay natural, don't force expressions
Security Reminders
When performing identity verification, security awareness must be at its highest:
- Only verify through official Binance channels: Don't submit document photos through third-party platforms or links from others
- Delete document photos after verification: Remove ID photos from your phone gallery to prevent misuse if your phone is lost
- Don't screenshot and share the verification process: You might accidentally expose personal information
- Beware of "verification assistance" services: Any service claiming to bypass KYC restrictions is either a scam or a violation
- If your identity information is compromised: Immediately change your Binance password, enable all security verifications, and contact support
Head to Binance now to start your verification. Prepare your ID or passport, find a well-lit spot, and you'll be done in ten minutes.
About Document Validity
Regardless of which document you use, it must be within its validity period. If your document is nearing expiration (say, within one month), we recommend:
- Complete verification now rather than waiting until it expires
- Once verified, document expiration doesn't affect your existing KYC status
- However, if you need to update verification information later, you'll need a valid document
Binance may require users to update KYC information periodically (typically every few years), at which point a valid document will be needed again. So keeping your identity documents current is always important.
FAQ
I have two documents (e.g., ID card and passport). Which should I use?
Use whichever is most commonly accepted and has the most mature automated recognition in your country. For most users, a national ID card is the fastest option. Passport serves as a reliable backup.
The system can't recognize a rare character in my name. What should I do?
This does happen. If the system misreads your name, you can manually correct it during the information confirmation step. If the review fails as a result, contact support to explain the situation.
My ID photo is very old and I look quite different now. Will facial recognition pass?
It may be affected. If there's a significant difference between your document photo and your current appearance, facial recognition may fail. In such cases, contact support to request manual review.
After verifying with a passport, can I later switch to my national ID?
Generally yes. Look for the identity verification update option in account settings, or contact support to request a document change.
I'm an overseas resident — should I use my home country ID or local documents?
It depends on which country you selected during registration. If you chose your home country, use your home country's documents. If you chose your country of residence, use local documents. The two must match.