How to verify your identity on Bitstamp? (KYC Process)

Bitstamp KYC Verification Overview

1. Bitstamp requires all users to complete identity verification before enabling fiat deposits, withdrawals, or higher trading limits.

2. The platform adheres to anti-money laundering (AML) standards mandated by the Luxembourg Financial Industry Supervisory Commission (CSSF).

3. Verification levels are tiered: Level 1 allows limited crypto-only activity; Level 2 unlocks EUR/USD bank transfers and full spot trading functionality.

4. Users must provide government-issued photo identification such as a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license.

5. All submitted documents must be unaltered, legible, and valid for at least six months from submission date.

Step-by-step Identity Submission

1. Log into your Bitstamp account and navigate to the “Security” section under account settings.

2. Click on “Verify Identity” and select your country of residence from the dropdown menu.

3. Upload a clear color scan or photo of your primary ID document showing both front and back sides.

4. Provide a recent selfie holding the same ID next to your face, ensuring all text and facial features are fully visible.

5. Confirm your residential address by uploading a utility bill, bank statement, or official government correspondence issued within the last 90 days.

Document Requirements and Validity Checks

1. Passport scans must include the biometric page with machine-readable zone intact and no glare or cropping.

2. National ID cards must display issue date, expiry date, full name, photograph, and signature field.

3. Driver’s licenses accepted only if issued by EU member states or recognized jurisdictions with holographic security features.

4. Selfie images must be taken in daylight or well-lit indoor conditions without filters, masks, sunglasses, or hats obscuring facial contours.

5. Address proof documents must contain your full legal name and current physical address matching the one entered during registration.

Review Timeline and Status Tracking

1. Most Level 1 verifications complete within 15 minutes during business hours (08:00–18:00 CET).

2. Level 2 submissions undergo manual review and typically take between 24 and 72 hours.

3. Users receive email notifications upon submission confirmation, status updates, and final approval or rejection.

4. Rejected documents trigger an automated message specifying which element failed validation—common causes include blurred text, mismatched names, or expired IDs.

5. Account dashboard displays real-time verification progress bars alongside timestamps for each stage of processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I use a birth certificate instead of a passport or ID card?No. Bitstamp explicitly excludes birth certificates, voter registration cards, student IDs, or any non-government-issued identification.

Q2. What happens if my ID shows a different surname than my bank account?The name on your verified ID must exactly match the name registered with your linked bank account. Discrepancies require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate or court-ordered name change decree.

Q3. Is video-based KYC available on Bitstamp?Bitstamp does not offer live video verification. All identity checks rely solely on static image uploads and automated facial comparison algorithms.

Q4. Do I need to re-verify if I update my residential address?Yes. Any change to your registered address triggers mandatory re-submission of updated proof of residence, even if prior KYC was approved.