5 Ways to Confirm Your Identity on Facebook

You’ve probably heard the news: Facebook is cracking down on fake accounts. And that’s a good thing! Fake accounts are used to spread misinformation, scam people, and even interfere in elections. So, Facebook is taking steps to make sure that everyone who uses the platform is who they say they are.

One of the ways Facebook is doing this is by requiring users to confirm their identity. This means providing Facebook with a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Facebook will use this information to verify your name, date of birth, and address. Once your identity has been confirmed, you’ll be able to continue using Facebook as usual.

Verifying Your Identity with a Government-Issued ID

If you’re unable to verify your identity using your phone number or email address, you can submit a government-issued ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) for verification. To do this:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Provide Personal Information

Facebook requires you to provide your full legal name, country, and date of birth. This information must match the information on your government-issued ID.

Upload Your ID

Take a clear photo of your government-issued ID. Make sure that the photo is well-lit and in focus, and that all four corners of the ID are visible. Upload the photo to Facebook.

Additional Information

If Facebook requires additional information, such as proof of address or a recent utility bill, provide it as requested. Facebook uses this information to verify your identity and ensure that you are the legitimate owner of the account.

Review and Submit

Once you have uploaded your ID and provided any additional information, review your submission carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Submit your request for verification.

Processing Time

Facebook typically processes identity verification requests within 24-48 hours. Once your identity has been verified, you will receive a confirmation email or notification from Facebook.

Submitting a Picture of Yourself Holding Your ID

This method involves taking a clear and well-lit photo of yourself holding your government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license) close to your face. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Choosing the Right Photo

Take a photo that meets the following requirements:

Your face is clearly visible and not obscured by glasses or shadows.
Your ID is clearly displayed, with all information visible and legible.
The photo is taken in a well-lit environment, with no glare or reflections.
The resolution of the photo is at least 1000 pixels wide by 1000 pixels tall.

Uploading the Photo

Once you have taken the photo, upload it to Facebook by following these steps:

Go to your Facebook profile and click on the “About” tab.
Scroll down to the “Identity Confirmation” section and click on “Start Identity Confirmation.”
Select “Submit a Picture of Yourself Holding Your ID” from the options.
Click “Choose File” and upload your photo.
Review the photo and ensure it meets all the requirements.
Click “Submit” to upload the photo.

Verifying Your Identity

After you upload the photo, Facebook will typically review it within a few hours or days. If the photo is approved, your identity will be verified and you will be able to access your Facebook account.

Using a Video Call for Identity Verification

You may be required to verify your identity via a video call if Facebook detects suspicious activity or if you are attempting to make specific account changes. Here’s how to proceed:

Receive a Video Call Request: Facebook will notify you through email or a notification within the app that you need to verify your identity.
Schedule an Appointment: Click on the “Schedule a Call” button in the email or notification. Select a convenient time for the video call via the available time slots.
Prepare Your Documents: Before the scheduled video call, ensure you have the necessary documents available, such as a government-issued ID card (e.g., passport, driver’s license) and any other documents requested by Facebook.
Attend the Video Call: At the scheduled time, answer the video call from Facebook. The call will be handled by a Facebook representative who will guide you through the process.
Verification Process: During the video call, the representative will ask you to hold up your documents for verification. They might also ask you to provide further information or perform specific actions.
Review and Submit Documents: After the identity verification process, you will be asked to review and submit digital copies of your documents for further confirmation.

Confirmation: Once your identity has been successfully verified, Facebook will notify you via email or notification. This may take a few days.

Answering Security Questions

In addition to providing government-issued identification, you may also need to answer security questions that you set up when you created your Facebook account. These questions are used to verify your identity and help prevent unauthorized access to your account.

When you are prompted to answer security questions, you will be presented with a list of questions that you have previously selected. You will need to correctly answer a certain number of these questions to confirm your identity.

If you have forgotten the answers to your security questions, you can click on the “Forgot your security questions?” link that appears below the question list. You will then be asked to provide additional information, such as your email address or phone number, to help you reset your security questions.

Questions Examples:
What was the name of your first pet?
What was the name of the street you grew up on?
What is your mother’s maiden name?
What is the name of your favorite book?
What is the name of your best friend from childhood?

Providing Proof of Address

To confirm your identity using proof of address, Facebook may request documents that show your current residential address. Acceptable forms of proof of address include:

Utility bills (e.g., electricity, gas, water)
Bank statements
Credit card statements
Tax documents
Voter registration card

These documents should be in your name and must clearly display your current address. If your name does not match the name on the document, you may need to provide additional proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport.

When submitting your proof of address, it’s important to note that:

Ensure that the document is clear and legible.
Black out or redact any sensitive information that you do not want to share with Facebook, such as your account numbers or Social Security number.
Make sure that the document is in line with the current date. Facebook may reject outdated documents.
Submit the document in a secure manner, such as through Facebook’s designated channels.
Be patient, as Facebook may take some time to review your documents and verify your identity.

Requesting a Code via Text or Email

If you are unable to receive a code via text message, you can request one via email instead. To request a code via email:

Go to the Facebook login page and click on “Forgot password.”
Enter your email address and password.
Click on “Send code via text message.”
Choose “Email me a code” instead.
A code will be sent to the email address associated with your Facebook account.

Enter the code on the Facebook login page to confirm your identity.

Method	Instructions
Text message	Enter your phone number on the login page and click “Send code.” You will receive a text message containing a code to enter on the next page.
Email	Enter your email address on the login page and click “Send code.” You will receive an email containing a code to enter on the next page.

If you are having trouble receiving or entering a code, you can contact Facebook’s support team for assistance.

Confirming Your Identity with a Friend

If you’re unable to confirm your identity using other methods, you can ask a friend to vouch for you.

Prerequisites

You must have three mutual friends with the person you choose to vouch for you.
Your friend must have a verified Facebook account.

How to Get a Friend to Confirm Your Identity

Go to the Facebook Identity Verification page.
Select “Confirm Your Identity with Friends” from the options.
Enter the name of the friend you want to vouch for you.
Click “Send Request.”
Your friend will receive a notification asking them to confirm your identity.
Your friend will need to select “Confirm” and enter their password to verify your request.
Once your friend has confirmed your identity, you should receive a confirmation email from Facebook.

Using a Trusted Contact

If you don’t have access to your phone number, email address, or security key, you can use a trusted contact to verify your identity.

A trusted contact is someone you trust to help you secure your account. When you add a trusted contact, you give them the ability to generate login codes for you if you ever lose access to your account.

To add a trusted contact:

Click the down arrow in the top right corner of Facebook and select “Settings.”
Click “Security and Login.”
Click “Choose 3 to 5 friends to contact if you get locked out.”
Enter the name of the person you want to add as a trusted contact and click “Add.”
Repeat this process for each additional trusted contact you want to add.
Once you have added your trusted contacts, click “Done.”

If you ever lose access to your account, you can contact one of your trusted contacts to generate a login code for you.

Steps to Confirm Identity Using a Trusted Contact:

Click the “Forgot your password?” link on the Facebook login page.
Enter your email address or phone number and click “Search.”
Click “Use my trusted contacts” and enter the login code generated by your trusted contact.
Once you have entered the login code, click “Confirm.”
You will then be able to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Waiting for Facebook to Review Your Information

1. Review Time

Once you’ve submitted your identity confirmation materials, Facebook will begin reviewing your information. The review process can take up to 90 days, so be patient.

2. Check Your Email

Facebook will send you an email notification when your review has been completed. If you don’t receive an email within 90 days, you can contact Facebook support.

3. Appeal a Rejected Decision

If your identity confirmation is rejected, you can appeal the decision. To do this, follow the instructions in the email you received from Facebook.

4. Provide Additional Information

If Facebook requests additional information, provide it as soon as possible. This will help to expedite the review process.

5. Keep Your Account Secure

While you’re waiting for Facebook to review your information, keep your account secure. Use a strong password and enable two-factor authentication.

6. Don’t Create Multiple Accounts

Creating multiple Facebook accounts can slow down the review process. If you need to create a new account, do so only after your old account has been reviewed.

7. Stay Logged In

If you’re logged out of your Facebook account, it will delay the review process. Stay logged in as much as possible.

8. Monitor Your Email

Keep an eye on your email for notifications from Facebook. Respond to any requests for additional information promptly.

9. Review Process Timeline

Status	Estimated Time	Action Required
Requested identity confirmation	Instantaneous	Provide identity documents
Documents in review	Up to 90 days	Wait for review
Identity confirmation approved	Instantaneous	None
Identity confirmation rejected	Instantaneous	Provide additional information or appeal

Appealing a Suspended Account Due to Identity Concerns

If your Facebook account has been suspended due to identity concerns, you can appeal the decision by following these steps:

1. Sign in using a desktop computer

You cannot appeal a suspended account from the Facebook app.

2. Click on “Learn More”

This will take you to the page where you can appeal the suspension.

3. Select “My account was disabled by mistake”

This will open up a form that you can use to appeal the suspension.

4. Enter your information

You will need to provide your name, email address, and phone number. You will also need to upload a copy of your government-issued ID.

5. Click on “Submit”

Facebook will review your appeal and get back to you within 24 hours.

6. Be patient

The appeals process can take some time. Do not try to create a new account while your appeal is pending.

7. If your appeal is denied

You can try appealing again. You can also try contacting Facebook directly through their support page.

8. If your appeal is approved

Your account will be reinstated. You will need to verify your identity by uploading a copy of your government-issued ID.

9. How to avoid getting your account suspended for identity concerns

There are a few things you can do to avoid getting your account suspended for identity concerns:

Use your real name on Facebook.
Use a profile picture of yourself.
Do not impersonate someone else.
Do not create multiple accounts.
Do not use fake names or information.

10. Additional information

If you are having trouble verifying your identity, you can contact Facebook directly through their support page. You can also find more information about appealing a suspended account on the Facebook Help Center.

How to Confirm Identity on Facebook

In order to ensure the safety and security of its users, Facebook employs various methods to confirm identities. Identity confirmation helps prevent fraudulent activities, protect users from scams, and maintain the integrity of the platform.

Here are the key steps involved in identity confirmation on Facebook:

Provide a Government-Issued ID: Facebook may request users to submit a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, national ID card). The ID must be valid and contain a photo of the user.
Verify Your Phone Number: Users are often asked to verify their phone number by entering a code sent via SMS or an automated phone call.
Upload a Video Selfie: In some cases, Facebook may request a video selfie, where users record a short video of themselves to confirm their identity.
Provide Additional Information: Facebook may ask users for additional information, such as their full name, date of birth, or other details, to verify their identity.
Review by Facebook: Once the necessary information is submitted, Facebook will review the provided details and make a decision on identity confirmation. This process can take some time, and users will receive an update on the status of their identity confirmation.

By confirming their identity, users can enhance their security on Facebook, protect themselves from impersonation or malicious activities, and access features and services reserved for verified accounts.