Venmo Identity Verification: A Step-by-Step Guide (2024)

In this blog post, I will guide you through the steps to verify your identity on Venmo.

Why Is Venmo Asking Me To Verify My Identity?

1. Compliance with Federal Regulations: Venmo is a money transfer service regulated by the federal government. As such, it is required by the USA PATRIOT Act to implement a Customer Identification Program to verify the identities of users making transactions.
2. Transaction Limits: Venmo may ask for identity verification if you attempt to send $300.00 or more in one week (rolling 7-day period) or transfer $1000.00 or more to your bank in one week.
3. Prevention of Scams and Fraud: Cash apps like Venmo are often targeted by scammers using tactics like phishing or smishing. By verifying users' identities, Venmo aims to limit the use of fraudulent accounts and reduce the risk of scams.
4. Enhanced Security: Verifying your identity adds an extra layer of security to your Venmo account. It helps protect your funds and personal information from unauthorized access or misuse.
5. Compliance with Privacy Regulations: Venmo has made changes to its privacy settings, allowing users to select a "public," "friends," or "private" setting for their friends list. Identity verification helps ensure that only legitimate users have access to personal information.

How To Verify Identity On Venmo

Step 1: Open the Venmo App

• Launch the Venmo app on your iPhone or Android device.
• Log in to your account.

Step 2: Access the Settings

• Tap the three stacked lines in the top-left corner of the screen to open the menu.
• Scroll down and select "Settings."

Step 3: Navigate to Identity Verification

• In the Settings menu, locate the "Security" section.
• Choose "Identity Verification" from the options.

Step 4: Provide Personal Information

• Enter your legal first and last name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (or select "I don't have an SSN").
• Fill in your address information accurately.

Step 5: Complete the Security Check

• Tap "Next" on the one-time security check information page.
• Follow any remaining on-screen prompts.

Step 6: Additional Information (if required)

• If Venmo cannot verify your identity based on the provided information, they may request additional documentation.
• Possible documents include a US passport, driver's license, SSN/ITIN assignment letter, or a tribal I.D. card.

Step 7: Review and Approval

• Once you have provided the necessary information, Venmo will review your submission within a few business days.
• If everything checks out, you will receive an email confirming that your account has been fully verified and can now be used without restrictions.

How Long Does Venmo Identity Verification Take?

1. Automated Process: Typically, the identity verification process on Venmo only takes a few minutes. This automated process uses the information you provide to verify your identity.
2. Manual Review: In some cases, the automated ID verification process may not work due to unavailable information or changes in your name or address. In such situations, Venmo may ask you to provide documentation within the app to confirm your identity.
3. Response Time: The speed of the verification process can also depend on how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information. If you promptly provide all the required documentation without any issues, your account could be verified within a matter of hours.
4. Document Review: Venmo will review the documentation you submit, such as a government-issued ID card and a selfie for facial recognition purposes. The review and processing of this information typically take place within 24 hours or less.
5. Delays and High Demand: During periods of high demand, such as tax season, there may be delays in processing identity verification requests due to increased volume.

It's important to note that the exact timeline for Venmo identity verification may vary based on individual circ*mstances and any additional information or documentation required. Responding promptly and providing accurate documentation will help ensure a smoother and quicker verification process.

Venmo Identity Verification Not Working

1. Incorrect or incomplete information: Make sure you have entered all the required information accurately, including your name, address, and Social Security number (SSN) if applicable. Double-check for any typos or mistakes that could be causing the verification process to fail.
2. Unavailable or changed information: Venmo's automated ID verification process may not work if the required information is unavailable or if your name or address has recently changed. In such cases, Venmo may ask you to provide additional documentation to confirm your identity. Check your email for any communication from Venmo requesting additional documentation and follow the instructions provided.
3. Unclear or incorrect document submission: When submitting documents for identity verification, ensure that the scanned images or photos are clear and legible. If the submitted photo or document is unclear, Venmo may reject the verification. If this happens, you will need to reapply for verification and submit a clear and readable document.
4. Underage or ineligible: Venmo users must be at least 18 years old and located within the United States. If you are underage or do not meet the eligibility criteria, you may not be able to complete the identity verification process.

If you have tried the above solutions and are still experiencing issues with Venmo identity verification, it is recommended to reach out to Venmo's customer support or visit their Help Center for further assistance.

Why Does Venmo Say It Can't Verify My Identity?

1. Unavailable Information: Venmo's automated ID verification process may not work if the required information is unavailable or incomplete. This could be due to missing or incorrect personal details, such as your name, address, or date of birth.
2. Recent Name or Address Change: If you have recently changed your name or address, Venmo's automated verification process may not be able to match the information provided with the records they have on file. In such cases, Venmo may ask you to provide additional documentation to confirm your identity.
3. Documentation Issues: Sometimes, the verification process may fail if the documentation you provided is expired, unclear, or illegible. It is important to ensure that any documents you submit for verification are valid, clear, and contain all the necessary information.
4. Additional Verification Required: In certain cases, Venmo may require additional documentation to verify your identity. This could be due to specific circ*mstances or if the automated verification process is unable to confirm your identity based on the initial information provided. Venmo may request documents such as a valid U.S. passport, state-issued driver's license, government-issued ID, Social Security card, or Tribal ID card.

If Venmo is unable to verify your identity, they will typically reach out to you via email and provide instructions on how to submit the required documentation for further verification.

Is It Safe To Verify My Identity On Venmo?

Verifying your identity on Venmo is generally considered safe, as it helps improve security for everyone in the Venmo network. However, it is important to be cautious when sharing personal information online, especially sensitive information like your social security number.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. Government regulations: Venmo is a federally regulated money transfer service and is required to implement a Customer Identification Program (CIP) to verify the identity of registered businesses joining the Venmo community.
2. Reducing identity crimes: Identity verification is necessary to reduce the number of identity crimes, such as phishing and smishing scams, that can occur on cash apps like Venmo. Verifying your identity can make it harder for bad actors to execute these scams.
3. Limited functionality without verification: If you choose not to verify your identity on Venmo, you can still use the app, but you won't be able to store money in your Venmo balance. Instead, money will have to go to and from a bank account or credit card.
4. Privacy settings: Venmo has made changes to its privacy settings, allowing users to select a "public," "friends," or "private" setting for their friends list. Users can also opt out of being seen on the friends lists of other Venmo users.

To stay safe while using Venmo, here are some additional tips:

• Enable all the security features offered by Venmo, such as screen lock/biometric lock and Find My Phone, to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
• Use a strong and unique password for your Venmo account.
• Beware of phishing attacks and avoid clicking on any links or attachments in unsolicited messages.
• Monitor your Venmo account for any suspicious activity and report any unauthorized payments or scams to Venmo.
• Consider using additional cybersecurity practices, such as multifactor authentication and limiting the number of people who can see your account through Venmo's privacy settings.

Can I Use Venmo Without Verifying My Identity?

Yes, you can continue using Venmo without verifying your identity. According to Venmo, you are still able to make payments to other users or businesses using your chosen payment method, such as a bank account, credit card, or debit card.

However, it's important to note that if you choose not to verify your identity, you will not be able to store money in your Venmo account. Instead, any funds received or sent will go directly to and from your linked bank account or credit card.

While it is possible to use Venmo without verifying your identity, it's worth considering the benefits of completing the identity verification process. Verifying your identity can help protect against scams and fraudulent activity, as well as provide additional security measures for your account.

How Do I Verify My Bank Account On Venmo?

To verify your bank account on Venmo, you can follow these steps:

1. Open the Venmo app on your mobile device.
2. Tap on the "Me" icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
3. Tap on "Settings" in the top right corner.
4. Under the "Settings" menu, tap on "Payment Methods."
5. Tap on "Add bank or card."
6. Select "Bank" as the payment method.
7. Choose a verification method. Venmo offers two options: instant verification or verification through micro-transfers.Instant verification: This method requires you to provide your bank's username and password. Venmo uses Plaid to verify the data displayed in your account and the available balance.Verification through micro-transfers: This method involves Venmo sending small deposits and withdrawals (micro-transfers) to your bank account. You will need to enter your bank account number manually, and Venmo will send these micro-transfers to verify ownership. You will need to check your bank account statement to find the amounts of these deposits and withdrawals. Once you have the amounts, you can enter them in the Venmo app to complete the verification.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the verification process.

Conclusion

Verifying your identity on Venmo is a crucial step to ensure the security and full functionality of your account. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this blog post, you can easily complete the identity verification process on Venmo.

Remember to provide accurate personal information and be prepared to submit additional documentation if required. Once your identity is verified, you can enjoy the benefits of using Venmo without any restrictions. If you encounter any issues or have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out to Venmo's customer support for assistance.