For most users, the choice of document for Binance KYC depends on their country of residence. While the ID card is often the most convenient, some situations favor a passport. Start by opening the Binance Official Website and navigating to the KYC page to see supported documents for your region. The process is identical on the Binance Official App. For region-switching help, refer to the Binance App Download page.
Comparison of the Three Mainstream Documents
| Document | Regional Success Rate | International Success Rate | Privacy Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| ID Card | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | Medium |
| Passport | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | High |
| Driver's License | ★★★★ | ★★★★ | Medium |
For users in their home country, the National ID card is usually the best choice due to accurate OCR recognition and ease of verification against local databases.
National ID Card
Advantages
- The most common form of identification locally.
- High OCR accuracy and local database verification.
- Most users carry it with them at all times.
- Generally has the highest success rate for domestic users.
Disadvantages
- Significant glare issues due to anti-counterfeiting coatings.
- Usually cannot be used for cross-border verification in different regions.
- Often lacks a direct English/Latin script equivalent on the physical card.
Who is it for?
- Residents living in their home country.
- Users who only plan to use the exchange domestically.
Passport
Advantages
- Globally recognized and accepted.
- Highest level of security and anti-counterfeiting.
- Usually less prone to camera glare compared to ID cards.
- Information fields (Name, Date of Birth) directly correspond to international English forms.
Disadvantages
- Not everyone has a valid passport.
- Applying for/renewing one takes time and money.
- The information page is larger than an ID card, which can lead to improper cropping during photography.
Who is it for?
- Frequent travelers or those living abroad.
- Users who want their English name to exactly match the KYC form.
Driver's License
Advantages
- Widely held by adults.
- Often has less reflective coating than ID cards.
- Easier to photograph due to simple layout.
Disadvantages
- Not accepted by Binance in all countries.
- Success rate can be slightly lower than national IDs in some regions.
Who is it for?
- A reliable backup if your ID card or passport is unavailable or failing.
Selection Strategies
Strategy 1: The Local First Approach
Try your National ID first. If it fails due to clarity or recognition issues, try your Driver's License. Use your Passport as the final option.
Strategy 2: Overseas Residents
Passports are almost always the better choice for those living outside their home country, as they are universally accepted regardless of your current location.
Strategy 3: Special Regions (HK, Macau, Taiwan)
- Hong Kong: Use the HKID or a passport.
- Macau: Use the Macau SAR ID.
- Taiwan: Use the National ID card or a Passport.
Do Not Mix Documents
Once you have submitted a document, do not switch to another one mid-review. For example:
- Submitting an ID card → Entering the review phase.
- Switching to a passport before the first review is finished.
This behavior can trigger security alerts, as submitting multiple different documents in a short window may look suspicious to the compliance system. Only switch documents after a rejection has been issued.
Information Consistency is Key
If you possess both an ID card and a passport, ensure the information on both matches:
- Same legal name.
- Same date of birth.
- Same gender.
When filling out the form, always use the spelling exactly as it appears on the document you are submitting. Do not mix Pinyin from an ID card with an English name from a passport.
Note for Overseas Chinese Users
| Situation | Recommended Document |
|---|---|
| Chinese Passport + Overseas Residence Permit | Chinese Passport |
| Naturalized in another country | Passport of that country |
| Students on a Visa | Chinese Passport |
Always use the document that represents your current legal status in the region you are certifying for.
Photography Challenges by Document Type
| Document Type | Main Photography Difficulty |
|---|---|
| National ID Card | Severe glare from anti-counterfeiting film. |
| Passport | Page curling or folding at the spine. |
| Driver's License | Magnetic strips or holograms interfering with focus. |
Expiring Documents
If your document is set to expire within the next 6 months, Binance may reject your KYC. Compliance regulations require documents to be valid for a reasonable duration.
Solution: Renew your document before starting the KYC process, or use another valid document that is not near its expiration date.
Can I Add a Second Document After KYC?
Generally, no. You are verified as one legal identity. However, in cases of "Enhanced Due Diligence" (EDD) for high-volume accounts, Binance may request additional documents for cross-verification. This is rare for standard users.
Document Selection Decision Tree
| Your Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Living at home with a valid ID | ID Card |
| Living abroad or traveling | Passport |
| ID Card keeps failing due to glare | Passport |
| No passport, but have a license | Driver's License |
FAQ
Q: Can I use a temporary ID card?
A: Generally, no. Binance requires a permanent, official document.
Q: Can I use a digital version of my ID?
A: No. You must take a physical photo of the actual document.
Q: What if my document is currently being renewed?
A: You must wait until you receive the physical, permanent document before you can complete the KYC process.
Q: Can I use an expired document?
A: No. Expired documents will be rejected immediately.
Further Reading
- What to prepare before Binance KYC: Checklist
- Tips for clear ID photos: Document guide
- Troubleshooting general KYC failures: Universal guide