Binance KYC: Should You Use a Passport or National ID
When doing Binance KYC verification, you are asked to choose a document type — both national ID cards and passports are accepted. Which one should you pick? Which has a higher approval rate? Which is more convenient? Here is a detailed breakdown. You can start your verification on the Binance official website or the Binance official app. Apple users can refer to the iOS installation guide to install the app first.
National ID Card: Pros and Cons
Pros
Always on hand: Most people carry their ID card with them, so you do not need to go looking for it.
Easy to photograph: ID cards are compact and easy to place on a table for a complete photo.
Complete information: ID cards include your full name, date of birth, gender, address, and ID number.
Everyone has one: Nearly everyone has a national ID card — no need to apply separately.
Cons
Requires two photos: ID card verification needs both front and back — one extra photo compared to a passport.
Glare issues: ID cards have a plastic coating that is highly reflective. If a glare spot covers critical information, the system cannot read it.
Chip area interference: The chip area on the back of some ID cards can cause glare under certain lighting conditions.
Relatively lower system recognition: ID card formats vary significantly between countries, and the AI system may have lower recognition rates for certain formats compared to passports.
Passport: Pros and Cons
Pros
International standard format: All passports worldwide follow ICAO unified standards, with virtually identical layouts for the personal information page. This gives the AI system a very high recognition rate.
Only one photo needed: You only need to photograph the personal information page (the page with your photo), which is one fewer step than an ID card.
MRZ machine-readable code: The two lines of machine-readable code at the bottom of a passport allow the AI system to extract information directly with high accuracy.
Less prone to glare: Passport inner pages are paper-based, making them far less reflective than the plastic surface of an ID card.
Higher approval rate: For all the reasons above, passports generally have a higher first-attempt approval rate.
Cons
Not everyone has one: A passport must be applied for — not everyone has one readily available.
Needs to be located: Passports are not usually carried daily, so you may need to find it for verification.
Check the expiry date: Passports typically have a 10-year validity. If yours is close to expiring, you may be better off using an ID card.
Larger size: Passports are bigger than ID cards, so you may need to hold the camera a bit further away to capture the full page.
Approval Rate Comparison
Based on actual user feedback and experience:
| Factor | National ID Card | Passport |
|---|---|---|
| AI auto-recognition rate | Medium | High |
| Photography difficulty | Medium (prone to glare) | Lower (less glare) |
| Number of photos needed | Front and back | One side |
| Overall verification speed | Normal | Usually faster |
| Suitable for | Everyone | Those who have a passport |
Summary: If you have a passport, use it for verification — the approval rate is higher and the process is faster.
Photography Tips for ID Cards
If you decide to use an ID card, or you do not have a passport, these tips can improve your approval rate:
Solving the Glare Problem
- Photograph under soft natural light (overcast daylight near a window is ideal)
- Do not shoot directly under a lamp
- Place the ID card on a dark background (a black desk works best)
- Remove any protective sleeve
- After taking the photo, check for any white glare spots covering text
Ensuring Complete Information
- Place the ID card flat — do not tilt it
- Hold the phone directly above
- All four corners and all text must be in the frame
- Leave a small margin around the edges
Improving Clarity
- Focus on the text on the ID card
- Keep hands steady; rest your elbows on the table if necessary
- Do not use digital zoom — move closer instead
Photography Tips for Passports
Open to the Correct Page
Open your passport to the personal information page (the page with your photo and details). It is not the first page, and it is not a visa page.
Keep It Flat
Passports tend to close on their own after opening. You can:
- Gently press the top, but do not cover any information with your fingers
- Place a transparent weight on top of the passport
- Have someone hold one end for you
Ensure the MRZ Code Is Clear
The two lines of machine-readable code at the bottom of the passport are very important. Make sure they appear fully in the photo and are clearly legible.
Which to Choose If You Have Both
Use your passport. Summary of reasons:
- International standard format with high AI recognition rate
- Only one photo needed — simpler process
- Paper pages do not cause glare
- MRZ code assists recognition
- Higher probability of passing on the first attempt
Unless your passport is about to expire or the information page is damaged and unreadable — in that case, use your ID card.
Can You Use a Driver's License
Binance accepts driver's licenses in some countries. However, overall, the recognition rate and approval rate for driver's licenses are lower than both ID cards and passports. If you have an ID card or passport available, a driver's license is not recommended.
What If Your Document Information Does Not Match Your Account
If the name you entered during registration differs from your document (e.g., a spelling discrepancy):
- Check whether you can edit personal information in account settings
- If not, contact support and explain the situation
- During verification, enter information strictly as it appears on the document
Security Reminders
Regardless of which document you use:
- Only submit document photos on the Binance official website or the official app
- Delete document photos from your phone immediately after use
- Never send document photos to anyone via messaging apps
- If your document has been lost, report it and get a replacement before completing KYC
- Keep your original documents secure
Choose your document and head to the Binance official app to complete verification. If you have a passport, use it. If not, an ID card works perfectly well — follow the photography tips above for a high chance of passing on the first try.