What verification is and why brokers ask for it
Regulated brokers must know their clients. The rules are often called KYC, short for know your customer, and they are linked to anti-money-laundering requirements. In practice it means that before you can deposit larger amounts, trade fully or withdraw, the broker asks you to confirm your identity and address with documents. This is normal and is also a protection for you: it makes it harder for someone else to open or empty an account in your name.
A warning: be careful with anyone who offers to "verify for you" or sells ready-made verified accounts. Using another person's documents is against broker rules and is a common feature of scams; see forex scams and fake brokers. Auron FX is an independent guide and not the official Exness website, so do all verification only inside your own account on the official broker site or app.
The general process
The exact steps, accepted documents and review times depend on your country and on the legal entity that serves you, and the broker can change them. The requirements shown in your personal area are always the final word. The typical sequence looks like this.
- Register an account and confirm your email and phone number as the broker asks. If you need the sign-up steps, see our Exness registration guide.
- Fill in the profile with your personal details exactly as they appear on your identity document: full name, date of birth, country of residence and address.
- Complete any questionnaire about your trading experience and financial situation. Answer honestly; it exists to check suitability.
- Open the verification section of the personal area and read which documents are requested.
- Upload a proof of identity and a proof of residence in the formats the page accepts.
- Wait for the review and watch your email and personal area for a result or a request for more information.
- If a document is rejected, read the reason, fix it and upload again.
Documents: what is usually requested
| Type | What it proves | Typical examples (check your personal area) |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of identity | Your name, date of birth and photo | Passport, national ID card, driving licence, depending on country |
| Proof of residence | Where you live | Utility bill, bank statement or official letter showing name and address, usually recent |
| Payment proof | Method belongs to you | Card or e-wallet details, when the broker requests them |
The broker's list for your country is what counts. The age limit for documents, the list of accepted proofs of address and whether a selfie is required can all differ. If the list is not clear, ask the broker's support, and use a channel that you reach from the official site or app.
How to make documents that get accepted
Identity document
- Use the original document, not a copy of a copy, and make sure it has not expired.
- Photograph all four corners, with no fingers or objects covering any part.
- Put it on a plain, flat surface in good light. Avoid flash glare on the photo or hologram.
- Make sure every letter and number is readable at normal size.
- If the document has two sides, upload both when asked.
Proof of address
- Use a document that shows your full name, your address and a date, from a recognised organisation.
- The name and address must match the profile you filled in. Even small spelling differences can cause rejection.
- Do not edit or crop the document so that important details are missing. Edited documents are treated as suspicious.
- Screenshots of online statements can be refused in some cases, so check the format rules on the page.
File format
Check the accepted formats and file size on the upload page. If a file will not upload, try a different accepted format, a smaller size or another browser. Do not send documents by ordinary email or chat to someone claiming to be support; use the secure upload inside your account.
Why verification fails and how to fix it
The most common reasons are simple. Check them in this order.
- Name mismatch. The name in the profile is different from the document, for example a short name, a missing middle name or a different transliteration. Make the profile match the document.
- Blurry or cropped image. Retake the photo with better light and the whole document visible.
- Expired document. Use a valid document.
- Old proof of address. The date is outside the period the broker accepts. Get a more recent one.
- Wrong document type. A document that is not on the accepted list for your country.
- Address mismatch. The address on the document differs from the address you entered. Correct the profile or use another document.
- Third-party name. The document, card or wallet belongs to somebody else. This is not allowed.
- Edited or suspicious file. Upload a clean original image.
If it fails again, contact support through the official site, quote the reference and ask which part is not acceptable. Do not argue by uploading the same file repeatedly.
How long does it take, and what can you do while you wait?
Review times vary and are not guaranteed. Reviews can be quick when documents are clear and slower when manual checks are needed. The personal area shows the status and any message. While you wait, do not make a long list of attempts; instead, use the time well. Read about Exness deposits and withdrawals, set up a demo as explained in the demo account guide and write your trading plan. A demo account does not require you to deposit real money.
After verification: what changes
With a verified profile, you can usually use the cashier more fully, and you will need verification before withdrawals in most cases. Payment methods and limits are shown at the cashier. A good habit is to withdraw using the same method and in the same name as the deposit, since brokers use these rules to prevent fraud. Our deposit and withdrawal guide covers the common errors. Read the broker overview in the Exness review to see the regulation notes, and use the legal-check guide to confirm that trading is suitable where you live.
Keeping your data safe
- Upload documents only inside your logged-in account on the official site or app. Check the address bar before login.
- Use a unique strong password and two-step login if the broker offers it.
- Never send photos of documents to people in chats who offer "help" or "faster verification".
- Keep a note of what you uploaded and when.
- If you suspect your documents have been misused, contact the broker and your local authorities quickly.
Verification does not mean that trading is safe. It only confirms who you are. Learn the risks first in what forex trading is and use small sizes as taught in risk management for beginners.
Risk warning
Forex and CFDs are complex products with a high risk of losing money quickly because of leverage. Many retail clients lose money, and completing verification does not reduce market risk. Trade only with money you can afford to lose entirely. You must be 18 or older. Auron FX is an independent guide, not a broker and not the official site of Exness, and this article is education, not personal investment advice. Requirements change, so always follow the instructions in your own account.