How To Get the Identity Verification Badge on Upwork
Stand out to clients as a new freelancer by getting the Upwork identity verification badge and proving your identity for your profile using Connects.
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Verifying your identity is a basic requirement for working as a freelancer on Upwork. Going a step further by getting the identity verification badge helps to build instant trust with new clients. Having this badge can increase your visibility in search results and improve your chances of winning work and appearing in more search matches.
This article will go over what the identity verification (IDV) badge is and how to get it.
What is identity verification on Upwork?
When working on Upwork as a freelancer, you’ll be asked to verify your identity for security, compliance, or access to certain jobs. You’ll have seven days to complete the verification, or your account may be put on hold. Verification involves submitting a government ID, confirming location, visual matching, or phone confirmation.
Types of identification that Upwork uses (depending on your situation)
- Government ID. Upload a valid, government-issued photo ID with your name, signature, photo, date of birth, and address (address not required for passports)
- Location for U.S.-only jobs. Proof you’re physically in the U.S. for certain jobs
- Government ID and location. For regulatory compliance
- Visual. A short video call or phone photo to confirm the person in your ID matches your profile photo
- Phone number. Enter a code sent via SMS or call to confirm
When you provide this information to Upwork, your documents are protected and your privacy is handled securely. We don’t sell your data. ID images are deleted after 30 days. Clients never see your identification documents.
What is the identity verification badge on Upwork?
Separate from verification itself, the identity verification badge is an optional badge that displays on your profile, as a check mark next to your name for clients to see — letting them know you’re verified. This gives them assurance that they don’t have to verify your identity because Upwork has completed that process.
Freelancers who have completed mandatory verification or those who haven’t been prompted to verify yet can use Connects to get the identity verification badge and have it displayed on their profile.
Benefits of having the identity verified badge
The identity verification badge can help you stand out to clients and boost visibility. You’ll need to have the identity verification badge for U.S. and U.K. domestic-only jobs or other jobs that require identity verification.
Having the identity verification badge is helpful for new freelancers to help build trust with clients before they’ve earned a strong reputation on the platform. This badge gives existing freelancers more credibility and prevents them from missing out on new opportunities from clients who want proof that they’re hiring verified talent.
Step by step: how to get the identity verification badge
Step 1: Go to account settings (settings on mobile)
Step 2: Choose >> Identity Verification and select Verify your identity
You can choose
Step 3: Select >> Spend 35 Connects for an IDV badge and then >> Verify your identity
Step 4: Follow prompts to complete identity verification
Once you select >> Verify your identity, you’ll have seven days to complete the process. If you’ve opted to receive the identity verification badge and you don’t successfully complete verification, your Connects will not be refunded, and you’ll need to start over.
Important considerations and tips for success
You’re required to verify your identity when prompted by Upwork but you don’t have to spend Connects for this verification. Freelancers will receive an email and a login pop-up when verification is needed.
The paid identity verification badge is an optional tool to help open new doors and take control over your freelancing career. While mandatory verification doesn’t cost any Connects, you’ll need to spend 35 Connects to display this badge.
After successfully verifying your identity and paying Connects for the badge, a blue check mark should appear on your profile within three business days. This identity verification badge lasts up to three years. You may need to reverify later on but you won’t need to spend Connects to keep the badge active.
Unlock opportunities with the identity verification badge
When you make Upwork your home for work, you gain access to tools that help you build and grow your freelancing career. The identity verification badge increases client trust and can increase visibility and opportunities. Complete your identity verification to begin your freelancing career on Upwork. Strengthen your profile and stand out to potential clients by taking the initiative to visually demonstrate that you’ve verified your identity with the identity verification badge.
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Frequently asked questions
On Upwork, identity verification is mandatory, while the identity verification badge is optional. Verification is free and is needed to meet compliance and other requirements. The identity verification badge costs 35 Connects and helps freelancers to increase their visibility to clients.
No, the identity verification badge isn’t required to use Upwork. However, identity verification itself is required to submit proposals, accept contracts, and withdraw earnings. In certain situations, like applying to U.S.-only and U.K.-only jobs, getting the identity verification badge is mandatory.
In many cases, identity verification is completed within minutes through automated checks. However, if the system can’t verify the information automatically, the process may require manual review, which can take one to three business days. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the verification and the accuracy of the submitted documents.
If you don’t complete identity verification when required, your account may face restrictions. This can include limitations on submitting proposals, accepting new contracts, or withdrawing earnings. In more serious cases, Upwork may return funds to clients or suspend the account until verification is completed.
Once you do have identity verification, there’s no penalty for not getting the identity verification badge.
Having the identity verification badge can improve trust with clients because it confirms that your identity has been verified by Upwork. This added credibility can make your profile more appealing and may increase your visibility in search results, although it’s only one of several factors that influence ranking and hiring decisions.
The identity verification badge is valid for three years. We may request additional verification during that time, but you won’t have to use Connects in those cases.
Author Spotlight
Cassie is a storyteller and content creator with over eight years of experience helping brands communicate to their customers through different channels. She enjoys finding new coffee shops to work from and spending time in nature with her dog, Sweeney.
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