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Most KDP identity verification failures come from a mismatch you can fix: the name, the country, the ID type or the photo. Fix it, try again, and finish by the due date in the request. KDP’s identity page says that if you don’t complete verification or you fail it, KDP “may take action on your account, such as restricting access to KDP’s publishing features or closing your account.”
Below: how to tell the request is real, each error KDP names with its fix, and what to do if you are locked out or the account is closed.
Is the verification request real?
Sign in to KDP yourself and look for a banner at the top that reads “Identity verification required.” KDP says that if you don’t see the banner, verification is not required. If an email says otherwise, check you are signed in to the right account.
Don’t use links in an email you’re unsure of. KDP’s account security page says KDP will not ask for banking information or passwords over email, and to go to the KDP site directly if you doubt a message.
Which errors does KDP name, and how do I fix them?
KDP’s troubleshooting page lists these:
| What goes wrong | The fix, according to KDP |
|---|---|
| Country mismatch | Change the country in Your Identity to the country on your government ID, then verify |
| Name mismatch | Enter your name in Your Identity exactly as it is on the ID, including the language it is written in |
| Wrong ID type | Pick the ID type that matches the document you photograph, for example a passport only if you photograph a passport |
| Expired ID | Use a different ID that has not expired |
| Out of focus, or barcode not visible | Photograph the whole ID, sharp, with the barcode showing |
| Glare or blur | Retake the photo. If it keeps failing, use a different accepted ID |
| Back of ID missing | Upload the front and the back |
| Under 18 | A parent or guardian enters their own details and verifies with their own ID |
KDP’s page for accepted IDs says the types vary by country. It says KDP primarily accepts passports, driver’s licenses and residency permits.
What if I keep failing and get locked out?
KDP says that when you reach the limit of attempts, the Your Identity section is locked for 72 hours. So don’t rush. Before each try, check the name, country and ID type against the document in your hand. KDP also encourages using a phone or tablet, because it is easier to take the photo.
Do tax and bank details matter here?
They are separate. KDP’s page says tax and bank details don’t cause identity verification errors. Your tax information should match your tax forms, and the bank details in Getting Paid should match your bank account.
I put my pen name on my KDP account. How do I fix it?
Change it to your legal name before you verify your identity or add bank details. KDP’s account name page says that with a pen name, your current legal name goes in Your account > Your identity, and the pen name goes in the author field of each book. The name there must match your ID, so update the account details before you verify. KDP’s Authors & Contributors page says to enter your real name in your account information so KDP can issue payments and tax forms correctly.
My advice: fix the name now rather than open a second account. If you are locked out and can’t change it, contact KDP support instead of starting over. The pen name rules are in my guide to using an alias on KDP.
Why am I asked again after I passed?
KDP says it may re-verify your identity from time to time. Changing details in Your Identity may trigger it again. If your ID is from another country than the one you live in, or you moved, the KDP sign-in guide covers it.
What if KDP closed my account anyway?
Read the closure email, check your spam folder, and send one appeal through the contact in it. I cover the steps in why KDP accounts close. I can’t promise KDP support will reverse a closure.
Want someone to look over your account setup?
If your deadline is close and the errors don’t match any row above, book a free 25-minute call and we can go through what KDP shows you.
Frequently asked questions
Can KDP ask me to verify again after I passed?
Yes. KDP says it may re-verify your identity from time to time. Changing the details in Your Identity can also trigger it.
Should I use my phone?
KDP encourages a phone or tablet, because it is easier to take the photo of your ID that way.
What if my ID is from another country?
The accepted ID types vary by country, and the country in Your Identity must match your ID. I cover this in the KDP sign-in guide.
I used my pen name as my KDP account name. Is that a problem?
It can be. KDP says the name in Your identity must match your ID, and that your real name belongs in your account information. The pen name goes in the author field of each book.
What if KDP closed my account anyway?
Read the closure email and send one appeal through the contact in it. I go through the steps in why KDP accounts close.
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