> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledgebase.newyorkcityservers.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Identity Verification (KYC)

> What to do if your order is selected for identity verification before activation

To keep our customers and platform safe, certain orders are routed through an automated review system before service activation. In some cases, this includes a quick identity verification step handled securely through **Stripe Identity**.

## Why Was I Asked to Verify?

Like most online service providers, we use automated risk-screening on incoming orders to protect customers from fraud, unauthorized charges, and account takeovers. When the system routes an order for additional review, we ask the customer to confirm their identity through Stripe before the service is activated.

<Info>
  This step is standard and **does not** imply any concern with you personally. It's a routine precaution to confirm you are the rightful holder of the payment method used.
</Info>

***

## What You'll Need

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Government-Issued Photo ID" icon="id-card">
    A valid, unexpired passport, driver's license, or national ID card.
  </Card>

  <Card title="A Selfie" icon="camera">
    A live photo taken via your phone or webcam during the verification flow.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

For full details on accepted document types and supported countries, see the [Stripe Identity documentation](https://docs.stripe.com/identity/verification-checks?type=document).

***

## How the Process Works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Receive the Verification Email">
    If your order is selected, you'll receive an email with a secure link to begin verification through Stripe.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the Secure Stripe Link">
    The link opens Stripe's hosted verification flow. Verification can be completed on your phone or computer.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload Your Photo ID">
    Follow the on-screen prompts to photograph or upload your government-issued ID.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Take a Selfie">
    Stripe will guide you through a quick live selfie capture to match against your ID.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit for Review">
    Once submitted, Stripe runs an automated check. Most verifications complete within seconds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Review Outcomes

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Instant Pass">
    If automated validation passes, your order will be **accepted and processed immediately**. No further action is needed on your part.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Manual Review">
    If automated validation does not pass on the first attempt, your submission is routed for manual review. This typically takes **a few hours** to complete. You'll be notified by email once a decision is reached.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Your Privacy

Identity verification is handled entirely by **Stripe Identity** under their compliance and data-protection framework. NYCServers staff **do not** view, store, or have access to your ID or selfie — we only receive a pass/fail result from Stripe.

For full details on how Stripe processes and protects this data, see the [Stripe Privacy Policy](https://stripe.com/privacy) and [Stripe Identity overview](https://stripe.com/identity).

***

## Common Issues

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="My photo was rejected as blurry or unclear">
    Retake the photo in a well-lit area, hold the ID flat, and make sure all four corners and text are clearly visible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My ID is expired">
    Only unexpired, currently valid government-issued IDs are accepted. Please use a different document or renew your ID before retrying.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My selfie didn't match the ID">
    Ensure your face is clearly visible, well-lit, unobstructed by hats, glasses, or masks, and that you're facing the camera directly.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My ID type isn't supported in my country">
    Stripe supports different document types per country. Refer to [Stripe's supported countries list](https://docs.stripe.com/identity/verification-checks?type=document) and try an alternate document type if available.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I email my documents instead?">
    No. For your security, identity verification must be completed through the official Stripe verification link sent to your email. We cannot accept ID documents through support tickets or email.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Frequently Asked Questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Will I need to verify again on future orders?">
    Identity verification is typically a one-time process per account. Future orders on the same account generally do not require re-verification.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if I don't complete verification?">
    If verification isn't completed, we're unable to activate your service. You may request a refund per our [refund policy](/billing/refund-policy), or complete verification at any time to proceed with your order.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why was I selected when others weren't?">
    Order selection is determined by an automated risk-screening system. We don't disclose the specific criteria, as that would undermine the effectiveness of the system. Being selected does not imply any concern with you personally.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my ID safe?">
    Yes. Your documents are submitted directly to Stripe Identity and are handled under Stripe's compliance framework. NYCServers never sees, stores, or has access to the submitted documents.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

Need help? [Contact Support](mailto:support@newyorkcityservers.com) or visit the [Client Portal](https://newyorkcityservers.com/billing).