I got an email from Venmo asking me to verify my identity. What’s happening? Is this legit?
Venmo has been notifying our users that we need to verify their identity in the Venmo app. (We appreciate users being careful with their personal information and avoiding emails that may seem suspicious. In this case, handling identity verification in the Venmo app helps confirm the request is really from us.)
How do I verify my identity in the app?
In the Venmo app, open the “☰” menu, tap “Settings,” and then tap “Identity Verification.” The on-screen prompts will guide you through the process.
You can only do this in the Venmo mobile app, not the Venmo website.
How long will this take?
Typically, the identity verification process only takes a few minutes.
Sometimes finding your information via the National Database doesn’t work because the information is unavailable or your name/address has changed. In that case, we’ll ask you to send us documentation in the app that confirms your identity. This document review process usually takes our team 2-3 business days.
Why are you asking me to do this?
The short version: This allows you to continue making payments using the money in your Venmo account.
The long version: Venmo is required by federal law to collect certain information from all its users that have access to a balance. If we’re unable to verify your identity by the date specified in the email you received, we won’t be able to continue offering you the use of a Venmo balance for making payments. You’ll still be able to receive payments and transfer the money you receive out to a bank account. You’ll also still be able to make payments to others using a linked debit card, credit card, or bank account. You just won’t be able to use money in your Venmo account to make payments.
I didn’t verify my identity, and now I can’t make payments using the money in my Venmo account. What can I do?
You can still complete the verification process. Once your identity is verified, you’ll be able to resume using the money in your Venmo account to make payments to others.
What should I do if I accidentally made a typo or submitted the wrong documentation?
Keep an eye on your Venmo app—our team will follow up with you to get the correct information, usually within 2-3 business days.
Why do I have to do this if my friend didn’t need to do it?
We’re asking all users to complete this process. If your friend didn’t receive this email, it’s possible that they completed this process previously (for instance, by signing up for a Venmo Debit Card). Otherwise, it’s possible that we’ll be sending them a similar email in the future.
I’m new to Venmo. What do I do if I want to make payments with the money in my Venmo account?
You can go ahead and verify your identity. Then, you’ll have access to a Venmo balance, which means you can use the money you’ve received to make payments. (Any money you had in your Venmo account before you verified your identity will automatically be available on your new Venmo balance.) For more information about how your Venmo balance works, visit this page.
My Venmo app wasn’t working correctly and I couldn’t complete this process. What should I do?
Make sure you have the latest version of the app:
- Delete the Venmo app from your device. (This will not affect your Venmo account or your funds in Venmo)
- If you need help figuring out how to uninstall the Venmo app, you can find instructions here.
- Download the latest version of the Venmo app from the Google Play Store
Once you have downloaded the latest version of the app, you should be able to complete the Identity Verification process.
What do I do if I don’t have a social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN)?
If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, you won’t be able to complete identity verification. You’re welcome to continue using Venmo without verifying your identity. You can still make payments to other users or businesses funded by your chosen payment method (bank account, credit card, or debit card). You can also receive payments from other Venmo users and transfer that money out to a bank account.