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

# Identity Verification (KYC)

> Verify who you are so you can get paid through Shor.

Identity verification (sometimes called KYC, for "Know Your Customer") is a regulatory requirement for any platform that moves money. It keeps the system safe and makes sure payments go to the right person.

## How It Works

On the verification screen, click **Start Verification**. A secure verification session opens and walks you through everything in one sitting, usually about 2 minutes.

Inside the session you'll:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Upload a Photo ID" icon="id-card">
    A passport, driver's license, or national ID. It must be current (not expired) and show your photo and date of birth.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Take a Selfie" icon="camera">
    A quick real-time photo to confirm the ID matches the person on the account. This is a "liveness check": we need to see that it's really you, not a photo of a photo.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Confirm Your Details" icon="file-lines">
    Review and confirm the name, date of birth, and address pulled from your ID. Add a phone number. Depending on your country, you may also be asked for a recent proof-of-address document.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Submit" icon="check">
    Most verifications finish instantly. If anything needs manual review, it typically takes 1-2 business days; we'll email you when it's complete.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Tax forms (W-9, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E) are **not** part of the identity verification session. They're collected separately during contract signing, when the specific form required depends on the engagement and your tax residency.
</Note>

<Note>
  You can close the window mid-flow and come back later; your progress is saved. The button changes to **Continue Verification** until you finish.
</Note>

## Tips for a Smooth Session

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Good Lighting for Your ID Photo">
    Take the photo in a well-lit room. Avoid glare on the ID; tilt slightly if needed to remove reflections.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Capture the Full Document">
    Every edge of the ID should be visible in the frame. Cropped or cut-off images get rejected.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No Screens or Photocopies">
    Don't upload a photo of your ID on another screen, or a photocopy. We need a photo of the physical document.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Name Matches Everywhere">
    The name on your ID, on your profile, and on the contract should all match. If your legal name differs from what you go by, use your legal name on Shor.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Verification Statuses

| Status        | What it means                                                      |
| ------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Pending**   | You haven't finished the session yet                               |
| **In review** | Submitted; typically takes 1-2 business days to complete           |
| **Verified**  | Approved; you can get paid                                         |
| **Failed**    | Something didn't pass; check your email for details and next steps |

## If Verification Fails

If your verification session is declined, you'll see this immediately: the onboarding screen shows what likely went wrong along with a **Try Again** button and a **Contact Support** button, so you don't have to wait on an email to take the next step. You'll also get an email explaining what happened. Common reasons:

* ID image was blurry or cropped
* ID was expired
* Selfie didn't match the ID
* Address or tax details didn't match your profile

Use **Try Again** to start a fresh verification session with a clear, well-lit photo. If you're stuck, use **Contact Support** or reach out directly. Manual review exists for exactly these cases.

## Privacy

Your identity documents are encrypted and stored only as long as needed for compliance. They're **not shared with your employer**; only the verification status is visible to them (so they know they can pay you).

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Sign Your Contract" icon="pen-fancy" href="/professional/signing">
    Review the contract, fill in tax forms, and sign.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Your Shor Account & Withdrawals" icon="wallet" href="/professional/payout-methods">
    Where pay lands, and how to withdraw to your bank.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Data Privacy" icon="shield-halved" href="/platform/data-privacy">
    How Shor handles your personal data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>