LinkedIn Identity Verification: How It Works and Common Issues

LinkedIn lets members add a verification badge to their profile to show that their identity, workplace or educational institution has been confirmed. Identity verification is the one most people ask about, because it involves a government ID and a selfie and is handled by outside partners. It can also help when someone sets up a fake profile in your name, since your real profile carries a verification. This guide explains how it works, what you need and the problems people commonly hit.

Last checked: 20 October 2026 against LinkedIn Help.

#What does LinkedIn identity verification mean?

LinkedIn says an identity verification means a member's government-issued ID was verified by one of its verification partners. It is currently limited to selected places, and LinkedIn says it may expand it and add partners in future (LinkedIn Help).

LinkedIn says verifications are optional, are not required to complete your profile and are available at no additional cost.

#Which ID do I need for Persona?

LinkedIn's Persona page lists the accepted IDs by country. In many countries this is an NFC-enabled passport, sometimes called an e-passport, and LinkedIn says your ID is NFC-capable if you see the biometric symbol on it. Some countries also accept identity cards, residence permits or driving licences, and some passports are only accepted if issued after a certain year (LinkedIn Help).

Your LinkedIn profile location must be one of the supported countries for Persona. Check the list for your own country before you start, because the accepted documents differ.

#How do I verify with Persona?

LinkedIn says the Persona process runs in the LinkedIn mobile app on iOS and Android, and is not available in web browsers, where you will be shown a QR code to scan with your phone (LinkedIn Help). The steps are:

1. On your LinkedIn profile, click Resources, then About this member, then Verify now.
2. Agree to Persona's Identity Service Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
3. Take a photo of your government-issued ID.
4. Scan the ID's NFC chip with your phone.
5. Take a photo of yourself.
6. Click Yes, Share to share the verification and related information with LinkedIn.

The app will ask for camera permission if you have not already given it. LinkedIn says this permission is required to complete the verification.

#Why does my name have to match?

LinkedIn says the name on your government ID must match the name on your LinkedIn profile. If you have a profile in a second language, the name there must match too, or the verification will not be added. If you change your name later, you may need to verify again to keep the badge visible (LinkedIn Help).

LinkedIn says that if your names do not match, you may still be able to get verified. It may use the phone number you previously gave LinkedIn, together with limited data from Persona, to run an additional check through a trusted service provider.

#What data does LinkedIn receive?

LinkedIn says Persona collects the image of your ID and your selfie. With your consent, Persona shares with LinkedIn your name as it appears on your ID, the type of ID, its issuer and some unique identifiers. LinkedIn says it does not receive your biometric data or photos, or the numbers, expiry or issue dates on your ID (LinkedIn Help).

LinkedIn says the information used for verification is not visible to anyone, but the issuing country of your ID may be shown on your profile.

#Does verification help against fake profiles?

A verification badge does not stop someone from creating a fake profile, but it gives people a way to tell your real profile from a copy, because members can click the badge to see your active verifications. If someone is already pretending to be you, report the fake profile as well. Our guide on fake LinkedIn profiles impersonating you covers the reporting route.

#What other verifications does LinkedIn offer?

Identity is one of three verification types LinkedIn lists. The others are workplace and educational institution. LinkedIn says workplace verification can use a work email, Microsoft Entra Verified ID, or a LinkedIn Learning or Recruiter licence provided by your company, while education verification uses a LinkedIn Learning licence from your institution. Each has its own eligibility rules, and the name you use must match your profile (LinkedIn Help).

#Common problems

• Trying to verify on a desktop browser, when the process runs in the mobile app.
• Using an ID that is not on the accepted list for your country.
• A profile name that does not match the name on your ID, including a second-language profile.
• Not giving the app permission to use the camera.
• Removing a verification by mistake, which LinkedIn says cannot be undone.

#Watch out for verification scams

Real LinkedIn verification starts from your own profile or LinkedIn's settings and runs through the partners LinkedIn names. Be wary of messages offering to verify your profile for you, or links asking you to upload ID somewhere else. Our guide on spotting fake recovery services lists common warning signs.

#What are the realistic limits?

LinkedIn and its partners decide who can verify and what is accepted, and availability depends on your country and documents. Verification is about confirming identity; it does not lift account restrictions. If your account is restricted, see LinkedIn account restricted.

AwareXone helps people protect their identity online and report impersonation through official platform channels. We are independent and not affiliated with LinkedIn, CLEAR or Persona, the work is best-effort, and LinkedIn makes the final decision. Read more about our impersonation removal support.