Author ID Checks

Summary: The steps below apply to authors who have already been approved through our intake process, as applications to become a new Author are currently closed. When applications do reopen, new authors will be able to apply via our selective intake model for supported content types only. Learn more.

Summary: This outlines our process of verifying your identity when you sign up as an author on our platforms, including step-by-step instructions using a PC/Laptop and Mobile. In order to maintain a safe and trusted environment, either personal or business verification must be completed before you become an author that is able to upload items and earn money with Envato. This notice also provides a description of the type of biometric information collected as part of the ID verification process, the purpose of collection and the retention policies for biometric information.

Please note: The ID check process described in this article applies to authors who have been approved through our intake process and are completing their onboarding steps. 

In order to maintain a safe and trusted environment, either personal or business verification must be completed before you can upload items and earn money with Envato. The steps below will guide you through the process.

How Does the ID Check Process Work?

As part of our ID check process, you will be asked to use your camera to take a picture of your ID document, and then to take a live selfie which will then be compared against your Photo ID using facial recognition technology. To achieve this, the characteristics of your face are automatically captured and compared to your Photo ID.

By completing our ID check process you confirm that you’re the person in the Photo ID and you consent to the processing of your biometric data for photo comparison purposes. You can withdraw your consent at any time by not completing the process.

If you are operating your Envato account as a registered business or company, you should choose Business Verification instead of the personal verification.

We acknowledge that such data is sensitive in nature and your Photo ID and any biometric information will only be collected and processed as outlined in this notice and our Privacy Policy in order to verify your identity using facial recognition technology and protect your rights as an author. The ID verification will be carried out by one of our third party identity verification service providers, depending on your country and the verification flow made available to you.

Our verification providers may include:

• Veriff, based at Niine 11, Tallinn, Harjumaa, 10414, Estonia. While Veriff will not share your biometric information with us, it may share your government-issued photo ID document and your "selfie" image with us in order to satisfy our data retention obligations. You should refer to Veriff's Privacy Notice for more information on how Veriff uses the information it collects.
• AiPrise, Inc., based at 2261 Bowers Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95051, United States. AiPrise may be used for ID checks in select countries. As part of the verification process, AiPrise may collect identity and contact information, government-issued identifiers, biometric data, including facial images and liveness detection signals, and identity documents such as your passport or driver’s licence. AiPrise will not share biometric data generated from the facial recognition process with us, but may share your government-issued photo ID document and “selfie” image with us in order to satisfy our data retention obligations. You should refer to AiPrise's Privacy Policy for more information on how AiPrise uses the information it collects.

Your biometric information will be retained by the relevant identity verification provider until the earliest of: (a) the initial purpose for which the biometric information was collected or obtained has been satisfied; or (b) three years following your last interaction with us, unless a shorter retention period is required by applicable law.

For more information on how we and our identity verification providers use, share, and retain biometric information, or to understand your privacy choices, including how to revoke your consent or request deletion of your biometric information, please contact Author Support.

Guidelines for completing your Author ID check

Before you begin, make sure the name in your General Information section exactly matches the name on your government-issued ID or Business Registration. Double-check your details to ensure everything is consistent.

Then, review the guidelines below to help you prepare for your Author ID check:

You’ll need a smartphone or a computer with a camera, and your government-issued ID document ready to go. Make sure that:

• You’re using the original document (no photocopies, scans, or digital IDs).
• All details are visible — don’t obscure or crop any part of the document.
• You’re providing an accepted ID type for your country (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, national ID card).
• The photo is clear (not blurry, too dark, or too light).
• You upload the page containing your photo first.
• The document is currently valid (not expired).
• The document includes Latin characters.

For your selfie, please ensure that:

• The photo is taken live and is clearly of you.
• You’re looking directly at the camera.
• The lighting is clear and even (not too dark, too bright, and without reflections on your face).
• Your face is aligned within the oval on screen.

If you’re completing verification for a business account, make sure you have:

• Your business registration documentation, such as a certificate of incorporation, partnership agreement, or tax registration document.

How do I verify my ID?

1. Log in to your Author Dashboard and click the “Complete your ID check” section
   1. You will have to have added your tax, payout, and Trader information first. For more information on completing your payout information, see Setting Your Payout Method.
2.  Select Complete Verification.
   1. Note that the same person who owns the Envato account and is to receive payments must also complete the ID check.

3. Scan the QR Code on your mobile device to open the verification flow. In some cases, you may also be able to send a link to your mobile phone number, although SMS links may not be available in all countries or verification flows. Prefer to use your computer? Click “Continue with current device".

   

   If using a mobile, you’ll be directed to begin your ID check.

4. Allow camera access.

   Mobile: Computer:

5. Take photo/s of your ID document.

   Hold your document up to your webcam, center it in the viewing window and click the button to take a photo when the document is fully legible. Be sure there isn’t any glare on plastic cards. If using a drivers license or similar government ID card with a reverse side, you will be prompted to take a picture of the back of the card as well.

   

   Make sure your ID is fully legible in the window. If your ID is not legible, you will need to clarify what type of document you are trying to upload, and will be required to complete the above step again.

   

6. Take a photo of your face

   Look straight into your camera/webcam and ensure your face is fully centered. When you're ready, click the camera button.

   Check your photo and if your face is not fully visible and clear, you can try again. Follow these tips to avoid errors:

   • Color images only: your photo must show a full, readable, color image of your document -- black & white photos or copies are not acceptable
   • Images of the physical document only: photos of screens or other photos will be rejected
   • All information on the document should be easy to read. Common issues with legibility are:
     • Glare obstructing information
     • Not enough light/too dark
     • Too far away
     • Blurry
     • Watermark over the image
     • Digitally or physically hiding or cropping information on the document

7. Wait for your verification to process

   Once you’ve finished, your information will be uploaded into the system and then processed.

   

   Thanks! We'll email you when your document is verified or if any further steps are required.

   Once verified, you'll be able to operate as an Envato author and begin earning.

Business Verification

Business verification is very straightforward. You will need to upload a document that proves your registration as a genuine business, so this document can vary from country to country.

You will have to have added your payout information first. For more information on completing your payout information, see Setting Your Payout Method.

You must ensure your business/company registration document contains:

• The name of your business, exactly as entered on your General Information when adding your payout information.
• Your business registration number
• The full address of your business exactly as entered on your General Information

If your business registration is in characters other than Latin, the characters still need to match exactly with your business name entered on your profile.