We’ve introduced an identity verification process for your account to ensure the security and safety of the Patreon community, preventing fraud, abuse and illegal activities on the platform. If you are invited to verify your identity, this article will guide you through what to expect, how to complete it and why it matters for your page.
General
- You’ll receive a notification from Patreon if you’re required to verify.
- In most cases, verification is a one-time process. However, you may need to re-verify if your information changes or if regulations require periodic updates.
- We’re rolling this requirement out slowly. If you earn money on Patreon, you may be subject to Patreon’s account identity verification requirement.
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No. This account verification is separate from the age verification process required for 18+ creators.
If you’ve already completed age verification as an 18+ creator, you’ll still need to complete account verification when prompted to continue receiving payouts.
Process and timeline
- You’ll receive instructions via email. Please complete the “Account Verification” section in your settings page upon receiving the email notification.
- You have 60 days from enrolment to complete your initial verification before your account is suspended. Enrolment immediately locks payouts.
- If you don’t complete verification, your account will first be suspended, and you will not be able to make any new payments or receive payouts. After 30 days of suspension, it will be scheduled for deletion, and any eligible funds will be refunded.
- After we process your information, your payouts will be released. Most requests are processed within a few minutes.
- Yes, the form can be completed in languages other than English.
- You can complete the verification flow on a web browser on your mobile device or a desktop device.
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- Enrolment: Payouts are locked, and you have 60 days to complete the verification process
- After 60 days: Account is suspended – you can’t receive new subscriptions or payouts, but can still log in and verify
- 30 days into suspension: Account is scheduled for permanent deletion (reversible for 28 days)
- If not reversed: Account will be deleted and refunded – a total of 118 days from enrolment
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If we’re unable to verify your account’s identity based on the details you provided, you’ll be asked to upload one or more of the following depending on whether you are an individual or business:
- A photo of yourself
- A government-issued photo ID
- Documents that verify your business
Your payouts will remain temporarily frozen until verification is successfully completed.
If verification isn’t completed within 60 days of your initial enrolment date, your account will be suspended. You won’t be able to accept payments, gain new subscribers or withdraw funds.
Privacy and data security
- Patreon will collect your legal name, date of birth, an ID number (such as a social security/National Insurance number) and other details necessary to verify the identity of your account.
- Information is collected in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Patreon partners with Persona, a trusted verification provider, to help verify your identity.
- No, your verified name is used for internal compliance only and won’t be displayed on your profile.
- If you delete your account, your data will be handled according to our Privacy Policy. You can permanently delete your account at any time by going to our Privacy Centre.
Account and payments
- Your ability to pay out will be frozen until account verification is complete. If verification isn’t done within 60 days of enrolment, your account will be suspended and you’ll be unable to accept new memberships or pay out your earnings. Failing to verify within 30 days of suspension results in permanent deletion and a refund of the remaining funds.
- After we process your information, your payouts will be released. Most requests are processed within a few minutes. You must manually request a payout after the information has been processed.
- Enter the information of the individual in control on the financial settlement account.
- You can update your information on your Patreon account if your details change. You may need to re-verify if your information changes.
Regulations and compliance
- The account verification is separate from tax reporting, though both processes help Patreon comply with regulations and meet industry standards.
- Payment providers verify identities for their own compliance. Patreon must also verify accounts to meet its own compliance obligations.
- This is part of Patreon’s ongoing efforts to strengthen security, prevent fraud and meet industry standards.