What KYC Docs Are Needed to Buy Bitcoin?

Written by Mike Druttman

Reviewed by Nadav Zelver

To buy Bitcoin on a regulated platform like eToro, you’ll need to verify your identity. Submit a photo ID (passport or driver’s license), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement), and sometimes a selfie or video. Make sure everything’s clear, up to date, and matches your details.

Why You Need to Verify Your Identity

Buying Bitcoin on a platform like eToro means playing by the rules, and those rules include anti-money laundering (AML) laws.

That’s why eToro asks you to verify your identity and address before you can fund your account or make trades. It’s standard procedure, and it falls under what’s known as Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.

What You’ll Need to Submit

1. Proof of Identity (POI)

You’ll need to upload a government-issued photo ID. eToro accepts:

• Passport
• Driver’s license
• National ID card

Make sure it’s valid (not expired), and clearly shows your full name, date of birth, photo, issue date, and expiry date.

2. Proof of Address (POA)

This needs to be a document issued within the last three months that includes your full name and current residential address. Acceptable examples include:

• Utility bill (gas, electricity, internet, water, or phone)
• Bank or credit card statement
• Tax or government-issued correspondence
• Lease or municipal bill
• Employer-issued letter (in some regions or countries)

It should show the company or issuer logo and be fully visible. No corners cut off or cropped images.

3. Additional Checks (Sometimes Required)

Depending on where you live or your account activity, eToro might also ask for:

• A selfie or short video to match your ID
• Income statements or proof of source of funds

This is known as enhanced due diligence and usually kicks in if you're dealing with higher transaction volumes.

How It Works on eToro

Here’s the process:

1. Sign up with your email, date of birth, contact details, and a few questions about your investment experience.
2. Upload your POI and POA documents through the app or browser.
3. eToro reviews your info. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days.

Once verified, your profile gets a green checkmark. You’re now ready to deposit funds and buy Bitcoin directly on the trading platform.

Getting verified is usually fast, assuming your documents check out. Personally, I got the green light within a day and was notified by both email and the app.