The Complete KYC Document Checklist for 2026
Every document you need for personal and business verification in 2026 — ID, proof of address, source of funds, and entity paperwork — in one checklist.
Whether you're verifying a personal account or onboarding a business, the document list is almost always the same core set. Prepare everything below before you start an application and you'll avoid the back-and-forth that delays most verifications.
Personal verification
- **Government-issued photo ID** — passport, national ID card, or driver's license. Must be valid, unexpired, and photographed with all edges visible.
- **Selfie / liveness check** — a live photo or short video matching your ID photo. Good lighting and a plain background matter.
- **Proof of address** — utility bill, bank statement, or government letter, issued within the last 90 days, showing your full name and current address.
- **Tax identification number** — required by many US, EU, and UK platforms.
Business verification
- **Certificate of incorporation** and registration number.
- **Ownership structure** — a chart or register identifying all beneficial owners above the threshold (usually 25%).
- **Director and UBO identification** — personal ID and proof of address for each.
- **Business address proof** — lease, utility bill, or bank statement in the company's name.
- **Website and business description** — underwriters check that your site matches what you declared.
For a deeper dive on the business side, read our guide on what marketplaces and gateways actually check.
Source of funds (higher tiers)
Platforms requesting enhanced due diligence will ask where your money comes from: payslips, bank statements, sale agreements, or investment records. Our Source-of-Funds Documentation service helps you assemble a consistent narrative.
Quality rules that apply to everything
Original photos only — no scans of scans, no screenshots, no edits. Names must match across every document. Dates must be current. If any document is not in English, check whether the platform requires a certified translation — our Document Translation Support covers that.
Get your pack reviewed before you submit
A ten-minute expert review catches the issues automated systems reject. Our Document Review & Formatting service checks your full pack the same day — and if you're preparing a business application, Business Verification Assistance walks you through the entire entity submission.