Adyen tries to verify your users based on the information that you provide. However, in some cases, the automatic verification might fail. This could be due to incorrect data or the data can't be verified. In these cases, Adyen may ask your user to provide additional documents, such as a passport or a bank statement.
Document types for legal entities or bank accounts
The following are the types of documents that Adyen may require from your user. When uploading documents, make sure that the document meets the specific requirements for individuals, organizations, sole proprietorships, or bank accounts.
Individual (includes UBOs, signatories, and sole proprietors)
Photo IDs
Proof of national ID number
Proof of residential address
Proof of individual tax ID
Proof of industry
Proof of source of funds
Proof of source of wealth
Organization
Registration document
Proof of address
Proof of industry
Proof of ownership
Proof of tax information
Proof of source of funds
Proof of source of wealth
VAT document
Sole proprietorship
Bank account
Bank statement
If the automatic verification of a bank account fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of bank account. When uploading this document, set the type to bankStatement in your /documents request.
The proof of bank account can be any of the following:
- Bank statements
- Deposit tickets, deposit forms or account agreements (signed or stamped by the bank)
- Screenshots of online banking environment
- Letters from bank
- Cheques
- Relevé d'Identité Bancaire (RIB): bank document in France
Do not upload photos of bank-issued cards, such as credit or debit cards. These contain sensitive information.
The proof of bank account must have:
- The account holder name.
- The account number or IBAN.
- The date of issuance, which must be less than 12 months ago. This requirement applies to all types of documents except for RIBs or cheques.
- The country where the bank account is located. For EU bank statements, Adyen infers the country from the IBAN.
- An indicator that the document was issued by a bank, such as the bank name, a bank logo or a bank-specific font.
We do not accept:
- Photos of bank-issued cards, such as credit or debit cards.
- Edited or personalized documents.
- Documents issued more than 12 months ago.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Constitutional document
Adyen tries to automatically verify the sole proprietorship. In case automatic verification fails, Adyen may ask for a constitutional document. When uploading this document, set the type to constitutionalDocument in your /documents request.
The constitutional document must be:
-
Issued within the last 12 months, or it must contain a signature and a state of affairs with a date not older than 12 months.
-
The following are examples of documents accepted for sole proprietorships:
- Doing business as-name filing (also known as Fictitious- or Trade name filing)
- Tax filing
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Photo IDs
If the automatic verification for an individual's identification number fails, Adyen may ask for a photo ID. The name in the photo ID must match the name sent to Adyen during onboarding.
If the names are different—for example, your user provided their married name to register but their passport has their maiden name—the photo ID check will fail.
The following are the accepted photo ID documents, along with the type that you must set in your /documents request.
| Photo ID | type |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | passport | Must be the data page (picture, MRZ, and details) |
| Identity card | identityCard | Must be a government-issued identity card. Front and back, each side in its own file. |
| Driver's license | driversLicense | Front and back, each side in its own file. |
The photo ID must:
- Be non-expired.
- Have the machine-readable zone visible (if available).
- Be a physical photo ID document, not digital.
The uploaded document must:
- Have separate files for front and back of the ID document (only when providing an ID card or driver's license).
- Be a full color, cropped, and straightened image.
- Be a photo or a scan of the physical photo ID document. We do not accept a screenshot of a photo, a photo pasted on another document, a photo of a screen, or a photo of a printout.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of address
Adyen uses the data to automatically verify your user's address. In case automatic verification fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of address. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfAddress in your /documents request.
The proof of address must be:
- Issued by a reliable, independent source such as the local commercial register of the country where the business is registered in.
- Issued within the last 12 months, or it must contain a signature and a state of affairs with a date not older than 12 months.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of source of funds
Only applicable when creating business bank accounts.
If the automatic verification of your user's source of funds fails, Adyen may ask for proof of their source of funds. To submit the data, set the type to proofOfFundingOrWealthSource in your /documents request.
| Source of funds type | Description | Supporting Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Business (profits generated from commercial activities) | A description of the industry and business model of the business | A copy of (audited) latest accounts |
| A copy of annual statements | ||
| A letter from a regulated accountant giving details of company profits over the last 2 years |
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of source of wealth
Only applicable when creating business bank accounts.
Adyen may contact you for proof of your user's source of wealth. To submit the data, set the type to proofOfFundingOrWealthSource in your /documents request.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Required information for sources of wealth
| Source of wealth type | Description | Supporting Documents |
|---|---|---|
| Business (profits generated from commercial activities) | a description of the industry and business model of the business | a copy of (audited) latest accounts |
| a copy of annual statements | ||
| a letter from a regulated accountant giving details of company profits over the last 2 years | ||
| (Savings from) Employment (salary, wages, bonuses, pension, etc.) | your role | the pay slips (last three months) |
| your annual salary (most recent year) | the salary section of your contract | |
| your employer's name | confirmation from employer of total income | |
| your employer's address | bank statements that clearly show receipt of the most recent 3 months’ regular salary payments from the stated employer | |
| the nature of employer's business | a tax document (most recent) | |
| the dates you were employed | ibid. | |
| Donations/Gifts | the date of the donation/gift | Letter from donor confirming details of gift and acknowledging the source of the donated funds |
| the date you received the money | Based on the SOW specified, the donor might need to provide supporting documentation as per the provisions of this table | |
| the amount you received | ibid. | |
| the ground (reason) for the donation | ibid. | |
| the name, date of birth (if natural person) and address of originator (benefactor) | ibid. | |
| the relationship between you and the funder (benefactor) | ibid. | |
| the source of donated funds | ibid. | |
| Inheritance | the date you received the money | a grant of probate (with a copy of the will) which must include the value of the estate |
| the amount you received | a tax document | |
| the name, date of birth and address of the originator (benefactor) | a bank statement showing you received the money | |
| the relationship between you and the funder (benefactor) | a solicitor’s letter | |
| Rental Income (for example property rentals) | the amount you receive (yearly) | proof of property ownership |
| the address of the property | a tax document | |
| the rental agreement | ||
| Capital market income (for example capital gains, or dividend payments) | the amount you receive (yearly) | a tax document |
| a description of the capital held | an investment holdings/savings certificate, contract note or statement | |
| the time of investment held (in months) | a confirmation from the relevant investment company (company letterhead) | |
| a (signed) letter detailing funds from a regulated accountant | ||
| Royalty Income (for example patents, copyrighted works, natural resources) | the amount you receive (yearly) | a tax document |
| a description of the royalties held | ibid. | |
| the time of royalties held (in months) | ibid. | |
| Crypto currency income (for example, trading, standing profits, mining) | the amount you receive (yearly) | a tax document |
| a description of the type of crypto held | a standardized statement from digital asset exchange | |
| the exchange on/from which the amount is received | a proof of balance at crypto exchange(s) | |
| the total time that the crypto has been held (in months) | a signed message on crypto wallet | |
| Asset sale (for example real estate, vehicles or other assets) | the date of the sale | the sale contract signed (countersigned) |
| the date you receive the money | a (signed) letter from a solicitor, auditor or regulated accountant | |
| the amount you received | a bank statement showing the received amount | |
| the type of asset (real estate, vehicle, company, etc) | a title deed | |
| the time of asset held (in months) | a tax document | |
| the address (if real estate) | ibid. | |
| Loans | the date of the loan | the loan agreement |
| the date you received the money | a recent loan statement | |
| the amount you received | ibid. | |
| the name, date of birth (if natural person) and address of the lender | ibid. | |
| the purpose of the loan | ibid. | |
| the duration of the loan | ibid. | |
| Lottery/Betting/Casino winnings | the date you received the winnings | a tax document |
| the amount you received | a bank statement showing you received the money | |
| the name, address and website (if online) of the originator (lottery/casino) | a proof of winnings from lottery/casino (company letterhead) | |
| Other | the date you received the money | a (signed) letter from a solicitor, auditor or accountant |
| the amount you received | a written confirmation from the payer | |
| the name, date of birth (if natural person) and address of the originator | a bank statement showing you received the money | |
| the ground (reason) for receiving the money | ibid. |
The examples of supporting documents listed above are illustrative. A document is acceptable if it provides the information listed in the description for the source of wealth type. Reach out to your Adyen contact to confirm other types of documents that can be used for verification.
Proof of individual tax ID
If the automatic verification for an individual's tax ID fails, Adyen may ask the individual to upload a tax identification document. Set the type to proofOfIndividualTaxId in your /documents request.
| Country | Tax Document requirements |
|---|---|
| Belgium (BE) | Official document containing Numéro National and name of individual. |
| France (FR) | Official document containing Simplification des Procédures d'Imposition / numéro fiscal de référence / numero SPI and the name of individual. The number can be found on the pre-printed income tax declaration form or on income tax/property tax notices. |
| Germany (DE) | Official document containing Persönliche Identifikatiosnummer (IdNr) and name of individual. |
| Netherlands (NL) | Official document containing Burgerservicenummer (BSN) and name of individual. |
| Spain (ES) | Official document containing Documento Nacional de Identidad (DNI) or Foreign Card Number (NIE), and name of individual. |
| United Kingdom (GB) | Official document containing Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number or National Insurance Number (NINO), and name of individual. |
| United States (US) | Official document containing Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and name of individual. |
Proof of industry
If the automatic verification of an industry fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of industry. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfIndustry in your /documents request.
A proof of industry can be a VAT document, a proof of tax information, or a registration document that includes a local or a global industry code. For example, SBI in the Netherlands, NACE in the European Union, or NAICS in the United Kingdom.
For the document requirements, see:
- Proof of tax information for organizations
- VAT document for organizations
- Registration document for organizations
- Proof of tax individual tax ID for individuals
Proof of national ID number
If the automatic verification of a national ID number fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of the national ID number. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfNationalIdNumber in your /documents request.
The proof of national ID number must:
- Have the name of the individual.
- Have the national ID number.
- Be issued by a reliable, independent source such as a government agency, public authority, or judicial authority.
The document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of organization tax information
In case automatic verification for tax ID fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of tax information. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfOrganizationTaxInfo in your /documents request.
The proof of tax information must:
- Have the organization name.
- Have the tax ID number.
- Be issued by a reliable, independent source such as the local tax authority of the country where the business is registered in.
- Issued within the last 12 months, or it must contain a signature and a state of affairs with a date not older than 12 months.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of ownership
If the automatic verification of an ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) through ownership fails, Adyen may ask for proof of ownership. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfOwnership in your /documents request.
To verify this information, Adyen requires a visual diagram of the ownership and control structure of the legal entity or entities associated with your company, and states the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs).
The ownership and control chart must include:
- The full ownership and control structure of all legal entities and UBOs under review, including all intermediate companies.
- The official legal entity name, legal structure, and registered country for every entity on the chart.
- The ownership and control relationship between the entities, including ownership percentages.
- Indication of how the criteria for identifying UBOs are fulfilled, for example an individual owning 25% of the total shares of a company.
- A signature confirming the content of the organizational chart, the name and job title of the signing person, and the date of the signature (not older than 6 months from the current date).
If the person signing the organizational chart is one of the following, you don't need to send any additional documents:
- An internal person who is a qualified professional such as a lawyer, accountant or auditor, and whose qualification can be verified through the official website of their professional body. The professional body must be located in the registered country of the organization or in the same country as another entity in the ownership and control chart.
- An external person or a professional body, certified by a consultancy firm, notary, lawyer, auditor, or other comparable official legal service provider from the registered country of the legal entity or entities under review.
External official documents
If the internal person signing the ownership and control chart does not meet the above criteria, you must send official documents that support the submitted ownership and control information. Examples of official documents include:
- Securities register
- Shareholder register
- Ultimate Beneficial Owner register
- Articles of incorporation
- Annual reports
- Annual returns
- Certificate of Corporate Status
- Shareholder Agreements
- Assignment Agreements
- Partnership Agreements
- Board of directors' meeting records of decisions
- Registration document
- Certificate of incumbency
The official document must:
- State the information about the UBOs associated with the legal entity under review, including all intermediate entities involved in the ownership structure
- Not be older than 6 months from the current date
- Be an external document
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Proof of residential address
If the automatic verification of a residential address fails, Adyen may ask for a proof of the residential address. When uploading this document, set the type to proofOfResidency in your /documents request.
The following sources can be used as proof of residence documentation. These documents must not be older than the period specified below.
| Residence Document type | Cannot be older than |
|---|---|
| Bank Statement | 3 months |
| Utility Bill | 3 months |
| Government-issued correspondence (receipt of benefits such as pension, unemployment benefits, housing benefits, or healthcare) |
3 months |
| Taxation Document | 3 months |
| Extract from Municipal Personal Records Database | 3 months |
| Mortgage statement | 12 months |
| Certificate of voter registration | 12 months |
| Salary slip (containing the company letterhead) | 3 months |
The proof of residency must:
- Have the name of the individual.
- Have the full residence address, residence country and residence state (when applicable).
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
Registration document
Adyen uses the name and registration number to automatically verify your user. In case automatic verification fails, Adyen may ask for a registration document. When uploading this document, set the type to registrationDocument in your /documents request.
The registration document must be:
- Issued by a reliable, independent source such as the local commercial register of the country where the business is registered in.
- Be issued within the last 12 months, or it must contain a signature and a state of affairs with a date not older than 12 months.
Check the local terms for registration numbers in different countries and the format requirements.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB
VAT document
In case automatic verification for VAT number fails, Adyen may ask for a VAT document. When uploading this document, set the type to vatDocument in your /documents request.
The VAT document must:
- Have the organization name.
- Have the tax ID number.
- Be issued by a reliable, independent source such as the local tax authority of the country where the business is registered in.
The uploaded document must meet the following file format and size requirements:
- Formats: JPEG, JPG, PNG, or PDF (maximum 2 pages)
- Size for PDFs: minimum 1 KB, maximum 4 MB
- Size for other formats: minimum 100 KB, maximum 4 MB