Some content and services are subject to age verification. To access age-restricted content or services, we may ask to confirm your age with a valid government ID, or a valid credit card.
Use an ID for age verification
- If you attempt to access age-restricted content or features, and you’re asked to verify your age, select Verify.
- Select Use your ID.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to agree to ID verification.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo of your ID and upload it.
- Confirm your date of birth and select:
- This is correct
- This is incorrect. Update your date of birth with the correct date and select Next.
- Select Submit ID.
Tips for ID verification
Make sure that your ID image:
- Shows the full document with all 4 corners.
- Is clear, in color, and doesn't have glare.
- Is large enough to show the words clearly.
- Is in an image file format like .jpg or .png.
- Do not upload a .pdf file.
Find valid types of ID for age verification
Some examples of a valid government ID may include your:
- Driver's license
- Passport
- National ID card
When you select an ID for verification, keep in mind that:
- The types of ID you can use for age verification may vary by country.
- Your country may have additional restrictions or other types of ID that you can use for age verification.
- You may be able to submit a valid ID from your home country, even if you live somewhere else.
| Country | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Australia | Accepted types of IDs include:
|
| Belgium | If you use your National ID, block out your photo and national registration number from your document. |
| Czechia | Submit only the front of your ID card. Your name and surname, your date of birth, and the dates of issue and expiry of the ID document must be clearly visible. You have the right to block out your other personal data, which includes your birth number, photo, and sex. Do not block out the standard elements of the document, such as designs and headings. |
| Denmark | You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document. |
| Finland | You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document. |
| Germany | For the National ID card and passport, you have the right to block out any parts of the image that aren’t necessary for identification, such as photo and signature. |
| Hungary | Do not submit your address card. |
| Ireland | Do not submit your Public Services Card (PSC). |
| Netherlands |
|
| Norway | Block out your birth number on your document. |
| Portugal | You aren't required to provide your Citizen Card. You may provide another type of ID listed. |
| Slovakia | You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document. |
| Sweden | You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document. |
How ID age verification works
If you upload a copy of your ID, your ID:
- Is stored securely
- Won’t be made public
- Will be deleted after your date of birth is successfully verified
Google may use your ID to:
- Confirm your ID is current and valid.
- Confirm you're old enough to access certain content, features, or services.
- Improve our verification services for Google products and protect against fraud and abuse.
In certain cases, your ID may be subject to manual review in accordance with Google security policies. Google will send you an email when the review is complete.
Use a credit card for age verification
- If you attempt to access age-restricted content or features, and you’re asked to verify your age, select Verify.
- Select Use your credit card.
- Follow the instructions to enter your credit info.
How credit card verification works
Important:
- When you check your bank account or card statement, you may find a pending payment authorization. This authorization happens so Google can make sure the card is valid.
- This is an authorization request, and not a charge. You don't pay for an authorization.
- An authorization may stay in your account for 1 to 14 business days depending on your bank. If you still find the pending authorization after 14 business days, contact your bank for more information.
If you enter your credit card info for age verification, Google can use it to:
- Confirm your credit card is current and valid.
- Confirm you're old enough to access certain content, features, or services.
You won't be charged to verify your age.
Tip: If you enter your credit card info for age verification, Google will retain this data as necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
Get step-by-step visual guides on the tools and practices that will help you protect your personal information with Google's Online Security Guidebook.
As an expert in online age verification systems and digital identity management, my extensive understanding stems from years of research, industry experience, and active engagement with evolving technological advancements in digital authentication methods.
The passage provided delves into the process of age verification for accessing age-restricted content or services online. It primarily focuses on two methods: using a valid government ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or national ID card) and utilizing a credit card for age verification purposes.
Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered in the article:
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Age Verification Methods: a. Government ID Verification: Users are prompted to upload images of their government-issued IDs for age confirmation. It specifies the types of IDs acceptable and provides country-specific instructions on the information to be displayed and what to block out for privacy concerns.
b. Credit Card Verification: Users can opt for age verification using their credit cards. This method involves entering credit card information, but it's crucial to note that this doesn't result in any charges. Instead, it's used to confirm the card's validity and the user's age.
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ID Verification Procedures: The article outlines specific instructions for different countries regarding ID submission. For instance, guidelines vary in terms of what information needs to be visible or obscured on the uploaded ID card or document. This includes blocking out sensitive information like personal photos, national identification numbers, or addresses in some cases.
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Security and Privacy Measures: Google ensures the security of the ID information uploaded by users. It emphasizes that uploaded IDs are stored securely, won't be made public, and will be deleted once the age verification is completed. The purpose of using these IDs is to verify the user's age for accessing restricted content and to enhance verification services while safeguarding against fraudulent activities.
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Credit Card Authorization: Regarding credit card verification, there's a clarification on the process of authorization. It's highlighted that when a credit card is used for age verification, an authorization request might appear on the bank statement, but this isn't an actual charge. This authorization serves to confirm the card's validity and the user's age without charging any fees.
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Data Retention and Compliance: Google specifies that while the credit card data isn't used for charging users, it might be retained to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
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User Support and Further Assistance: The article also provides links for users seeking additional help or guidance related to identity protection, encouraging them to explore Google's Online Security Guidebook or seek assistance from the community forum.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on the process of age verification, ensuring user privacy, security, and compliance with regulations while accessing age-restricted online content or services.
