"Can I still use my Chinese national ID for Binance KYC?" This is one of the most common questions from mainland China users. As global crypto regulation continues to evolve, Binance's KYC policies have been updated multiple times. This guide provides mainland China users with a complete identity verification guide — covering the full process, photo requirements, face recognition tips, and alternative options if issues arise.
Does Binance Accept a Chinese National ID for KYC?
As of this writing, Binance still accepts mainland China national ID cards for basic identity verification (L1). When you select "China" as your nationality during registration, the system will prompt you to submit an identity document for verification, and the mainland China national ID (居民身份证) is one of the accepted document types.
That said, it is important to note that Binance implemented a round of policy changes affecting Chinese mainland users in 2021. The current policy may be subject to further adjustment at any time — it is advisable to check the latest rules before registering. For new users, completing KYC as early as possible is the prudent approach to ensure your account remains fully functional.
Recommended registration: Sign up for Binance through the exclusive referral link.
Step-by-Step KYC Process with a Chinese ID Card
Here is the complete flow for completing Binance KYC verification using a mainland China national ID:
Step 1: Navigate to the verification page Log in to your Binance account, tap your profile icon, and select "Identity Verification." On the verification page, choose "Individual Verification" and tap "Start Verification."
Step 2: Fill in your personal information Enter the following details exactly as they appear on your ID card:
- Nationality: Select "China"
- Full name: Enter your Chinese name (pay attention to separating surname and given name correctly)
- Date of birth: Must match the ID card
- ID number: Your 18-digit national ID number
Step 3: Upload your ID card photos The system will ask you to upload photos of the front and back of your ID card. This is one of the most critical steps in the entire process.
Step 4: Complete face recognition After uploading your documents, you will need to complete a live face recognition check, which typically includes a liveness detection sequence.
Step 5: Wait for review After submitting all materials, the system will perform an automatic review. In most cases, this completes within a few minutes to a few hours.
Android users can download the Binance app directly without any special network setup. iOS users need an overseas Apple ID to download from the App Store.
ID Card Photo Requirements
The quality of your ID photos directly impacts your verification success rate. Here are the detailed requirements:
- Sharpness: All text and numbers on the document must be clearly legible — especially your name, ID number, and expiry date.
- Completeness: All four corners of the ID card must be fully visible in the photo — no cropping or obstructions.
- Even lighting: Avoid strong direct light or shooting directly under a ceiling light, as this causes glare. Even, diffused lighting works best.
- Clean background: Place the ID card on a solid-color surface (white paper or a dark desk) to minimize background clutter that could interfere with recognition.
- Straight angle: Shoot the ID card head-on with no tilting — text should appear undistorted.
- File format: JPG and PNG are accepted; file size is typically limited to 5MB.
- Validity: The ID card must be within its validity period — expired documents will not be accepted.
Common rejection reasons include blurry photos, cut-off card edges, glare from light reflection, and submitting a photocopy instead of the original document.
Face Recognition Tips
Binance's face recognition uses liveness detection technology. The following tips will help you pass on the first attempt:
- Adequate, even lighting: Choose a bright indoor environment; avoid backlighting or harsh side lighting.
- Clear face, no obstructions: Remove glasses, face masks, and hats to ensure all facial features are fully visible.
- Face the camera directly: Align your face squarely with the front camera and complete the prompted actions (e.g., blink, turn head) as instructed.
- Natural expression: Keep a relaxed, neutral expression throughout — do not smile widely or make exaggerated faces.
- Stable internet connection: Liveness detection requires real-time video data transmission — a stable connection is essential.
Using the Binance mobile app for face recognition generally produces better results than a laptop webcam, as the front cameras on modern smartphones typically offer higher resolution and better autofocus.
Recommended registration: Sign up for Binance through the exclusive referral link.
Passport as an Alternative
If you encounter issues using your Chinese national ID, a passport is an excellent alternative. Advantages of using a passport:
- Internationally recognized: Passports are accepted globally, resulting in higher verification success rates
- Clearer information: The romanized text on a passport assists the system's automatic recognition algorithms
- Broader compatibility: Some advanced features may be more readily accessible with passport-verified accounts
To use a passport, simply select "Passport" as the document type and upload a clear photo of the bio-data page. You will still need to complete the face recognition step.
Additionally, Hong Kong/Macau travel permits and Taiwan travel permits may be usable as supplementary documents in some cases, depending on Binance's current policy settings.
FAQ
Q1: How long does KYC with a Chinese national ID typically take?
A: Under normal circumstances, the automatic review completes within a few minutes to a few hours after submission. If the application is flagged for manual review, it may take 1–3 business days. Submitting during off-peak hours tends to result in faster processing.
Q2: My ID card is expired. Can I still use it for KYC?
A: No. Binance requires the submitted identity document to be within its validity period. If your ID is expired, you will need to visit your local Public Security Bureau to obtain a new ID card before proceeding. While waiting, a passport can be used as an alternative.
Q3: Can I change my KYC information if I made an error?
A: Some information may be editable before the review is completed. However, once verification is approved, core information such as your name and ID number generally cannot be changed by yourself. A change request would require contacting Binance support and providing supporting documentation. Double-check all information carefully before submitting.
Summary
Mainland China national ID cards can currently be used to complete KYC verification on Binance. The process is straightforward — the keys are ID photo quality and cooperation during face recognition. Using the Binance mobile app is recommended for the smoothest experience. If verification issues arise with your national ID, a passport is a reliable fallback. Whichever document you use, completing KYC promptly ensures your account remains fully functional without restrictions.