Identity verification is required before you can use 1Bitcoin.ca to purchase Bitcoin.
As part of the onboarding process, you'll need to verify your identity and have your proof of residence approved before funds can be received.
🔍 Why Do I Need to Verify My Identity?
Identity verification helps protect customers from fraud and unauthorized activity and helps 1Bitcoin.ca meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
Depending on your account or verification results, additional information may occasionally be required.
Related article:
📸 What You'll Need
Before starting, have a valid government-issued photo ID, a smartphone or webcam, and your proof of residence ready.
Accepted government-issued identification may include:
driver's licence
passport
provincial photo ID
Make sure your identification is valid and not expired.
1️⃣ Start Your Identity Verification
Log into your 1Bitcoin.ca account and select Verify My Identity.
Follow the verification instructions shown on screen. Identity verification is completed through our third-party verification provider, so the exact prompts may vary depending on the verification required.
2️⃣ Verify Your Government-Issued ID
Follow the prompts to provide your government-issued photo identification.
Make sure the document is clear, fully visible, and free from glare or shadows.
Information on your ID should match the information entered on your 1Bitcoin.ca account.
3️⃣ Complete the Identity Check
You may be asked to complete a selfie, facial verification, or short video check.
Follow the on-screen instructions carefully and use good lighting. Remove hats, sunglasses, or anything else that could make it difficult to verify your identity.
4️⃣ Submit Your Proof of Residence
Proof of residence is required to confirm your Canadian residential address.
Accepted documents may include a recent:
utility bill
bank statement
eligible government correspondence
Your proof of residence must:
be submitted as a PDF
show your full legal name
show your current residential address
have a recent issue date within the last 3 months
be complete, clear, and readable
Screenshots, cropped documents, documents without an issue date, or documents that do not clearly show your name and residential address may be rejected.
Related article:
5️⃣ Wait for Verification Review
Once the required information has been submitted, your verification will be reviewed.
Verification reviews typically occur within 24–48 hours, although some reviews may take longer if additional information or manual review is required.
If your verification is unsuccessful, check the decision reason provided. In many cases, the notification will explain what needs to be corrected before trying again.
Related articles:
6️⃣ Complete Your Account Setup
Having your identity verified is only part of the onboarding process.
Before you can make a deposit, your required verification must be complete, your proof of residence must be approved, and you must have a verified Bitcoin wallet designated to receive your purchases.
Once your account setup is complete, eligible deposits are automatically used to purchase Bitcoin and the Bitcoin is sent directly to your designated wallet.
⚠️ Having Trouble Getting Verified?
Verification can fail or require additional review if your ID is expired, information doesn't match, documents are unclear, or your proof of residence doesn't meet the requirements.
If a verification attempt is rejected, review the decision reason before submitting again.
Because identity verification is completed through a third-party verification provider, 1Bitcoin.ca support can help explain requirements and review information, but cannot manually approve a failed identity verification.
Related articles:
💬 Need Help?
If you're unsure why your verification was unsuccessful or what information is required, please email [email protected].
Please don't send identification or other sensitive verification documents as attachments through support chat. Our team can explain the requirements and direct you to the appropriate verification process.