> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rails.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rails.xyz/signup/verify-your-account/individual-verification/identity-and-address-requirements.md).
# Identity & Address Requirements
**Know Your Customer** (KYC) is a process used to verify the identity and residential address of all individual users and relevant owners and controllers of a business applicant in order to meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulatory requirements.
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By cooperating, you're helping create a safer, more compliant environment for all users on the platform.
{% endhint %}
Every Rails Exchange Individual user, and some Owners/Directors/Controllers of Business Accounts must complete two Individual Verification steps before they can trade:
1. **Identity verification:** Prove you are who you say you are.
2. **Proof of address:** Confirm that you reside in a permitted country.
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Users in some countries may be required to submit alternative or additional information like Tax IDs.
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## Identity Verification
Identity verification consists of two components, both of which must be completed successfully:
{% columns %}
{% column %}
ID scan
Provide a valid, government-issued ID to be verified.
{% endcolumn %}
{% column %}
Biometric Facial Recognition
A selfie liveness check is done to ensure you are the holder of the ID.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}
The following specifies which documents are acceptable, as well as tips to ensure your ID scan is successful.
ID scan requirements
The following requirements will ensure your ID document verification is successful:
* The document must be valid (i.e. not expired).
* The document must be in good condition (i.e. not scratched, torn, or stained).
* You must upload an original photo (i.e. screenshots and edits are not permitted).
* Both front and back are required, where applicable.
* The photo must be in color and easily readable.
* All corners of the document must be visible.
Acceptable ID documents
The following documents are acceptable to verify your identity:
* Passport
* Photo driver's license with signature
* Armed Forces ID
* Other government-issued photo ID
Instructions for Biometric Facial Recognition (often referred to as a selfie liveness check) are detailed on screen as you go through the application flow, and are also available in the [Individual Verification](/signup/verify-your-account/individual-verification.md) Guide.
## Proof of address
Proof of Address (PoA) is a process which helps us confirm that you don't reside in a prohibited jurisdiction. You can verify your address in one of two ways:
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="PoA via Geolocation" %}
We identify your physical location based on your device's IP address, GPS, or network data. This is the quickest way to verify your address, but it is not mandatory.
**Requirements**
* You must enable location services when prompted to do so.
* VPNs or other location masking tools are not permitted.
* You must be physically located in the same country as that of your ID document.
If you don't meet the above requirements, you will be required to complete documentary PoA verification.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Documentary PoA" %}
Provide a personal document that was issued in the last 3 months to verify your address. Acceptable documents include:
* A bank statement, credit card statement, utility bill or other similar document
* Contract of employment, or banker's or employer's written confirmation (must be notarized)
**Requirements**
* Identity documents which state your address (e.g. driver's license) are **not** permitted.
* The name on the document must match the name on the identity document.
* The issue date of the PoA document must be within the last 3 months.
* The address cannot be a PO Box.
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
