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Amazon KDP Verification Checklist to Avoid Rejection

Amazon KDP Verification: A Practical Checklist to Avoid Rejection

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

  • Prepare clear, valid government-issued ID that exactly matches your KDP account name to avoid verification delays.
  • Use high-quality scans/photos and match spelling, punctuation, and middle names precisely to prevent rejections.
  • Reduce unrelated upload rejections by producing clean EPUBs and covers with reliable tools before you submit files.

Table of Contents

Why KDP verification matters

Amazon KDP verification protects readers and authors by reducing fraud, fake accounts, and cases where bad actors publish low-quality or deceptive titles. When Amazon flags an account, you’ll see a dashboard banner or an email prompting identity verification.

The process asks you to confirm who you are by uploading a government-issued ID that matches your KDP account name and other provided details. For a step-by-step walkthrough of account setup, see Amazon Kdp Account Setup.

Understanding the basics before you’re asked makes the difference between a fast approval and a publishing delay. Authors often find the request surprising, but it’s typically a one-time or occasional step that prevents account restrictions, book removals, or longer-term problems.

Documents to prepare and how to match info

What KDP asks for

KDP’s verification process accepts several types of government-issued IDs: passport, driver’s license, or national ID/residency permit, depending on your country. Military IDs, student IDs, or photocopies are usually not accepted. You must be at least 18 years old.

Checklist: documents and account details

  • Primary ID: A valid, in-date passport, driver’s license, or national residency card. Make sure the ID is not expired and that the name appears exactly as on your KDP account.
  • Secondary documentation (if needed): proof of address, business registration papers, or other documents Amazon may request for business accounts or special cases.
  • Account info: full name, spelling, middle names, and punctuation must match the ID. If your KDP account uses a pen name, you still need the verified legal name in your account settings or follow KDP’s business account guidance.
  • Contact details: use an email address and phone number you actively check; Amazon may use them to communicate during the verification process.

How to ensure names match

Small differences cause the biggest delays. Follow these rules:

  • Spell names exactly: If your passport lists “Michael J. Smith” but your account says “Michael Smith,” update the account name to the exact passport version if allowed.
  • Include accents and punctuation when required: If your ID contains accented letters and KDP supports them, use the same spelling where possible.
  • Middle names and initials: If you include a middle initial on the ID, match it in your account.
  • Business accounts: If publishing under a company name, KDP may require the authorized representative’s ID and documentation linking that person to the company.

Practical steps before you publish

  • Log into KDP and check account details carefully: correct any typos and update address and phone data so it matches your ID where possible.
  • Scan or photograph your ID with high resolution: all edges visible, no glare, and legible text.
  • Renew expired IDs before starting publishing or verifying.
  • If your name changed (marriage, legal change), update your account or be ready to upload supporting documents such as marriage certificates or court orders.

Uploading the right files and avoiding common errors

How the KDP upload process works

When KDP prompts verification, follow the dashboard link to “Your Account > Your Identity” in the KDP help flow. You’ll select the ID type, upload photos, and submit. Amazon’s verification systems often work quickly—sometimes in minutes—but can take longer if manual review is required.

For authors who use advanced upload tools or need multi-retailer support, consider checking an uploader provider that specializes in book distribution and bulk uploads.

Photo quality matters

  • Use a modern smartphone or a scanner. Aim for sharp, well-lit images with all four corners visible.
  • Avoid flash glare and shadows across text.
  • Provide both front and back if the ID has information on both sides.
  • Save files in usual formats (JPEG or PNG) and respect any size limits KDP specifies.

Common mistakes that trigger rejection

  • Cropped images that cut off names, numbers, or corners.
  • Blurry or low-resolution photos.
  • Using a different legal name in the KDP account than on the ID.
  • Uploading photocopies, screenshots, or paper scans with handwriting.
  • Submitting expired documents.
  • Using IDs that KDP does not accept for your country.

What to do if you can’t match details exactly

Name variations: If a name changed recently and you don’t have updated ID yet, upload the legal document proving the change (marriage certificate, court order) as part of the follow-up materials. Be proactive: update your KDP account name where possible and keep a copy of the supporting document ready.

Business publishing: If you publish through a company or partnership, list the legal entity in the account and provide the representative’s ID as requested. Have company registration documents ready to show who is authorized.

Timing, expectations, and process tips

  • Expect variable response times: some verifications are instant; others take days if a manual review is needed.
  • Keep your email and KDP dashboard notifications active: Amazon sends instructions and requests for more info through those channels.
  • If KDP marks a book as blocked pending verification, don’t re-upload the same title in a hurry; wait for verification to prevent duplicate review cycles.

Using BookAutoAI to reduce format and cover-related friction

One common source of publishing delays is format and cover problems rather than identity issues. Bookautoai is designed to produce store-ready EPUB files and professional covers so your upload is less likely to trip basic formatting checks after verification.

EPUB Converter

Use the EPUB Converter to generate properly structured EPUB files with correct metadata, front cover embedding, and clean chapter navigation. A clean EPUB reduces the chance of technical rejections and preview errors once your identity is approved.

Cover Generator

A readable, market-appropriate cover helps avoid poor thumbnail or metadata mismatches. Use the Cover Generator to create front covers focused on visibility and genre fit—designed to work at thumbnail size and exported at print and ebook quality.

Full publishing workflow

When you generate both manuscript and cover with Bookautoai, the overall upload process to KDP is smoother, letting you focus on verification steps rather than fixing format or cover problems. For generating paperback and ebook files from the same source, Bookautoai’s platform supports multi-format publishing and reduces human error when preparing files for Kindle and print.

If you need tools for complex uploads or multi-retailer delivery, consider specialized upload providers that handle bulk and multi-format distribution to simplify the transfer to KDP and other stores.

Troubleshooting verification problems and next steps

If your verification is delayed or rejected, follow this approach:

1. Read the message carefully

KDP’s rejection message usually mentions the reason: unreadable image, mismatched name, expired ID, or missing pages. Use the message as a precise guide to correct the issue.

2. Fix the exact problem they flagged

If they said the image was blurry, resubmit a clear photo. If the name mismatches, update the account or provide a legal document proving the name change.

3. Prepare extra documents proactively

If you foresee complications—recent name change, dual citizenship, or business listing—prepare secondary documents like utility bills, company registration, or notarized letters that demonstrate your connection to the name on file.

4. Contact KDP support with structured information

If resubmission fails twice, open a support case. Include a clear statement of the changes you made and the documents you attached, and request a review politely.

  • The KDP case number or dashboard reference.
  • Clear statement of the changes you made.
  • List of documents you attached.
  • A polite request for review. Keep messages simple and professional.

5. Avoid creating new accounts

Some authors react to account blocks by opening a new KDP account. This often triggers more checks and can lead to permanent restrictions. Work with support on your primary account.

Special cases and country notes

Different countries accept different ID types and have varying verification workflows. If you live outside the U.S., check KDP’s accepted ID list for your region. Some countries require passports over driver’s licenses, or have stricter rules about residency permits.

If you are a non-U.S. business, prepare documents that connect the representative to the company and confirm your tax and payout settings are correct before verification.

Preparing for multi-author or collaborative books

If you publish a book with multiple authors and list contributors, keep the author and account names clear. The KDP account holder is the person or entity that must be verified.

Consider having royalties and account ownership set to match the verified ID or business entity to avoid issues.

Final troubleshooting notes

  • Keep copies of everything: save the ID photos, confirmation emails, and your KDP support ticket numbers.
  • If you must wait for a new government ID, pause publishing until the document arrives and then update the account, so you submit a single clean verification request.
  • For repeat verification requests, consider whether a business account or authorized representative arrangement would reduce friction.

Final thoughts

Amazon’s identity checks are an important part of keeping KDP secure for authors and readers. Anticipate the verification prompt by preparing valid, current government ID, matching your account name exactly, and keeping clear digital copies ready.

Reduce technical friction by producing market-ready files with tools like the EPUB Converter and the Cover Generator to avoid unrelated rejections and speed your path to publication.

If you want practical help preparing files and covers while you sort verification steps, Bookautoai generates complete non-fiction books, polished covers, and clean EPUBs that minimize upload and format headaches. Write like a Human, Publish like an author.

Visit our guide for more on account setup and early publishing steps here: Amazon KDP Account Setup

Visit Bookautoai and try our Demo book.

FAQ

Does everyone have to verify on KDP?

No. Amazon rolls out identity verification selectively. You’ll be prompted if your account is selected. If your account is flagged, follow the dashboard prompts.

How long does verification take?

It can be instant, a few minutes, or a few business days if manual review is required. Prepare high-quality files to speed the process.

What IDs are accepted?

KDP accepts government-issued IDs like passports, driver’s licenses, and national IDs depending on your country. Military IDs and student IDs are generally not accepted.

What happens if I don’t verify?

You may lose access to publishing features, find books removed or blocked, or face account restrictions. It’s best to complete verification promptly.

My pen name is on the book—does my legal name need to be verified?

Yes. Your legal name on the KDP account must match the ID used for verification, even if you publish under a pen name.

Can BookAutoAI help me avoid verification problems?

BookAutoAI helps with formatting and cover quality—common sources of publishing rejections after verification—by producing clean EPUBs and professional covers. Using reliable conversion and cover tools reduces technical problems so you can focus solely on identity verification.

I publish under a company name. How does verification work?

For business accounts, KDP may ask for the authorized representative’s ID and supporting company registration documents. Keep paperwork ready to show who can act on behalf of the business.

Sources

Amazon KDP Verification: A Practical Checklist to Avoid Rejection Estimated reading time: 6 minutes Prepare clear, valid government-issued ID that exactly matches your KDP account name to avoid verification delays. Use high-quality scans/photos and match spelling, punctuation, and middle names precisely to prevent rejections. Reduce unrelated upload rejections by producing clean EPUBs and covers with…