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Amazon KDP verification identity checks and how to pass

Amazon KDP verification: How to verify identity and avoid rejection

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

  • Amazon KDP verification requires matching government ID and account details — make name, address, and DOB identical to avoid delays.
  • Prepare high-quality, accepted ID images and any supporting documents, and update your KDP profile before uploading files.
  • Use tools that produce clean covers and validated EPUB/PDF files to reduce technical errors after identity checks.

Table of Contents

What Amazon KDP verification requires

Amazon has introduced identity checks on KDP to protect authors, rights holders, and readers from fraud.

If your account is selected, you’ll see a dashboard banner or receive an email that says identity verification is required.

The process is designed to confirm that you are who you say you are and that your account information matches government-issued ID.

What they ask for

Typical requests include:

  • A government-issued photo ID: passport, driver’s license, or residency permit—depending on your country.
  • Accurate personal details in your KDP account: full name, date of birth, and the address format matching your ID.
  • Clear photos or scans of the ID showing all required fields. Amazon does not accept military IDs, school badges, or unofficial copies.

How the flow works

When prompted, log into KDP and go to the identity verification area of your account.

Select the ID type, upload images, and confirm the personal details. For business accounts, an authorized representative’s ID may be required.

Verification often completes in minutes, though Amazon can take longer if something doesn’t match.

Why it matters

If verification fails or is ignored, Amazon can restrict publishing features, remove books, or close accounts.

Preparing documents and matching account records before you are prompted reduces the risk of sudden publishing blocks.

Prepare your documents and match account information

The most common reason for verification problems is a mismatch between what’s on your ID and what’s in your account.

That mismatch is usually a simple fix — update fields or re-scan documents before you submit.

If you want a step-by-step walkthrough for entering exact details that match your ID, see Amazon KDP Account Setup for guidance.

Check these items first

  • Full legal name: Use the exact name shown on your government ID. Pen names go in Author Name fields.
  • Date of birth: Enter the same numbers and format that appear on your ID.
  • Address: Match street, apartment number, and postal code as they appear on official documents where possible.
  • Account type: For business accounts, ensure the authorized representative listed has an acceptable ID and signing authority.

Pick the right ID to upload

  • Passport: Widely accepted and often the safest choice.
  • Driver’s license: Accepted in many countries if current and legible.
  • Residency permit: Useful where relevant, especially for expats.

Photo tips

  • Use a flatbed scanner or a phone camera in bright light.
  • Make sure all four corners of the ID are visible and readable.
  • Avoid glare, shadows, and cropping off edge details.
  • If a selfie with your ID is required, frame both your face and the ID clearly.

Supporting documents

Amazon may request proof of address or additional documents in some countries.

Acceptable supporting documents often include utility bills, bank statements, or government correspondence — use official documents, not screenshots.

When your account name differs from your ID

Name changes (marriage, legal changes) or publishing under a business can create mismatches.

  • Update your KDP account to reflect your legal name where requested, or
  • Provide legal proof of the name change (marriage certificate, court order) when asked.

Early prep checklist

  • Compare your KDP profile fields to your primary ID now.
  • Scan or photograph your passport or driver’s license in high quality and store secure copies.
  • Prepare legal name-change documents or business authorization letters if applicable.
  • Make sure you have access to the email address and phone number on the KDP account.

For authors who work internationally

Expats with multiple national IDs should choose the ID that most closely matches the address and country listed on their KDP account.

If you hold documents from two countries, pick the one that matches your tax identity and payment method for KDP.

Troubleshooting verification rejects and next steps

Even with preparation, problems can happen. Don’t panic — follow the rejection guidance carefully.

Common reasons for rejection

  • Blurry or cropped ID images.
  • Mismatch between name, DOB, or address on ID and KDP account.
  • Submitting unsupported ID types (military or school IDs).
  • Uploading expired IDs.
  • Name on business account not matching the authorized representative.

What to do if you’re rejected

  1. Read the rejection reason carefully — Amazon usually explains what’s wrong.
  2. Correct simple errors first: re-scan, ensure full document edges, and upload clear images.
  3. If account data is wrong, update the KDP profile fields to match your ID before re-submitting.
  4. If your name changed, gather official proof and include it with your re-submission.
  5. If verification keeps failing, contact KDP support with clear images and a concise explanation.

Minimize publishing disruption

  • Don’t leave verification to the last minute — requests during a launch can block updates or new uploads.
  • If you suspect account compromise, contact KDP support immediately.

How BookAutoAI helps after verification (covers, EPUBs, and ready-to-publish books)

Once Amazon verifies your identity, the remaining hurdles are technical: clean formatting, compliant metadata, and a cover that performs at thumbnail size.

Using tools that produce validated files reduces re-uploads and last-minute fixes, which are common around verification periods.

Create covers designed to sell

A strong cover is engineered to perform in store thumbnails and genre shelves.

BookAutoAI’s Cover Generator produces market-ready front covers with readable title typography and visual hierarchy that works at thumbnail size.

Convert manuscripts to EPUB without formatting headaches

Poorly structured EPUBs cause preview errors and rejections on stores.

The BookAutoAI EPUB Converter creates store-ready EPUBs with proper metadata, embedded cover images, and clean chapter navigation.

If you use third-party distribution or upload tools, validated EPUBs make the process smoother — many authors combine validated files with dedicated book upload tools for distribution.

Generate books that match KDP rules

Tools that output clean, humanized text and formatted files reduce manual fixes after verification.

BookAutoAI generates fully formatted nonfiction books and supports both ebook and paperback exports — visit BookAutoAI to learn how the system creates print and ebook-ready files.

A practical workflow after verification

  1. Confirm your name and metadata in KDP match your verified identity.
  2. Use BookAutoAI to generate a clean manuscript and a market-ready cover.
  3. Convert the manuscript to a validated EPUB with the EPUB Converter.
  4. Upload the EPUB and cover to KDP and preview in the Kindle previewer.
  5. For print, export the PDF/ interior files required by KDP and check trim and bleeds.

Why using the right tools saves time

Verification focuses on identity, not file quality — but the verification window is when authors often rush to publish.

A single, well-prepared upload is far less likely to trigger additional checks or manual reviews.

Final steps and responsible publishing

Verification is part of Amazon’s effort to reduce fraud and impersonation.

Be transparent about rights and authorship, use accurate ISBNs and rights statements, and avoid shortcuts that could trigger manual review.

Next steps

If you want a practical walkthrough on account setup that aligns with verification best practices, read the Amazon KDP Account Setup guide to enter details that match your ID.

When you’re ready to prepare your manuscript and cover in a way that avoids technical upload problems, use BookAutoAI’s Cover Generator, EPUB Converter, and full book generation to produce files that pass platform checks and look professional.

Visit BookAutoAI.com and try the demo book. Write like a human, publish like an author.

FAQ

How long does Amazon KDP verification take?

In many cases verification completes in minutes. If documents need manual review or there are mismatches, it can take longer.

Can I publish under a pen name if my legal name is used for verification?

Yes. Use a pen name publicly while your legal name is used for verification and tax records; ensure the legal name on your KDP profile matches the uploaded ID.

What IDs are accepted for Amazon KDP verification?

Accepted IDs typically include passports, driver’s licenses, and residency permits. Check Amazon’s country-specific help pages for details.

What if I don’t live at the address on my ID anymore?

Use the ID that best matches the country and details associated with your KDP account. If your address has changed, you may need to provide recent proof of address.

My verification failed multiple times. What should I do?

Check image quality, ensure account data matches the ID exactly, provide legal documents for name changes, and contact KDP support if problems persist.

After verification, what file issues can still block my book?

Formatting problems like broken chapter links, missing metadata, or low-resolution covers can cause rejections or preview errors. Use validated tools to prevent these issues.

Sources

Amazon KDP verification: How to verify identity and avoid rejection Estimated reading time: 5 minutes Amazon KDP verification requires matching government ID and account details — make name, address, and DOB identical to avoid delays. Prepare high-quality, accepted ID images and any supporting documents, and update your KDP profile before uploading files. Use tools that…