In a release on the Amazon KDP forum, Amazon KDP recently launched a new Identity Verification requirement to enhance security and trust on their platform. We’ll try to address everything authors and publishers need to know in this article.
About the new Amazon KDP Identity Verification Requirement
According to KDP, from July 30th, 2024 when the announcement was made, KDP authors and publishers may be prompted to submit a photo of their government-issued identification which they’ll match against the publisher’s current account information.
At this time, only some publishers will be prompted to complete Identity Verification. Gradually, more and more authors will be prompted.
Concerns about Privacy and KDP’s solution
In response to the privacy concerns, KDP has said that they take privacy seriously, and will handle personal information following their privacy and security policies as highlighted in their privacy notice.
Furthermore, they promise to delete all identity documents after the ID verification process is complete.
How will you be notified?
Amazon will prompt you to verify your identity via an “Identity Verification Required” account banner and an email notification. Once prompted, you will be asked to respond by the date that is in the email and account banner.
How to Complete Your Amazon KDP Identity Verification
STEP 1: Log into KDP. Under Your account, go to Your identity. Some authors may see an “Identity Verification Required” banner on their KDP account or receive an email notification.
STEP 2: Enter or review your information (e.g. full name, address, date of birth). The name on your account should match your ID. Save your information if you made changes.
STEP 3: If you found a banner or received an email notification, click ‘Verify identity’.
STEP 4: Select an ID type and the country that issued the ID.
STEP 5: Upload the required photos of your ID. Here are detailed instructions from KDP on how to correctly take photos of your ID.
STEP 6: Submit for verification.
What happens if verifying your Amazon KDP account fails?
If you had a problem during the verification process, you can appeal to Amazon using the ‘Contact Us’ button or links which can be found on various parts of your KDP account.
What happens if you don’t Verify your Amazon KDP account?
Amazon KDP says, “If we are not able to verify a publisher’s identity, we may close their KDP account and remove their titles from sale.”
What are the acceptable IDs for Amazon KDP Identity Verification?
KDP primarily accepts:
- National IDs (which may have varying specific names by country)
- Passports
- Driver’s licenses
- Residency permits, etc.
The accepted ID types will vary depending on where you live so Amazon provides a table of all the countries by continent and the list of IDs accepted there. It’s a long list that you can access here.
If you do not see your country listed, it means you cannot open a new KDP account in that country. Additionally, Amazon has stated that they don’t accept military IDs, school badges, pay stubs, tax documents, or utility bills.
Does this mean I can no longer publish with pen names/pseudonyms?
No, you can still publish using a pen name or pseudonym as your ‘author name’.
According to KDP Terms & Conditions, you have always been required to use your legal name on the “Your Identity” page in your KDP account, which they will use to verify your identity and issue your payments and tax forms correctly.
What if my account is in the name of a business entity?
For corporations and non-individual entities (e.g., LLC or agency), you’ll enter the details of an authorized representative of your business within a separate account page called “Your Identity.”
Final Thoughts
Although this change may offer some inconvenience to some authors and publishers right now, it might be a good thing in the long run as it should reduce abuse by bad actors, which will have a positive impact on customers’ book-buying experience and the experience of legitimate authors and publishers. It would hopefully also serve as deterrence for people who are actively engaged in activities that are against Amazon KDP’s terms and conditions.
