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Identity Verification

Verify your identity on Stenovate in just a few minutes using a government-issued ID.

How to Verify Your Identity on Stenovate


Why Identity Verification Matters

We’re committed to maintaining a trusted, professional environment on Stenovate. Verifying your identity helps ensure that members are real people representing their true identity, supporting safety, accountability, and trusted professional collaboration.

We strongly encourage Stenovate members to work only with verified users. The verification badge signals that someone has completed our identity check, helping other members feel more confident about who they’re working with.


Completing an Account Review?


If Stenovate has asked you to verify your identity as part of an Account Review, Identity Verification is the second and final step in the process. Please complete verification after submitting your Account Review form. If you're unable to verify or have a unique situation, contact Stenovate Support so we can help resolve your review.


What You’ll Need

  • A government-issued photo ID

  • A webcam or smartphone

  • A first and last name on your Stenovate profile that closely matches your government-issued ID

Stenovate uses Stripe, a secure third-party provider, to complete identity verification. Stenovate does not store a copy of your government-issued ID or selfie.


How to Complete the Process

  1. Go to your Profile page by clicking your profile photo in the top right corner of the screen.

  2. Click the orange Start Verification button in the center of your profile.

  3. A Stripe window will open to guide you through the process.

  4. Follow the instructions to scan your ID and take a selfie using a smartphone or a device webcam.

  5. When finished, you’ll return to your profile page.

Most users complete the process in just a couple of minutes.


IMPORTANT: Make Sure Your Display Name Matches Your ID

Before starting, make sure the first and last name on your Stenovate profile closely matches your government-issued ID. A middle name is not required, and small variations such as "Jen" and "Jennifer" are generally okay.

If needed, update your name before starting verification.


What If I Fail?

  • You get two attempts to complete verification.

  • If both attempts fail, you’ll need to wait 24 hours before trying again.

  • The system will provide guidance on what to correct.

  • This process is automatic. Stenovate support cannot override the wait period.


Can I Change My Name Later?


Yes, but if you change your name after you’ve been verified, your badge will be removed. You’ll need to complete the verification process again.


Is Identity Verification available worldwide?


Stripe Identity supports government-issued identity documents from more than 120 countries. Accepted document types vary by country and may change over time. Check Stripe's current documentation for the latest availability and supported documents.

For current information about supported documents and countries, visit Stripe’s Identity documentation.


Need More Info?
You can learn more about Stripe’s verification process here:


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do I need to verify my identity?

To help build trust and ensure that everyone on Stenovate is who they say they are. Verification protects you and other professionals on the platform, making it easier to connect with credible, verified teammates.


Is the verification process secure?

Yes. We use Stripe—a globally trusted, encrypted identity verification system. Your data is secure, and Stenovate never stores your ID or selfie.


How long does it take to get verified?

The process usually takes just a few minutes. Once Stripe confirms your identity, your verification badge will automatically appear on your profile.


Is verification available in every country?

Stripe Identity supports government-issued identity documents from more than 120 countries. Accepted document types vary by country and may change over time. Check Stripe’s current documentation for the latest availability and supported documents.


What if my profile name doesn’t exactly match my ID?

Your name should be reasonably close to what’s on your government-issued ID. Minor differences (like a missing middle name or “Jen” instead of “Jennifer”) are usually fine. If the names are too different, your verification may fail.

You can update your name before starting the process.


Can I verify using a nickname or business name?

We understand that many professionals use a business name or nickname day-to-day—but verification must be completed using your legal first and last name, as shown on your government-issued ID.

Small variations are fine (e.g., “Mike” instead of “Michael”), but pseudonyms and business names like “AccuScript Proofing” won’t qualify. Since transcript work relies on individual relationships and accountability, verification confirms you as a person, not a company.

If you run a business, feel free to highlight your brand in your profile bio, but your display name should reflect your actual identity for verification.

Not sure your name qualifies? Reach out to support@stenovate.com before starting.


What if I recently changed my name due to marriage, divorce, or another reason?

Legal name changes can take time to process. Stripe requires your name to closely match what’s currently shown on your government-issued ID. If your ID has not yet been updated, please update it before attempting Stenovate verification.

If Stenovate has asked you to verify as part of an Account Review, contact Stenovate Support so we can help determine the appropriate next step.


Can I message or work with others if I’m not verified?

Identity Verification is optional (yet strongly encouraged) *unless* Stenovate has specifically asked you to complete it as part of an Account Review or other account-integrity process.

If Stenovate has concerns about an account, we may require Identity Verification or additional information to help resolve those concerns. If we're unable to verify the account information or otherwise resolve our concerns, we may need to take appropriate action on the account in accordance with our Terms of Use.


What happens if I fail verification?

You’ll get two attempts to verify your identity before a 24-hour cooldown period is enforced. This wait is automatic and cannot be skipped.

Please note that Stenovate pays for these verifications (for each attempt) without passing on the cost to you. We believe in supporting the community and are happy to cover this expense for legitimate users; however, if we see repeated failures or behavior that suggests misuse, we may investigate further. In some cases, continued failed attempts may result in removal from the platform.

To avoid unnecessary issues, please ensure your profile name closely matches your government-issued ID before starting. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to support@stenovate.com first. We’re here to help.


Will I be banned or penalized if I fail verification?

Not automatically. A failed verification attempt does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your account. However, repeated failures or other activity that raises account-integrity concerns may require further review.

If we're unable to verify your account information or resolve concerns involving misrepresentation, fraud, or misuse, Stenovate may take appropriate action on the account in accordance with our Terms of Use.

If you're unsure about anything, it's best to email support@stenovate.com before starting the verification process.


Can I change my name after verifying?

Yes, but doing so will remove your verification badge. You'll need to re-verify to regain your badge.

This ensures that verified profiles always reflect a real, name-matched individual. If you’re planning to update your display name, consider doing it before you verify to avoid duplicate effort.


What should I do if I have a unique situation or can’t verify?

If you’re dealing with a recent name change, an ID issue, or another unique situation, we’re here to help. Email support@stenovate.com and our team will guide you through your options.


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