Identity verification is a required step to open a Relay Account and usually takes 2 to 3 minutes on your phone. You'll take a selfie, photograph your government-issued ID, and complete a short liveness check.
What you need before you start
An unexpired, government-issued photo ID (a US driver's license, or a valid passport if you are a non-US citizen)
A smartphone or device with a working camera
Good lighting and a plain, solid background
The name on your ID must match the name you entered on your Relay application
Why does Relay verify my identity?
Identity verification is a compliance requirement for opening a Relay Account, and Relay's banking partner, Thread Bank, requires it for every business owner listed on the application.
Verifying identity protects you and your business against fraud, satisfies federal Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, and lets Thread Bank open the account under your legal name. Every beneficial owner listed on the application goes through the same three-step process.
What are the steps to verify my identity?
Three steps complete identity verification for your Relay Account.
Take a selfie. Use a well-lit space and hold the camera at eye level against a solid background. Avoid hats, sunglasses, and heavy shadows.
Photograph your ID. Photograph both sides of your unexpired, government-issued photo ID. Make sure all four corners of the ID are visible in the frame and the image is sharp.
Complete a liveness check. Follow the on-screen prompts to turn your head, open your mouth, or complete other short movements. This confirms you are the person in the selfie.
Once you submit, the check runs automatically. Most verifications resolve within a few minutes; some may take longer if additional review is needed.
What ID documents does Relay accept?
Relay accepts two forms of government-issued photo ID for identity verification.
A US driver's license (for US citizens and US residents)
A valid passport (for non-US citizens)
The ID must be unexpired, physical (not a scanned copy or a photo of a photo), and issued by a government authority. Expired IDs and scanned copies are rejected automatically.
How do I make sure my selfie and ID photos are approved?
Clear, well-lit photos with a solid background give you the best chance of approval on the first submission.
Use a plain, solid background so the image reads as sharp and uncluttered
Keep the photo in focus and avoid motion blur; hold the camera steady with both hands
Show all four corners of the ID inside the frame with no fingers or objects covering the edges
Photograph the physical ID, not a scan, printout, or image on another screen
Check the expiry date on your ID before you submit; expired IDs are rejected automatically
Match the name on the ID to the name you entered on your Relay application; mismatches will fail verification
If the name on your ID has changed (for example, after a legal name change), update your Relay application before submitting or contact Relay's Customer Experience team for help.
What if my identity verification is rejected?
Verification is most often rejected because of image quality, an expired ID, or a name mismatch between your ID and your application.
If your submission is rejected, you'll be prompted to try again. Retake the selfie and ID photos with better lighting, a plain background, and steady hands. Check that your ID is unexpired and that the name matches your application exactly. If it fails a second time, contact Relay's Customer Experience team so they can look at the specific reason and help you resubmit.
Common issues and fixes
Photos look blurry or the ID edges are cut off. Retake the photos on a plain, well-lit surface. Hold your phone steady and make sure all four corners of the ID are inside the frame.
ID rejected because it's expired. Renew the ID before resubmitting. Relay cannot accept an expired driver's license or passport under KYC rules.
Verification failed because the name doesn't match. The name on your Relay application must match the name on your ID exactly. Update the application or your ID and resubmit.
Photo of a scanned ID rejected. Photograph the physical ID card or passport directly. Scans, printouts, and photos of photos are rejected automatically.
Related articles
Talk to our Customer Experience team
If this article did not fully answer your question, our Customer Experience team is here to help.