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stuck on photo id verification - no photo id available
Summary: phcoll0 is struggling with eBay’s photo ID verification as they possess neither a passport nor a photocard driving licence. They were informed by customer support that a birth certificate and proof of address are not sufficient. Seeking an alternative, they inquired if anyone else in the UK managed to verify their account without photo ID. john1297576 responded by pointing out the necessity of strict ID requirements to prevent scammers. phcoll0 is hoping for advice from someone who has faced a similar situation.
Hi, hoping someone can help with this.
I’m currently stuck at eBay’s photo ID verification stage. I don’t have a passport or photocard driving licence, so I’m unable to complete the verification using the options provided.
I contacted eBay customer support today and explained that I don’t have any photo ID. I asked whether I could verify my identity using my UK birth certificate together with proof of address/bank documents, but I was told that this isn’t accepted and that I must provide photo ID.
I’ve since seen posts on the Community suggesting that people without photo ID may be able to use a birth certificate plus recent proof of address as an alternative.
Has anyone in the UK recently (2026) managed to complete seller verification without photo ID? If so, what documents did eBay accept and did you have to ask for the case to be escalated or manually reviewed?
I’m happy to provide a birth certificate, bank statement, utility/council documents or whatever reasonable evidence is required — I simply don’t currently possess photographic ID.
It seems strange that having no passport or driving licence could prevent someone from verifying an otherwise legitimate UK account, so I’m hoping there is an alternative verification route that telephone support may not have been aware of.
Any advice from someone who has actually been through this would be really appreciated. Thanks!
phcoll0
OPSep 14, 2026 at 12:54 PMits so frustrating
john1297576
MentorSep 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM“It seems strange that having no passport or driving licence could prevent someone from verifying”
Why?ebay never sees any member, and I am certain that scammers would be quick to jump at the opportunity to open accounts just on the evidence of documents which I am sure they would provide. It is the genuine person who has difficulty, scammers can provide any document requested.