As of June 5, 2025, Etsy requires all sellers to undergo mandatory verification. This initiative aims to strengthen trust between buyers and sellers, reduce fraud and counterfeit listings, and uphold platform standards. Without completing verification, your account will face restrictions: you will be unable to list new items or receive payments. For full details, refer to Etsy’s House Rules and Seller Policy: https://www.etsy.com/legal/house-rules

What Information Must You Provide?

a) Personal Identification Documents

• A photo of your passport, driver’s license, or national ID card.
• A selfie clearly showing your face for comparison with your ID.

Upload your documents via Shop Manager → Confirm Info. Accepted formats: JPG or PNG, up to 10 MB per file.

b) Biometric vs. Non-Biometric Verification

• Biometric Verification: Etsy partners with Persona to instantly match your selfie with your ID photo. Learn more: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/22504854625815-Identity-Verification-with-Persona-on-Etsy
• Manual Review: If you opt out of biometric, Etsy support staff will review your documents manually. Details: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001980067-How-to-Verify-Your-Seller-Information-for-Etsy-Payments

Process and Timelines

• Biometric verification is typically completed within seconds—simply grant camera access and capture your selfie.
• Manual verification may take 24 hours to 5 business days, depending on support volume.

Check your verification status—“Pending,” “Verified,” or “Declined”—in Shop Manager.

Deadlines and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Etsy will notify you by email and within Shop Manager → Messages, specifying your individual deadline. Failure to complete verification by this date will result in:

• Payment holds on sales proceeds;
• Suspended ability to list new items;
• Temporary shop suspension until verification is finalized.

For troubleshooting, see: https://help.etsy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360001980067-How-to-Verify-Your-Seller-Information-for-Etsy-Payments#troubleshooting

Data Retention and Seller Rights

Etsy retains your information in accordance with its Privacy Policy: https://www.etsy.com/legal/privacy

• Non-biometric data (IDs, selfies) is stored up to six years after account closure;
• Biometric data is stored for one year post-verification.

Your rights include:

• Updating or correcting personal information in your profile;
• Revoking consent for biometric processing under Privacy & Security settings;
• Appealing any declined verification through the Help Center.

Legal Basis for the Requirement

This verification stems from:

• Etsy’s updated House Rules and Seller Policy;
• Regulatory requirements such as the U.S. INFORM Consumers Act, DAC7, and the Digital Services Act (DSA);
• International anti-fraud and consumer protection standards.

These measures help maintain a transparent, secure marketplace.

Action Steps for Sellers

1. Watch for Etsy’s notification (email + Shop Manager message).
2. Go to Shop Manager → Confirm Info.
3. Upload your ID documents and a selfie; select either biometric or manual verification.
4. Monitor your verification status.
5. Contact Etsy Support or submit an appeal if you encounter issues.

Summary

• What: Mandatory identity verification using documents and a selfie.
• When: Begins June 5, 2025; must be completed by your individual deadline.
• Consequences: Without verification, you lose listing and payment capabilities.
• Your Rights: GDPR and other data protection laws apply—update, revoke consent, or appeal if necessary.