Use this KB if: CSS Notes show “FL subject to ID verification after onboarding (US)”:
If ID Badge case: See **ID Verification Badge
- To check for ID Badge, go to Identity box > click “Show details” next to FIVS Status and look for:
If Location Verification case (typically the case if none of the above): See “Troubleshooting” tab on **Location Selection & Verification
To keep Upwork the most trusted freelance marketplace, we may require some new freelancers to verify their ID after their application to join has been accepted.
New U.S. freelancers may be asked to verify their ID (standard IDV flow) before they submit a proposal to their first job post. They will be asked to upload an image of a valid government-issued ID and verification should happen instantly.
Upon successful verification, FLs can apply to jobs. They will be also U.S. location verified at the same time, so they can apply to both U.S.-only jobs and global jobs.
If they fail IDV or run into an error, they will be instructed to contact CS for next steps.
Users who contact CS can be given the option to do a manual review of documents (internally known as FIVs). In the case that manual review discovers fraudulent documents, the user will be suspended.
When a user fails IDV or runs into an error, they will be instructed to contact CS for next steps. Users who contact CS can be given the option to do a manual review of documents (internally known as FIVs). In the case that manual review discovers fraudulent documents, the user will be suspended.
The first and last name on their ID must match the name on their profile. During ID verification, they will be asked to confirm their name. If they change their name after successful verification, they lose their verification and therefore will no longer be able to apply to jobs.
Why are you asking me to upload my ID before I can submit a proposal for a job?
Thanks for your question. To keep Upwork the most trusted freelance marketplace, we frequently require freelancers to verify their identity. This process typically takes only a few minutes and helps better ensure Upwork is a safe place for clients and freelancers to work together.
I saw the prompt to verify my ID but no longer see it. What should I do?
Thanks for your question. You can click this link: https://www.upwork.com/freelancers/id/verification
I changed my name on my profile and now I can’t submit proposals. Why?
Thanks for your question. If you change your first or last name on your Upwork account you will no longer be considered verified and will not be able to submit proposals. To resolve this issue, please update the name on your Upwork account so it matches your ID. You’ll automatically be re-verified. Note: You are not required to include your middle name for verification.
Can I change my name to anything I want?
Thanks for your question. Your profile name still needs to follow our profile name guidelines, which allows for some name variations, e.g., “Jim” vs. “James,” “Vlad” vs. “Vladimir,” or “Manny” vs. “Manuel.” Business names other than your own name, numbers, symbols, profanity, and hate speech are not permitted.