Do you know how to get verified on LinkedIn, and what are the benefits of LinkedIn Verification? Are There Any Downsides to LinkedIn Verification? Are you aware that things could go wrong during the LinkedIn Verification Process?
LinkedIn updated its knowledge base article within the past week on LinkedIn Verification.
LinkedIn’s biometric verification process, powered by its trusted third-party partner, CLEAR, is a straightforward and secure way to verify your identity. If you have a valid government-issued ID from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico and a personal phone number from one of these countries, you’re eligible for this process, and it’s completely free!
How Do You Start the LinkedIn Verification Process?
LinkedIn offers biometric verification through its trusted partner, CLEAR. This secure verification process enables users to confirm their identity using facial and eye recognition technology. This secure verification process is only available on the LinkedIn mobile app (iOS and Android), not web browsers.
To qualify, you’ll need:
- A valid government-issued ID from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
- A personal phone number from one of these countries (business numbers are not accepted)
You can also use your work email for LinkedIn verification.
To complete LinkedIn’s biometric verification successfully, your LinkedIn profile’s name must match the name on your government-issued ID. If there’s a mismatch, your verification request may be rejected. If you have a LinkedIn profile in another language, your name must be consistent across all profiles. Once verification is approved, a verification badge will appear on your profile.
LinkedIn may display the issuing country of your ID, but your actual ID details will remain private. Ensuring the accuracy of your name and profile details can help you avoid delays and get verified smoothly!
Please don’t make the mistake I made! Change your name to match your ID exactly, and then you can change it back after you verify. My passport did not say Lynne Williams, Ed.D. Candidate, so it took a couple of months and a human to straighten things out.
What Are the Benefits of LinkedIn Verification?
Getting verified on LinkedIn is a game-changer. It boosts trust and credibility, making it easier for employers, recruiters, and professional connections to recognize real, authentic profiles. It’s a powerful tool that can open up new career opportunities and meaningful connections.
Here’s why LinkedIn verification is a game-changer:
- Prevents Impersonation & Fraud – Helps reduce fake profiles and scams.
- Enhances Visibility – Verified profiles may stand out in job searches and networking opportunities.
- Increases Engagement – A verification badge can boost response rates from employers and connections.
- Builds Professional Trust – Recruiters and hiring managers are likelier to engage with verified users and vice versa.
Verifying your LinkedIn profile demonstrates authenticity and improves your chances of career opportunities and meaningful connections.
Are There Any Downsides to LinkedIn Verification?
While LinkedIn verification enhances credibility, it’s important to remember that it’s completely optional. Here are some key points to keep in mind to ensure a smooth verification process.
- Privacy Concerns – Some users may feel uneasy sharing biometric data with a third-party provider like CLEAR, despite LinkedIn’s assurances of privacy and security.
- No Guaranteed Job Offers – Verification does not increase job opportunities or visibility in search results—it only confirms profile authenticity.
- Badge Removal & Reverification – If you remove your verification badge, you’ll need to repeat the process if you decide to get verified again.
Before verifying your profile, consider whether it aligns with your professional goals and comfort level with data sharing.
What Could Go Wrong During the LinkedIn Verification Process?
While LinkedIn verification is a great way to boost credibility, some users may face challenges. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Name Mismatch – Your LinkedIn profile name must exactly match your government-issued ID. If you have a secondary profile in another language, ensure consistency across both profiles.
- Technical Issues – The system requires good lighting for your selfie and a clear scan of your ID. Blurry images or poor lighting can cause rejections.
- Phone Number & Location Restrictions – Only users with a personal phone number from the U.S., Canada, or Mexico can complete verification. Business numbers are not accepted.
- Incomplete Submission – After verifying with CLEAR, click “Yes, Share” for the verification badge to appear on your LinkedIn profile. Skipping this step means your verification won’t be added.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure a smooth verification process and get your badge without delays.
How to Complete Your LinkedIn Verification with CLEAR
Follow these steps to complete the biometric verification process:
- Open the LinkedIn Mobile App
- Go to Your Profile
- Click Resources or the . . . Resources icon
- Select “About This Profile”
- Click “Verify Now” to start the verification process
- You’ll be redirected to CLEAR
- Enter your personal phone number or email
- If you do not have a CLEAR account, one will be created for you after entering your email
- Take a clear photo of yourself
- Take a photo of your government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
- Click “Yes, Share” to send the verification to LinkedIn
- Wait for confirmation to see if your verification was successful
How to Remove LinkedIn Verification from Your Profile
If you want to delete your LinkedIn verification, follow these steps:
- Click Me (your profile picture in the menu bar)
- Select Settings & Privacy
- Scroll to Verifications under Account Preferences
- Confirm deletion (this action cannot be undone)
If you encounter any issues, check LinkedIn’s troubleshooting tips.
What’s Next for LinkedIn Verification?
LinkedIn biometric verification is currently available through CLEAR in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but future expansions may introduce additional third-party partners to support verification worldwide.
- Why Get Verified?
Verifying your identity on LinkedIn enhances trust and credibility, making it easier to network, do job searches, and establish professional connections. - How Does CLEAR Verification Work?
The process is similar to that of TSA PreCheck for air travel. However, while CLEAR membership for airport security requires payment, LinkedIn verification through CLEAR is entirely free. If you already have a CLEAR membership, you can continue to use it for LinkedIn verification.
As LinkedIn expands its verification options, more professionals will be able to build credibility and stand out. Stay tuned for updates!
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BIO
Lynne M. Williams is the Executive Director of the Great Careers Network, a volunteer-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides career development and networking connections for 1) job seekers in career transition, including veterans, and 2) employed and self-employed for career management.
Aside from writing keyword-focused content for ATS resumes and LinkedIn profiles, Lynne is writing her doctoral dissertation on LinkedIn for Job Seekers. She is a contributing author on “Applying to Positions” in Find Your Fit: A Practical Guide to Landing the Job You Love, along with the late Dick Bolles, the author of What Color is Your Parachute?, and is also a speaker on career topics.
