> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dev-docs.pagoramp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Identification requirements by country

`identification` on a customer is optional when you create the customer. This page lists, per country, which identification types we accept and when a virtual account needs one. For the other customer fields see the [customers guide](https://dev-docs.pagoramp.com/customers), and for what each currency needs see [Virtual account requirements](https://dev-docs.pagoramp.com/virtual-accounts-requirements).

```json theme={null}
{ "identification": { "type": "BVN", "number": "12345678901" } }
```

* `type` is the value in the first column of the tables below.
* `number` is stored encrypted and never returned. Responses show the type and the last four characters only.
* Pass the customer's `country` (ISO 3166-1 alpha-2) so the right list applies. You can fetch the list for a form with `GET /customers/identification-types?country=NG`. Omit `country` to get every list.
* We check the length of `BVN` and `NIN` when you create or update the customer; a wrong length returns `422` with `invalid_format`. Every other type is verified by the provider when you create the virtual account.
* Businesses use the same types for the director or owner, plus `registrationNumber` on the customer.

## Nigeria (NG)

| `type` | Document | Format |
| - | - | - |
| `BVN` | Bank Verification Number | 11 digits |
| `NIN` | National Identification Number | 11 digits |
| `passport` | International passport | |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license | |

**Needed for:** NGN virtual accounts. A `BVN` or `NIN` is required for individuals and businesses. Other types are accepted on the customer but do not satisfy an NGN account.

## Ghana (GH)

| `type` | Document |
| - | - |
| `ghana_card` | Ghana Card |
| `passport` | Passport |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. GHS accounts need names and email only. Keep identification on file in case the provider asks for it.

## Kenya (KE)

| `type` | Document |
| - | - |
| `national_id` | National ID card |
| `passport` | Passport |
| `tax_id` | KRA PIN |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. KES accounts need names (or business name) and email only.

## United States (US)

| `type` | Document | Format |
| - | - | - |
| `ssn` | Social Security Number | 9 digits |
| `passport` | Passport | |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license | |
| `tax_id` | Tax identification number (for example ITIN or EIN) | |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. USD accounts verify the customer on a hosted page. The create call returns `status: requires_action` with a `nextStep` link, and the customer enters their identification there.

## Canada (CA)

| `type` | Document | Format |
| - | - | - |
| `sin` | Social Insurance Number | 9 digits |
| `passport` | Passport | |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license | |

**Needed for:** CAD accounts need more than a number. Individuals need an ID document and a utility bill sent as `documents` (types `id_document` and `utility_bill`), plus date of birth, nationality, occupation and address. Businesses need `registrationNumber`, `owners` and an `incorporation` document. See [Virtual account requirements](https://dev-docs.pagoramp.com/virtual-accounts-requirements#cad-canada).

## Euro area (EUR)

Applies to Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

| `type` | Document |
| - | - |
| `national_id` | National ID card |
| `passport` | Passport |
| `tax_id` | Tax identification number |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. EUR accounts verify the customer on a hosted page, the same way as USD.

## United Kingdom (GB)

| `type` | Document |
| - | - |
| `passport` | Passport |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license |
| `national_insurance_number` | National Insurance number |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. GBP accounts are for business customers only and verify on a hosted page.

## Tanzania (TZ)

| `type` | Document | Format |
| - | - | - |
| `nida` | NIDA national ID number | 20 digits |
| `passport` | Passport | |
| `tax_id` | TIN | |

**Needed for:** nothing up front. TZS accounts need names (or business name) only.

## Rest of the world

Any country not listed above, for example a customer in Brazil or India who is paying into a USD account.

| `type` | Document |
| - | - |
| `passport` | Passport |
| `national_id` | National ID card |
| `drivers_license` | Driver's license |
| `tax_id` | Tax identification number |

**Needed for:** nothing up front, unless the currency itself asks for it (NGN needs a `BVN` or `NIN` whatever the customer's country).

## Errors

| Status | Code | Meaning |
| - | - | - |
| `422` | `invalid_format` | A `BVN` or `NIN` is not 11 digits |
| `400` | `required` on `identification.type` or `identification.number` | The account you asked for needs identification the customer does not have. Add it with `PATCH /customers/{uuid}` and retry |
| `409` | `customer_identity_locked` | Identification cannot change while the customer has an active virtual account |


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