Access age-restricted content & features

Some content and services are subject to age verification. To access age-restricted content or services, we may ask to confirm your date of birth using a valid credit card or government ID.

Use a credit card for age verification

  1. If you attempt to access age-restricted content or features, and you’re asked to verify your age, select Verify.
  2. Select Use your credit card.
  3. Follow the instructions to enter your credit info.

How credit card verification works

Important:

  • When you check your bank account or card statement, you may see a pending payment authorization. This authorization happens so Google can make sure the card is valid.
  • This is an authorization request, and not a charge. You don't pay for an authorization.
  • An authorization may stay in your account for 1-14 business days depending on your bank. If you still see the pending authorization after 14 business days, contact your bank for more information.

If you enter your credit card info for age verification, Google can use it to:

  • Confirm your credit card is current and valid.
  • Confirm you're old enough to access certain content, features, or services.

You won't be charged to verify your age.

Tip: If you enter your credit card info for age verification, Google will retain this data as necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Use an ID for age verification

  1. If you attempt to access age-restricted content or features, and you’re asked to verify your age, select Verify.
  2. Select Use your ID.
  3. Under "Confirm your date of birth" select:
    • Next if your date of birth is correct.
    • Correct date of birth if it’s incorrect.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to agree to ID verification.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to take a photo of your ID.
  6. Select Submit ID.

Tips for ID verification

Make sure that your ID image:

  • Shows the full document with all 4 corners.
  • Is clear, in color, and doesn't have glare.
  • Is large enough to show the words clearly.
  • Is in an image file format like .jpg or .png. Do not upload a .pdf file. 

Find valid types of ID for age verification

Some examples of a valid government ID may include your:

  • Driver’s license
  • Passport
  • National ID card

When you select an ID for verification, keep in mind that:

  • The types of ID you can use for age verification may vary by country.
  • Your country may have additional restrictions or other types of ID that you can use for age verification.
  • You may be able to submit a valid ID from your home country, even if you live somewhere else.
Get country-specific guidance
Country

Instructions

Australia Accepted types of IDs include: driver's license, Proof of Age card, or passport.
Belgium If you use your National ID, block out your photo and national registration number from your document.
Czechia Submit only the front of your ID card. Your name and surname, your date of birth, and the dates of issue and expiry of the ID document must be clearly visible; but you have the right to block out your other personal data, including your birth number, photo and sex. Do not block out the standard elements of the document, such as designs and headings.
Denmark You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document.
Finland You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document.
Germany For the national ID card and passport, you have the right to block out any parts of the image that are not necessary for identification, such as photo and signature.
Hungary Don't submit your address card.
Ireland Don't submit your Public Services Card (PSC).
Netherlands
  • Submit only the front of your ID card.
  • Block out your BSN from your document (it may appear in multiple locations).
  • You have the right to block out your photo on your document.
  • Consider using the KopieID App to assist.
Norway Block out your birth number on your document.
Portugal You are not required to provide your Citizen Card. You may provide another type of ID listed.
Slovakia You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document.
Sweden You have the right to block out your national identification number on your document.

How ID age verification works

If you upload a copy of your ID, your ID will be securely stored, won’t be made public, and will be deleted after your date of birth is successfully verified.

Google may use your ID to:

  • Confirm your ID is current and valid.
  • Confirm you're old enough to access certain content, features, or services.
  • Improve our verification services for Google products and protect against fraud and abuse.

In certain cases, your ID may be subject to manual review in accordance with Google security policies. Google will email you when the review is complete.

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