PayPal Identity Verification Stuck: How to Fix It

Try these in order

1. Know why it's happening. For regulatory reasons PayPal has to confirm details like your name, address and date of birth — it calls this its Customer Identification Process (CIP) — and if you don't complete it you can lose features such as adding money from your bank (PayPal).
2. Update the PayPal app before trying the scan again. The facial biometric check needs the latest version: download or update the app, use your camera to scan the front and back of your government photo ID, then scan your face so PayPal can match the two (PayPal).
3. Switch to a computer instead of scanning. If the camera flow keeps failing, log in to PayPal on a computer and provide the required information there instead (PayPal).
4. Get your documents right before uploading. You'll usually need a copy of a government-issued ID plus proof of address issued within the past 12 months; you can photograph them with your phone and upload them. Business accounts need business documents too (PayPal).
5. Upload through the right page. Log in via a web browser, go to the Confirm your Identity page — or click the bell icon near the top — and upload your files there (PayPal).
6. If the SMS code never arrives, re-add your phone number. In Settings, under Phone Numbers, click + Add New to add your current number (or Change to edit it), then confirm it and request the code again (PayPal).
7. Enter the code quickly and use the right digits. The 6-digit code is in the body of the text — the 725-729 shortcode is not the code — and it expires after 5–10 minutes. If you miss the window, click Resend or Try another way (PayPal).