Here's the short answer: Binance's basic KYC does not require proof of address — just an ID document, a face scan, and a text description of your address. But 4 situations will trigger a proof-of-address requirement: advanced KYC, large withdrawals, risk-control review, and high-risk regions. Accepted documents include utility bills, bank statements, and government letters, and they must be issued within the last 3 months. Before you start, use the Binance Official Site to check your current KYC level; uploading is smoother from the Official Binance App, and if you're on iPhone and can't install it, see our iOS Install Guide.
Proof of Address (POA) is a standard requirement under international anti-money-laundering (AML) compliance. Binance's requirements vary by regional regulation. Below, we cover the triggers, accepted documents, and photo requirements in full.
| Scenario | Is Proof of Address Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic KYC (everyday retail use) | Not required | ID document + face scan is enough |
| Advanced KYC (2,000,000 USDT withdrawal limit) | Required | Must be submitted |
| Large single withdrawal (50,000 USDT or more) | Occasionally required | Randomly triggered by risk control |
| Risk-control review | Case by case | Multiple trigger conditions |
| Registration from a high-risk region | Required | Depends on regulation |
The vast majority of retail users will never encounter a proof-of-address requirement from registration through everyday use. It's only triggered when you do something "large-scale."
Binance requires users from certain regions to submit additional proof of address, for example:
Mainland China users doing basic KYC are not on this list.
| Document Type | Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water bill | Accepted | Within 3 months |
| Electricity bill | Accepted | Within 3 months |
| Gas bill | Accepted | Within 3 months |
| Internet/phone bill | Accepted | Within 3 months |
| Bank statement | Accepted | Must have official letterhead |
| Credit card statement | Accepted | Must have official letterhead |
| Government letter (tax notice, etc.) | Accepted | Within 6 months |
| Residential lease agreement | Accepted | Must be notarized or formal |
| Residence permit | Partially accepted | Depends on region |
| Courier delivery slip | Not accepted | / |
| Self-printed utility bill | Not accepted | Must be the official version |
| A letter written by a friend | Not accepted | Must come from an official institution |
A compliant proof of address must include:
If any one element is missing, the document will be rejected.
Utility payments in mainland China are now mostly made through Alipay or WeChat mini-programs, and paper bills are increasingly rare. Viable sources include:
In practice: screenshots are accepted about 30% less often than paper documents, because they aren't a "standard format." If you can get a paper bill, use that first.
A mainland China bank statement is the most reliable option:
This is the most recommended proof of address for mainland China users.
A paper credit card statement is an internationally standard form of proof of address. For mainland China users:
| Region | Recommended Document |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong | CLP/HK Electric electricity bill, Watsons Water bill, HSBC bank statement |
| Macau | Power company bill, bank statement |
| Taiwan | Taipower electricity bill, Chunghwa Telecom bill |
| United States | Utility bill, bank statement, credit card statement |
| Europe | Same as above |
If you're submitting a paper bill:
For bank statements and similar PDF files, upload them directly — don't print and re-photograph them (this reduces clarity):
The residential address you filled in for KYC and the address on your proof-of-address document must match exactly, word for word. For example:
Even minor discrepancies like this will get your submission rejected. If the wording on your proof of address differs, it's better to update your KYC address to match the bill's wording.
| Rank | Reason | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Document is older than 3 months | 30% |
| 2 | Name or address doesn't match | 25% |
| 3 | Not an official document (self-printed) | 20% |
| 4 | Document isn't clear or is obscured | 15% |
| 5 | Not on the accepted document list | 10% |
If you're upgrading to "Advanced KYC" (for a 2,000,000 USDT withdrawal limit), beyond proof of address you'll also need:
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Proof of source of funds | Payslip, bank statement (6 months) |
| Proof of employment | Employment certificate or company business license |
| Length of residence | Continuous residence at your current address for 3+ months |
Materials are reviewed manually by the Compliance department, taking 1 to 4 weeks.
The vast majority of retail users only ever need basic KYC and don't need to bother with Advanced KYC.
Q: Can I use a utility bill under my parents' name? A: No. The name on the proof of address must match your ID document. If you live with your parents but the utility account is under their name, providing a bank statement in your own name is a better option.
Q: What if I share a rental and there's no utility bill in my own name? A: Use a bank statement or credit card bill instead — as long as it's addressed to your name, that works. You can also use a courier delivery record as "proof of residence," but it's less commonly accepted.
Q: What if I just moved and don't have any bills yet? A: Wait a month or two until you have your first bill before doing Advanced KYC, or use a bank statement in the meantime (as long as your address appears on it).
Q: Are electronic (PDF) bills and paper bills treated the same? A: Yes. Binance accepts both. Electronic bills are more convenient — using PDF is recommended.
Q: Should the address on my proof of address be in English or Chinese? A: It should match the language you used for your KYC address. What matters most is that the two match.
Q: How long is proof of address valid for? A: Usually 3 months. Some strictly regulated regions require 1 month. It's best to use the most recent document you have from the start.
Q: Can I use a courier delivery slip signed for by someone else? A: No. Courier slips aren't on the accepted list, and they especially can't be signed for by someone else.
Most mainland China users doing basic KYC will never need proof of address, but if you're doing a large transaction or upgrading to Advanced KYC, preparing a bank statement or utility bill ahead of time saves you trouble. Our KYC Verification category has more scenario-specific guides.