Video identification (video ident)
A process in which you identify yourself with your ID document via video chat instead of visiting a branch. Providers use it for the legally required KYC check; scammers abuse it to open accounts in other people’s names.
Alsovideo identVideoIdentvideo verificationonline identification
With video identification, you show your ID document and your face to trained staff at an identification service via smartphone or laptop. Providers use it for the KYCGlossaryKYC (Know Your Customer)The obligation of regulated providers to identify you before the business relationship starts and to ask, for example, about its purpose and, where necessary, the source of your money. In Germany, the legal basis is the Money Laundering Act (GwG).On the learning path: Stage 4 · Step 3 – Buying Bitcoin →In the glossary → check when you open an account.
What BaFin requires
For firms supervised by BaFinGlossaryBaFin (Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority)Germany’s financial regulator, based in Bonn and Frankfurt am Main. In Germany, it is responsible for authorising and supervising crypto service providers under MiCA, and it warns about unauthorised offers.On the learning path: Stage 6 · Step 2 – Spotting scams →In the glossary →, Germany’s financial regulator, the rules of its Circular 3/2017 apply (as of September 2026):[1]
- only end-to-end encrypted video chats,
- you tilt your ID document in front of the camera; at least three randomly selected security features are checked,
- the front and back of the document and you yourself are captured on screen, and your face is compared with the ID photo,
- you enter a sequence of digits (TAN) sent to you by text message or email during the call.
Some providers offer the online ID function of the German identity card as an alternative.
Other schemes are covered in Spotting & avoiding scams.
Related terms
These terms are closely connected.
- This termVideo identification(video ident)
- KYC (Know Your Customer)The obligation of regulated providers to identify you before the business relationship starts and to ask, for example, about its purpose and, where necessary, the source of your money. In Germany, the legal basis is the Money Laundering Act (GwG).
- BaFin (Germany’s Federal Financial Supervisory Authority)Germany’s financial regulator, based in Bonn and Frankfurt am Main. In Germany, it is responsible for authorising and supervising crypto service providers under MiCA, and it warns about unauthorised offers.
- PhishingFraud using fake emails, text messages, websites or calls that look like genuine exchanges, wallet makers or banks. The goal is your passwords, 2FA codes – and above all your seed phrase.
- Two-factor authentication (2FA)Logging in with two independent proofs, such as a password plus a code from an authenticator app. For accounts with exchanges and Bitcoin apps, 2FA is a must – and SMS codes are the weakest option.
Explained in depth
These articles go into more detail:
- Stage 4 · Step 3Buying BitcoinRegistration, ID check, two-factor protection, SEPA deposit and first purchase: the complete process with example screens and warnings.
- Stage 6 · Step 2Spotting scamsPhishing, fake support, investment and romance scams, AI fakes: how to spot 13 typical Bitcoin scams – and what to do if the worst happens.
More from „Buying & trading“
Sources2 sources · 2 publishers
The superscript numbers in the text refer to these sources.
- Rundschreiben 3/2017 (GW) – Videoidentifizierungsverfahren – BaFin, 10.04.2017 (accessed 28/09/2026)
- Video-Ident-Verfahren: Warnung vor Missbrauch – Verbraucherzentrale (German consumer advice centres), 07.10.2025 (accessed 28/09/2026)
This entry is for education only and is not investment, tax or legal advice.