Here's how to get verified on Instagram

Make sure to have an ID handy.
 By 
Rachel Kraus
 on 
Here's how to get verified on Instagram
The blue checkmark wave is coming. Credit: Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images

Before Instagram rolled out the ability to request verification badges a couple years back, no one knew what went into the science of getting that blue badge. But now, there's an official process in place for getting verified. That's great news for anyone who's using Instagram for business, or anyone who just wants to be all that more Legit on the 'gram.

So, how to adorn your profile with the blue badge? There are just a few easy steps.

1. Go to your profile

Click the profile button in the bottom right corner.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

2. Navigate to settings

Click the three lines button in the top right corner, and click the Settings gear on the menu that pops up.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

In older versions of Instagram, you can get to Settings by clicking the gear button, which appears below your follower count.

3. Scroll down to the Request Verification button.

It's under the Account menu in Settings. Click!

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

4. Fill out the form

Type in your username (what comes after your @ symbol), and your full name.

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Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

5. Upload your ID photo.

Take a photo of your government-issued ID and upload it.

It must show your name and date of birth. Accepted documents include a driver's license, passport, or national identification card. If you don't have a government-issued ID, you can also use an "official business document," like a tax filing, recent utility bill, or article of incorporation.

6. Get notified.

Wait for Instagram to review your request, and look for a notification in your notifications tab.

Even if you request verification, it's no guarantee that Instagram will grant it to you. The blue badge is reserved for celebrities, public figures, global brands, or entities representing the brand. Instagram says that it will "review verification requests to confirm the authenticity, uniqueness, completeness and notability of each account." And it emphasized that it will focus on accounts that reach a large number of Instagram users — that is, accounts with a lot of followers.

Happy verifying!

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Rachel Kraus

Rachel Kraus is a Mashable Tech Reporter specializing in health and wellness. She is an LA native, NYU j-school graduate, and writes cultural commentary across the internetz.

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