How to get verified on Facebook

Facebook verification is the process of getting a profile or page verified to show other users that it represents your authentic presence on the platform. A blue checkmark appears next to the name of a verified account, signaling to your audience that you are exactly who you say you are.

Considering Facebook is the world’s largest social media network, it makes sense that your business would want that verified badge. We’ve put together an up-to-date guide covering both ways to get verified, as well as the tips that give you the best shot at approval.

The audience on Facebook is massive

Facebook has more than 3 billion monthly active users as of 2025, making it the world’s largest social media platform, far ahead of YouTube’s 2.5 billion. More than 2.1 billion of those users log in every single day. That’s an enormous audience for any brand trying to grow its reach.

Facebook verification validates your brand

With the potential to reach so many users, Facebook verification can help your page build credibility and a trusting relationship with your target audience. Verified pages also experience higher engagement rates and more trust from potential customers compared to unverified pages. Verification is also a cornerstone of growing consumer trust online.

What is Facebook verification?

Facebook verification confirms that an account genuinely represents the person, brand, or organization it claims to be. The blue checkmark badge is the visible signal of that confirmation. It puts a clear distinction between your real page and any fan pages, impersonators, or parody accounts that may exist.

Ensures authenticity of content

In addition to building trust, Facebook verification helps public figures, brands, and companies who are susceptible to being impersonated with fake pages establish that they actually are who they say they are. A common example is the real Facebook page for a brand or celebrity versus pages run by fans or imposters. With fake account creation rising significantly in recent years, a verified badge is more valuable than ever.

Prioritized in search results

Facebook’s algorithm gives priority to verified pages and profiles in its search results, which can improve your brand’s reach and help potential customers find the real you first. As part of your broader Facebook marketing strategy, getting verified is one of the highest-impact steps you can take.

Two paths to verification

As of 2026, there are two distinct ways to get a blue checkmark on Facebook. Understanding the difference is key to choosing the right path for your situation.

Path 1: Traditional (free) verification

The original Facebook verification program has existed since 2013 and remains free. It is, however, intended for accounts with genuine public interest. These are well-known brands, celebrities, journalists, politicians, and major organizations. The bar is high, and approval is far from guaranteed.

To be eligible for traditional verification, your page or profile must be:

• Authentic: It must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.
• Unique: It must be the sole official presence for that person or business. Facebook will not verify multiple accounts for the same entity (language-specific accounts are the exception).
• Complete: Your profile or page must be fully filled out, with a profile photo, cover photo, About section, and at least one recent post.
• Notable: The person, brand, or entity must be well-known and frequently searched for. Facebook is more likely to approve accounts that feature in multiple reputable news sources and publications.
• Active: Your page must show a consistent history of posting. Low activity or an abandoned-looking page will work against you.

Steps to apply for traditional Facebook verification

To officially apply for the free Facebook verification badge:

1. Log in to Facebook and open the Facebook verification request form.
2. Choose your verification type: personal profile (if you’re a public figure) or Facebook Page (for businesses and brands).
3. Confirm your authenticity by uploading credible documentation. For individuals, this means a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport). For organizations, submit a certificate of formation, articles of incorporation, tax documents, or a utility bill in the business name.
4. Confirm your notability by selecting a category for your page or profile, so Facebook can assess whether your account is something people are interested in or actively searching for.
5. Add the country where you or your business is most well-known.
6. Optionally, add your audience details and any “also known as” names for your business. The more information you provide, the easier it is for Facebook to confirm your verification.
7. Optionally, add up to five articles or links that demonstrate your page is in the public interest: news coverage, a Wikipedia page, mentions in reputable publications, or your other verified social media profiles all help strengthen your application.
8. Click Send to submit. Facebook has automated processes that may reject ineligible applications immediately. If you don’t receive an immediate rejection, your application is under review.

Traditional Facebook verification is not guaranteed. If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days. Use that time to strengthen your online presence, gather more press coverage, and ensure your page is as complete and active as possible before applying again.

Path 2: Meta Verified (paid subscription)

Launched in 2023, Meta Verified opened up Facebook verification to virtually any legitimate person or business with no media coverage required. In exchange for a monthly subscription fee, Meta confirms your identity via government ID and grants you the blue checkmark, along with a suite of additional benefits.

Meta Verified is available in two flavors: one for individual creators and one for businesses, each with multiple tiers.

Meta Verified for individuals (creators and public figures)

Individual plans provide a verified badge on Facebook (and optionally Instagram), proactive impersonation protection, and access to live chat support. Pricing for individuals is approximately:

• Web: About $11.99/month
• Mobile (iOS/Android): About $14.99/month (slightly higher due to app store fees)

To be eligible for the individual plan, you must be at least 18 years old, have two-factor authentication enabled, and provide a government-issued ID that matches your Facebook name and profile photo exactly.

Meta Verified for businesses

Business plans require you to have full control of a business portfolio within Meta Business Suite for at least 30 days. Meta currently offers four business tiers:

Tips to improve your chances of getting (and staying) verified

Whether you’re pursuing the free traditional badge or subscribing to Meta Verified, the following tips apply to both paths and will help ensure your verification sticks long-term.

Be professional

When it comes to being professional on Facebook as a brand, there are a few things to consider:

• Your Facebook page’s overall impression should match the image your brand presents elsewhere online.
• Only share on-brand, relevant content. Avoid off-brand logos, low-quality images, incorrect grammar and spelling, or anything that doesn’t reflect your brand voice.
• Your business name on Facebook must match your official documentation exactly. If you use a trade name or DBA, make sure that’s reflected consistently.

Put yourself in a customer’s shoes when looking at your page. What do you see? Better yet, ask a colleague for an unbiased opinion with a fresh set of eyes.

Maintain up-to-date business information

Before applying for Facebook verification, make sure your entire Facebook business profile is complete. This includes a profile photo, cover photo, a detailed About section, working links to your website (and a link back to your Facebook page from your website), and accurate contact information.

Keep that information current. If you’ve moved locations, changed business hours, launched new products or services, or updated your website, reflect those changes on your Facebook page immediately. Inconsistencies between your page and your official documentation are a primary cause of verification rejection.

Enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is required for Meta Verified applicants and strongly recommended for anyone pursuing traditional verification. It adds a critical layer of security to your account and signals to Meta that you take account integrity seriously. You can enable it under Settings & Privacy > Settings > Security and Login on Facebook.

Post engaging content regularly

Content (and engaging content in particular) is everything on social media. Without it, your Facebook page looks like an abandoned listing that is unlikely to receive verification.

When creating content, keep your audience in mind along with their needs, challenges, and interests. Facebook’s algorithm currently favors Reels, albums, and Groups-based content over traditional link posts, so diversifying your content types will help engagement.

Consistency is critical

When it comes to frequency, consistency is critical. You don’t want to publish several posts in one day and then go silent for weeks. Aim for a regular cadence that you can sustain.

Consider using a content calendar

A content calendar can help keep you organized. Also check out how often you should be posting on social media, especially Facebook, to hit the right frequency.

Beyond publishing content, engage actively with your followers. Reply to comments and direct messages, comment on relevant posts from other users, and consider hosting Facebook Live sessions to answer questions directly. An engaged audience demonstrates to Meta that you’re a notable brand people genuinely follow, which works in your favor for verification.

Build cross-platform credibility

Link your Facebook page from your official website, and link back from your website to your Facebook page. Cross-referencing your presence across platforms (including your other social media profiles, a Wikipedia page if applicable, and press mentions) helps Meta confirm your authenticity.

For traditional verification in particular, media coverage in reputable publications carries significant weight. Paid mentions and sponsored content do not count. Facebook specifically looks for organic, editorial coverage.

Follow Facebook’s community standards

Do you know what Facebook’s Community Standards are? In short, they’re a robust set of guidelines that outline acceptable use of the Facebook platform. If you’re violating these standards, you risk not getting verified. If you get verified and then violate them, Facebook can revoke your badge.

Be especially careful with any advertising. Posts that promote financial services, health claims, or sensitive categories can unknowingly trigger Facebook’s automated moderation tools. Reviewing the guidelines, keeping two-factor authentication active, and staying true to your Facebook marketing strategy will help you get (and stay) verified.

Common reasons for rejection (and what to do)

Understanding why applications get denied can help you avoid the most common pitfalls:

• Incomplete profile: An empty bio, missing contact information, or a lack of recent posts signals low credibility.
• Mismatched documentation: If your legal name, business name, or document details don’t match your Facebook page exactly, your application will be rejected.
• Insufficient notability: For traditional verification, a few thousand followers alone won’t qualify you. You need genuine media coverage or significant public recognition.
• Past community standards violations: Any prior violations on your account can disqualify you.
• Blurry or altered documents: Submit clear, current, unaltered copies of all identification.

Conclusion

If you don’t get verified the first time you apply through the traditional (free) path, you can try again in 30 days. Use that window to review what you can improve about your Facebook presence. You may receive at least partial feedback from Meta explaining the denial. Address those issues before reapplying.

If you need the blue badge more immediately (or don’t meet the notability threshold for the free path) Meta Verified’s paid subscription is a reliable and accessible alternative. The Standard business plan at $14.99/month is a practical starting point for most brands.

Whichever path you take, remember that verification is just the beginning. Continued engagement with followers, high-quality content creation, and a well-rounded social media advertising and management strategy are what turn verification into real business value.