How to Verify Upwork Account

Updated on:

May 12, 2026

By:

Use this interactive demo to learn how to complete the Upwork identity verification process step by step.

Quick summary

Verifying your Upwork account is a required step that confirms your identity and raises your profile completion to 100%, making you eligible to apply for jobs. The process involves initiating identity verification, completing phone verification via SMS, and waiting up to 48 hours for Upwork to review your submitted documents.

Steps

On your Upwork dashboard, select 'Get started' to begin the account verification process.
Click 'Start now' to proceed to the identity verification flow.
Complete phone verification by entering your number and clicking 'Send' to receive a code via SMS or automated call.
After submitting your documents, wait 24–48 hours for Upwork to review your verification submission — you will receive an email notification once complete.
Once your profile is verified, your profile completion percentage will update to 100%.

📌 Why this matters

Completing Upwork account verification is essential for freelancers who want to build trust with clients and unlock full platform access. A verified Upwork profile signals credibility, increases visibility in search results, and is often a prerequisite for winning high-value contracts. The identity verification process — which includes phone verification and document review — is a one-time step that permanently boosts your profile completion score to 100%. Understanding exactly how to verify your Upwork account removes friction and helps freelancers get to work faster.

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