According to Google's recently updated support document, all new users who apply for a Google Voice mobile phone number must now complete identity verification measures. Only after completing the verification can the number be used to send and receive text messages, make and receive calls, which means that the number is basically unusable without completing the verification.

So what materials are needed to complete identity verification? The answer is government-issued identity documents, such as ID cards, passports, or driver's licenses. Google will use automated processes to review them, but it may also trigger a manual review mechanism that requires Google staff to manually review the documents.

Why do I need to authenticate myself?

The statement given by Google is mainly to combat abuse and prevent black and gray products from using Google Voice numbers to send spam text messages and conduct other malicious activities. This is also a change made by Google to meet the requirements of regulatory agencies.

And in order to prevent black and gray products from exploiting vulnerabilities for verification, Google only allows a limited number of identity verifications. That is, if an account fails to pass verification after submitting its identity document several times, then this number may not be able to be submitted for verification again.

Please note when submitting documents:

  • All documents must be from the same user (same name)

  • Submit valid documents

  • Take a complete photo of the entire document, including all four corners

  • Documents must be clearly visible, without reflection or glare, etc.

What will happen after submitting the certificate:

  • If the certificate is valid and Google verification is valid, a prompt of immediate passing will be returned.

  • If you fail to pass the automated process review, a manual review will be triggered and you will need to wait a few days.

  • If the manual review fails, the user needs to resubmit the file.

  • If the documents submitted multiple times fail to pass the review, they are not allowed to be submitted again, and the corresponding number cannot be used.