---
title: Verifying your identity (why we ask and how it works)
description: "Every seller on Horse Marketplace verifies their payment details and their identity before their listings go live. It takes about 10 minutes, and you only do it once. ## Why we ask Buying a horse, a horsebox or a [Booking](https://help.horsemarketplace.co.uk/encyclopedia/booking/)…"
url: "https://help.horsemarketplace.co.uk/docs/verifying-your-identity-why-we-ask-and-how-it-works/"
updated: "2026-10-11"
category: "Account & Settings"
tags:
  - Data Protection
  - Payment Processing
  - Privacy Policy
  - Seller Verification
  - Terms and Conditions
  - User Data Collection
---

# Verifying your identity (why we ask and how it works)

Every seller on Horse Marketplace verifies their payment details and their identity before their listings go live. It takes about 10 minutes, and you only do it once.

## Why we ask

Buying a horse, a horsebox or a [Booking](https://help.horsemarketplace.co.uk/encyclopedia/booking/) often means travelling a long way and spending a lot of money. Buyers need to know the seller is a real, named person. Checking every seller keeps scammers and fake adverts off the site, and it's why buyers can trust what they find here.

## How it works

1. Payment check with Stripe. Click the alert banner in your Seller Dashboard and add your details and bank account. You get the **Payment Verified** badge.
2. ID and face check with Horse Marketplace Verify. We email you a secure link. Photograph your driving licence or passport and take a live selfie. You get the **ID & Face Verified** badge.

Your listings are approved, and you can be paid, once you have both badges. Buyers see them on your profile and listings.

## Your information

Horse Marketplace keeps the result of your checks, not your documents. Stripe holds your payment details. Your ID photo and selfie are deleted once your check is complete. Buyers never see your ID, date of birth, address or bank details.

## Step-by-step guide

For every step, photo tips and troubleshooting, read [Verifying your payment details and identity](https://help.horsemarketplace.co.uk/docs/verifying-your-payment-details-and-identity/).