Frequently asked questions

You need to prove your age so websites can follow the law and help protect younger users from accessing things that aren’t right for them, such as adult content or age-restricted purchases.

Many countries are introducing laws that require websites and apps to check users’ ages, especially when it comes to accessing adult, sensitive, or age-restricted content.

Examples include the UK, France, Germany, Australia, and certain states in the USA. These rules are designed to help protect children and ensure that only the right age groups access certain content.

Some platforms may also choose to add age checks even where it’s not legally required, to provide a safer and more appropriate experience for their users.

If you would like to learn more, we regularly update our blog with information about age laws around the world.

There are several ways to prove your age online, depending on what the website or service supports:

• Facial age estimation – quickly estimates your age from a selfie, no ID needed
• ID document upload – submit a valid passport, driving licence, or other official ID
• Credit card check – confirms you’re an adult based on card ownership
• Email or phone number checks – estimates age using account history or metadata
• Database checks – securely match your details against official or third-party records
• Digital ID apps – like Yoti, let you reuse a verified age check across multiple sites

Yes, facial age estimation uses just a selfie to check if you look old enough, with no ID required.

Keep in mind that different websites set their own age thresholds. So if you’re close to the age limit, the system might not be confident enough, and you may be asked to verify your age another way, such as with an ID.

Just moments! Most checks are completed in under a minute, depending on the method you choose.

In general, it’s best not to share your ID or personal details online unless you’re using a trusted, secure service.

That’s why Yoti is designed with privacy in mind. During an age check, we don’t store or share your ID or personal information with the website. We only share the result (like “over 18”), nothing more.

No, when you use Yoti age verification methods the website will not see your ID, your selfie, or any personal details. They’ll only receive a yes/no result confirming whether you meet the age requirement.

If you were using facial age estimation, your result may have been below the required threshold, a bit like a digital version of Challenge 25.

If you look young or are close to the cut-off age, the system may not be confident enough to approve you. In that case, you can usually choose another method, such as uploading an ID or using a digital ID app.

Just a reminder: to pass any age check, you do need to actually meet the required age. The technology is designed to help enforce age-restricted access fairly and securely.

Don’t panic! If one method doesn’t work, you’ll usually be offered another way to prove your age, like uploading an ID or using a different type of check. Just follow the on-screen instructions.