Upgraded to PRO? Great! Now you can benefit from PRO plan features. However, you'll need to link your FIDE ID to take part in official tournaments or on FIDE Online Arena, get FOA Titles, and have your official Rating.
We’ve integrated Stripe Identity, a world-class verification service, directly into our web app. As soon as you go through the verification flow, your identity is checked, confirmed, and synced with FIDE in real time — and you’re ready to start playing.
💡 What do I need to verify?
Just a few things:
A government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or national ID)
A phone or computer with a camera
A quiet place with decent lighting
1.Get Started
Log in to chessarena.com. You can do that on your computer or from phone browser.
*Please note that automatic verification does not work for iPads.
Click on your profile and choose “Connect FIDE ID”
If you already have FIDE ID, don’t forget to choose that option. If you don’t, click on “Create FIDE id”.
2. Verify your identity.
Click on “Automated Verification”. It is a very quick and automated way to verify your identity. To find out more about it, continue with this article.
Follow the step-by-step process of the Automated Verification.
Verify the authenticity of your ID document.
Match your ID with photos of your face.
Validate your ID number against global databases.
Stripe will capture images of you and your photo ID document to confirm your identity.
Here are some Stripe requirements. Learn which documents Stripe accepts for verification of identity, address, and legal entity.
* If something goes wrong, no worries, just choose “Manual Verification”. Upon Manual Verification, you’ll need to submit requested documents in special form. Then one of the Support Team members will check them and approve your FIDE ID request.
*If you are under 13, there will be one additional step for you. Stripe will ask your parent or trustee to submit their document and agree to processing your personal data. We do that for your security and in accordance with FIDE regulations.
3. Verification submitted? Perfect! Connect your FIDE ID.
Now you can get your FIDE ID. Click on “Continue”. If you already have one, the system will suggest profiles for you to choose. If you never had a FIDE ID, proceed with the new one.
Done? Great! Now you can start playing officially ✨
🏁 What happens after I verify?
You’re officially in.
Your account becomes FIDE ID–linked, your rating becomes official, and you can participate in all FIDE Online Arena activities. Your ID will also be visible on your profile and downloadable for tournament use.
Now, a few words about Stripe Verification
🌍 Is it available everywhere?
Yes — almost everywhere.
Stripe Identity supports document and ID verification in over 160 countries, meaning the vast majority of Chess Arena users can now verify their FIDE ID instantly, no matter where they are.
🚀 Is it quick?
Yes! This marks the first time in chess history that a player can go from “signing up online” to “FIDE-recognized competitor” in under 5 minutes.
🔐 Is it safe?
Yes. Stripe Identity is trusted by global companies like Airbnb, Shopify, and Discord. Here's how it works:
Your documents are checked using machine learning and human fallback review (when needed).
Verification includes liveness detection, document matching, and facial recognition.
All sensitive data is encrypted and stored securely according to global compliance standards.
From Stripe:
“Stripe Identity helps businesses securely verify the identities of users while minimizing friction and fraud.”
Source: Stripe Identity Documentation
Chess Arena does not store your documents — Stripe handles the verification process securely and passes us only the confirmation.