Bitvavo: proving you own your self-custody wallet
Bitvavo verifies self-custody addresses by connecting a wallet (WalletConnect) and signing, or by uploading a full, uncropped screenshot or photo from your wallet app. You can verify ahead of time from your address book.
When Bitvavo asks
Where: EU (Travel Rule / TFR)
Threshold: Bitvavo says verification is needed "for certain" transactions. Its screenshot article mentions "larger" deposits and withdrawals. You verify once per address, for every token.
Accepted verification methods
| Method | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Connect wallet / WalletConnect signing | Accepted | Connect your wallet (for example MetaMask or Ledger) and sign a message. This is the fastest method. It only works for self-custody wallets.[1][2] |
| Screenshot or photo | Accepted | Upload a full, uncropped image of the wallet app showing the address (the full address, or at least the first 4 and last 4 characters). Block explorer screenshots and photos of another phone's screen are rejected. Photos of a hardware wallet device itself are allowed. Manual review can take a few business days.[3] |
| Satoshi test | Not listed | Not mentioned in the Bitvavo articles we checked. |
| Self-declaration | Accepted | For deposits from addresses Bitvavo does not recognise automatically, you may be asked to state the wallet type or declare whether the deposit came from you or someone else.[1] |
Step by step
Verify with WalletConnect[2]
- Add the address to your address book first.
- Go to your address book and tap the address you want to verify.
- Click "Verify now" next to the address.
- Choose "Self-custody wallet" as the wallet type.
- Select "WalletConnect" as the verification method.
- Choose your wallet app (for example MetaMask or Trust Wallet).
- Your wallet app opens. Sign the verification request.
- The address should then show as verified in your address book.
Verify with a screenshot[3]
- Open your wallet app.
- Select the cryptocurrency and tap Receive or Deposit to show your address.
- Take a full screenshot (not cropped) and save it.
- Check it meets Bitvavo's rules: address visible, wallet interface visible, not from a block explorer, not a photo of another phone.
- Upload it when Bitvavo asks.
Common errors and fixes
WalletConnect does not open my wallet app
Update both your wallet app and the Bitvavo app, and make sure your wallet supports WalletConnect. If it still fails, verify by screenshot.[2]
Screenshot rejected
Common causes are a cropped image, a screenshot from a block explorer such as Etherscan, a partly visible address, or a photo of another phone's screen. Screenshots showing transactions are only accepted if the transaction is no older than 14 days and shown inside the wallet app.[3]
BitBox wallet can't connect via WalletConnect
Bitvavo says to use the screenshot method for BitBox. For UTXO assets, turn on coin control in the BitBoxApp (Settings → Advanced settings → Enable coin control).[2]
"The address is already in my address book, why verify again?"
Being in the address book does not mean ownership is verified. Self-custody addresses still need verifying once.[1]
Status "Awaiting wallet verification"
Bitvavo needs proof that the address is yours. Verify it with one of the methods above and the transaction will resume.[1]
Deposit from someone else was rejected
Bitvavo does not accept third-party deposits and must return them. Refunds are not automatic: log in, ask for a human agent in chat, and confirm the refund can go back to the sending address.[1]
FAQ
Do I need to verify my Bitvavo address for each token?
No. Bitvavo says an address is verified once, for all future deposits and withdrawals of any token.
Can I withdraw from Bitvavo to a friend's wallet?
No. Bitvavo does not support sending crypto to anyone other than yourself.
How long does screenshot verification take?
Bitvavo says it is usually quick but can take up to a few business days.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-27. Numbers in brackets [n] in the text refer to this list.
KeyProof is not affiliated with Bitvavo. This guide summarizes Bitvavo's public help pages and may be out of date. Always follow the instructions in your Bitvavo app. Not legal, tax or financial advice.