Verification Process Explained
How identity verification works for providers and clients
Last updated: December 2025
Introduction
TheOtherBoard offers several verification options to help establish trust between clients and providers. Understanding these verification levels helps you make informed decisions and participate safely in our community.
Verification Types
Email Verification
Basic account verification confirming email access.
Phone Verification
Confirms access to a working phone number.
ID Verification
Age and identity confirmed through secure process.
Photo Verification
Confirms profile photos are authentic.
For Providers
Required for all accounts:
- Enter your email during registration
- Click the verification link sent to your inbox
- Your email badge appears on your profile
Optional but recommended:
- Add your phone number in Account Settings
- Receive a verification code via SMS
- Enter the code to confirm
Benefits:
- Phone badge on your profile
- Higher trust level for clients
- Alternative contact method for account recovery
Prove your photos are authentic:
- Take a selfie holding a paper with your username and date
- Submit through your provider dashboard
- Our team reviews and approves
- Verified photos get a badge
The highest level of trust:
- Submit government ID through secure, encrypted channel
- We verify age and identity
- ID is never stored after verification
- Receive premium verification badge
What we verify:
- Age (21+ requirement)
- Photo matches profile
- Name (not displayed publicly)
For Clients
All client accounts require:
- Valid email address (verified)
- Age confirmation (21+)
- Agreement to terms of service
Increase your trust level with:
- Phone verification - Adds credibility
- Screening Ready status - Shows you're prepared to verify yourself to providers
- P411 membership - Third-party verification service
- References - Provider vouches build reputation
- Review history - Thoughtful reviews demonstrate experience
Preferred411 (P411) is a third-party screening service:
- Once verified with P411, add your ID to your profile
- Providers can instantly verify your standing
- Streamlines the screening process
- Accepted by many providers nationwide
Note: P411 membership requires independent verification through their platform.
Privacy & Security
- Encryption - All data transmitted securely
- Limited retention - IDs deleted after verification
- No sharing - We never sell or share verification data
- Staff training - Only trained staff handle sensitive data
- Secure storage - Enterprise-grade security measures
After verification, profiles show:
- Verification badges (not the underlying data)
- "Verified" status for each type
- When verification was completed
We never display:
- Legal names
- ID document images
- Personal contact information
- Verification selfies
If you have concerns about verification:
- Contact support with specific concerns
- Provide documentation if requesting removal
- Allow 24-48 hours for review
- Appeal decisions if needed
Understanding Trust Badges
Basic email confirmation completed
Working phone number confirmed
Profile photos confirmed authentic
Government ID checked and confirmed
Preferred411 member in good standing
Prepared to provide verification when requested
Frequently Asked Questions
No, ID verification is optional for most users. However, providers must verify their age (21+). Enhanced verification improves trust and may lead to more bookings.
Email and phone verification are instant. Photo and ID verification typically take 24-48 hours for manual review.
No. IDs are reviewed and then permanently deleted. We only retain the verification status (verified/not verified), never the actual documents.
You can request verification removal by contacting support. Note that some verifications (like email) are required for basic account functionality.
You'll receive an email explaining why. Common reasons include blurry photos, expired IDs, or mismatched information. You can resubmit after addressing the issue.