> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.zulma.ca/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Identity and background checks

> How Zulma verifies your government ID and runs a background check before you take jobs.

Every Pro on Zulma is verified before taking work. There are two checks, and both happen during onboarding. The goal is simple: customers trust a verified network, and verification keeps the platform safe for everyone on it.

<Info>
  You complete identity verification and the background check once, as part of onboarding. You cannot accept jobs until both clear.
</Info>

## The two checks

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Identity verification" icon="badge-check">
    You confirm your government-issued ID through Stripe Identity, securely, inside onboarding.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Background check" icon="shield-check">
    A third-party background check runs before you can take jobs.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## 1. Verify your government ID

During onboarding you verify your government-issued ID through Stripe Identity. This is a secure, guided step built into the flow.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the identity step">
    Onboarding walks you to the identity verification step automatically.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Photograph your ID">
    Follow the on-screen prompts to capture your government-issued ID and a quick selfie so it can be matched to the document.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit and continue">
    Once it is submitted, you carry on with the rest of onboarding while the check completes.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  You verify your ID once here. You do not need to re-photograph it later to get paid. Your payout setup through Stripe reuses this verification.
</Tip>

## 2. Pass the background check

Before you can take jobs, you pass a third-party background check. This is standard for a network that sends Pros into customers' homes and businesses.

You start the background check during onboarding. Processing time depends on the check itself, so it can clear quickly or take a little longer. You can continue setting up the rest of your profile while it runs, and you will be able to accept your first job once it clears.

<Note>
  Both checks must clear before jobs unlock. Identity verification and the background check are separate steps, and finishing one does not skip the other.
</Note>

## What to have ready

| Item                         | Why it matters                                                                                            |
| ---------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| A valid government-issued ID | Needed for identity verification through Stripe Identity.                                                 |
| Good lighting                | A clear photo of your ID and selfie helps the identity check pass on the first try.                       |
| Accurate personal details    | The background check matches the information you provide, so enter your legal name and details correctly. |

## Frequently asked

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Why do I need both an ID check and a background check?">
    They confirm different things. Identity verification confirms you are who you say you are. The background check is a separate third-party screen that customers rely on before letting a Pro into their space. Both are required before you can take jobs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Will I have to scan my ID again later?">
    No. You verify your government ID once during onboarding through Stripe Identity. You do not need to re-photograph it later to set up or receive payouts.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long does the background check take?">
    It varies. Some clear quickly and others take a little longer. You can keep working through the rest of your onboarding while it processes, and jobs unlock once it clears.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Is my information secure?">
    Yes. Identity verification runs through Stripe Identity, and the background check is handled by a third-party provider. Your details are used to verify you, not shared casually.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Requirements" href="/cleaners/requirements" icon="badge-check">
    See everything you need before you can take jobs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Apply to become a Pro" href="/cleaners/apply" icon="user-plus">
    Start your application and begin onboarding.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

Questions about your verification? Email [support@zulma.ca](mailto:support@zulma.ca).