Photo ID

Secure and streamlined: How to upload your photo ID for your Questrade account

At Questrade, ensuring your identity is verified securely and efficiently is our priority.

As part of your new account application, you'll need to upload a valid, government-issued photo ID. If you're adding a second account and your original ID on file has expired, we may ask you to upload a new copy. We also require valid ID for any joint account holders or authorized traders.

We may require your photo ID to comply with CIRO (opens in a new tab) and FINTRAC's (opens in a new tab) regulatory requirements and to ensure proper tax withholding rates. Learn more from this CIRO brochure (opens in a new tab) or on the government website (opens in a new tab).

ID Requirements

Your government-issued photo ID must be from a federal or provincial/territorial government. We also accept foreign and Canadian passports as another form of acceptable ID.

Your photo ID must include:

• Full Name: Must exactly match your Questrade profile.

  • Please use your full legal name as it appears on your ID.

• Date of Birth: Must match your Questrade profile.

• Photo

• Expiry Date: Must not be expired.

• Unique Identifier Number: Passport number or Driver's license number.

• Issuing Authority: e.g., Province of Ontario.

Acceptable and Unacceptable Photo IDs

Please explore the lists below for common examples of acceptable and unacceptable IDs.

Acceptable IDs:

• Canadian driver’s licenses

  • AB Operator licenses included

• Canadian passports with visible bearer signature on page 2

• Foreign passports with bearer signature (if included)

• Canadian PR cards

• Provincial ID cards

• Certificate of Indian status cards (front and back)

Unacceptable IDs:

• Foreign driver’s licenses

• Canadian passports without bearer signature or missing page 2

• Foreign ID or citizenship cards

• Provincial health cards (except Quebec)

• Canadian citizenship cards issued as a minor

• Student ID cards

• Workplace ID cards

How to upload a Photo ID

Follow these easy steps to upload your ID:

1. Log in to your Questrade account

   • You can do this on desktop or through our QuestMobile app on your smartphone.

   • We recommend using the QuestMobile app for a seamless experience since you’ll be using your camera to capture your ID during the upload.

2. If you’re uploading an ID as part of a new account application, please select the application in progress, then select Upload next to your ID requirements.

   • On desktop, you’ll be prompted to scan a QR code with your mobile device to upload your ID.

3. Select the type of Photo ID you’d like to submit:

1. Make sure you have your ID, and get ready to take a picture.

   • If you’re using your driver’s license, we’ll need images of the front and back.

   • For passports, we only require one image.

1. Next, get ready to take a picture of the back (if you’re using your driver’s license).

   • Tip: You can use either portrait or landscape mode on your phone, whatever’s easier!

1. Get ready to take a selfie (picture of yourself).

   • We ask so that we can match the picture of you with the picture in your ID.

   • We won’t add this image to your profile, or share it with anyone.

   • If you live in Québec, you can skip to step 7.

1. Review your documents, and select Submit when you’re ready.

   • Tip: Not happy with how a picture turned out? Select the Retake button to go back and take a new image.

Frequently asked questions

Why do I have to upload an ID?

This is a regulatory requirement for Questrade. As a member of the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (opens in a new tab) (CIRO), we have a legal obligation to “know our client (opens in a new tab)”. This includes asking questions during your application as well as verifying your ID and other documents.

Additionally, as a financial institution in Canada, we follow the rules and regulations under the “Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act (opens in a new tab)” (PCMLTFA), which includes verifying your identity with a government-issued photo ID.

Protecting the personal information entrusted in our care is important to us. We respect the privacy of our customers and are committed to safeguarding all personal information or data entrusted to us. To read more, explore our Privacy Policy here.

Do I have to upload an ID for an authorized trader or beneficiary?

• Authorized Trader: Yes, because they have full investment authority on your accounts.

• Beneficiary: Generally no, except for certain RESP and informal/formal Trust account beneficiaries.

I’ve already uploaded an ID for one account, do I need to upload a second?

• Same time setup: No, our system will automatically accept your uploaded ID for all new account applications in progress at the same time.

• Adding a second/third account: Yes, if your original ID on file has expired or it’s been more than 6 months since your original application.

Non-Residents and ID Requirements

For non-residents of Canada with a foreign permanent address, additional requirements include providing a valid ID and a financial document from a Canadian financial institution if available.

The financial document must be:

• From a Canadian financial institution

• Dated within the last 3 months

• Match the customer name on your Questrade account exactly

• Cannot be an investment account

• Have a visible account number or other unique identifier

Acceptable examples:

• Chequing/Savings account with activity in the last 3 months

• Credit card statements with activity in the last 3 months

• Loan or mortgage statement with activity in the last 3 months

U.S. residents, in most cases, are unable to open Questrade accounts. Special exemptions may apply for Canadian Expats with active RRSP accounts.

International residents, in most cases, are only able to open Margin accounts. Special exemptions may apply for Canadian Expats, or Active Military personnel with active RRSP accounts.

Please contact our New Accounts team for more information at [email protected], chat, or at 1.888.783.7866 if you’re a U.S. or international resident.