You’re here because you want a verified account without the back-and-forth. Good news: if you prep the right files and upload them the right way, you can often get approved the same day. This guide shows exactly what to submit, how to upload on YesPlay (web and app), and how to fix common rejections fast.

• TL;DR: You’ll submit your ID, proof of address (last 3 months), and a quick selfie/liveness check.
• Prep matters more than anything: clear photos or PDFs, full edges visible, no glare, name and address readable.
• On YesPlay, go to Profile → Verification/FICA, upload each file, take the selfie, and submit.
• Most checks complete within a few hours; rejections usually come from blurry images or old proof of address.
• No bill in your name? Use a bank e-statement, official letter, or a cohabitation/affidavit setup that matches FIC rules.

What you need to submit (and why FICA matters)

FICA is South Africa’s anti-money laundering law (Financial Intelligence Centre Act). It asks betting sites like YesPlay to “Know Your Customer” (KYC) before they let you fully use the account. In practice, this means YesPlay must confirm your identity and where you live. That’s not a box-ticking exercise; it’s a legal requirement enforced by the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) and provincial gambling boards.

Here’s what you’ll usually be asked for:

• Identity document: South African ID card/book or a passport. The front and back for smart IDs.
• Proof of address: Something official issued in the last 3 months with your full name and physical address.
• Selfie or liveness check: A quick camera check to prove it’s really you holding that ID.

Use these rules of thumb when picking your proof of address:

• Must be dated within 3 months (90 days). The date must be visible.
• Must show your full name and a physical residential address (not just a P.O. Box).
• Must be from a trusted issuer: bank, utility, insurer, municipality, SARS, your employer, or a registered body.

Common documents that usually work:

• Bank statement or bank letter (PDF from your banking app is perfect).
• Municipal rates or utilities bill (water, electricity).
• Lease agreement or letter from a managing agent (recent, signed, details legible).
• Insurance policy schedule or renewal letter.
• Official letter from a university or employer on letterhead with address and date.

Living with family or in shared housing? If bills aren’t in your name, you can often use a cohabitation or confirmation letter from the person who holds the bill, plus their bill (and sometimes a copy of their ID). That setup is accepted under FIC’s risk-based approach when it clearly ties you to the address.

Technical file tips that save time:

• Accepted formats: JPG, PNG, or PDF. Keep file size under 10 MB if you can to avoid upload errors.
• Use bright, even light; no flash glare or shadows. Place the document on a dark, flat surface.
• Capture the whole document with all corners visible. If it’s two-sided, upload both sides.
• Don’t edit, crop off edges, or add filters. Keep it natural and sharp.
• For PDFs: export straight from your bank app/portal-these are crisp and usually pass first time.

The regulator’s stance: the FIC expects accountable institutions to apply a risk-based approach to Customer Due Diligence. In plain English: the platform must be confident you are who you say you are and live where you say you live. Fresh, readable documents are the quickest way to get there.

Step-by-step: Submit FICA documents on YesPlay (web and app)

Whether you’re on desktop or your phone, the flow is straightforward. Names of buttons can shift with app updates, but the wording below is what you’ll usually see.

On desktop (web):

1. Sign in to your YesPlay account.
2. Open your Profile or Account menu (top-right). Look for Verification, FICA, or Account Verification.
3. Start with your ID. Choose Upload and attach clear images: front and back of your ID card, or the photo page of your passport. Check that details are readable.
4. Upload your proof of address. If using a bank e-statement, download the PDF from your bank app/web and attach it. Make sure the date is within 3 months and your address is visible.
5. Complete the selfie/liveness check. Allow camera permissions, fit your face in the circle, and follow on-screen prompts.
6. Review and Submit. Wait for the confirmation message that your documents were received.

On mobile (YesPlay app):

1. Open the app and sign in.
2. Tap Profile or Account, then find Verification or FICA.
3. Upload your ID (front and back if smart ID). You can use your camera or choose from your gallery/files.
4. Upload proof of address (PDF or photo). If you only have it in email, save it to your device first.
5. Complete the selfie/liveness check. Stand by a window or turn on room lights so your face is clear.
6. Submit and watch for a confirmation banner or notification.

Alternative submission routes if uploads fail:

• Try a different browser (Chrome or Edge on desktop) or switch between Wi‑Fi and mobile data.
• Compress large files (below 10 MB). Many free phone apps export PDFs at smaller sizes without killing quality.
• If the in-app upload still gives trouble, contact YesPlay support via in-app chat for the current fallback (secure email or ticket). Only use official channels shown inside your account.

After you submit: what to expect

• Timeline: Many verifications finish within a few hours during business hours. During high demand, it may take up to 24-48 hours.
• Status: Check your Profile → Verification/FICA for status. You may also get an email or in-app message if something is missing.
• Limits: You can usually browse and place small bets, but withdrawals are typically locked until you’re verified. That’s standard under FICA and gambling board rules.
• Partial approvals: Sometimes ID passes but proof of address is flagged. Just resubmit the item that failed-no need to redo everything.

Biggest time savers from the start:

• Use a bank e-statement PDF-it’s the cleanest option for proof of address and rarely gets rejected.
• Photograph your ID on a dark surface, in bright light, with the camera lens clean.
• Make sure names match exactly across your profile, ID, and documents (no nicknames, no abbreviations).
• If you’ve changed addresses recently, update your bank first and pull a fresh e-statement the next day.

Fix rejections fast: common mistakes, FAQs, and next steps

Common reasons your FICA gets rejected-and how to fix them quickly:

• Blurry or cropped images: Retake the photo with more light and show all four corners. Avoid zooming-move the phone closer instead.
• Old proof of address: Use a document issued within the last 3 months. Bank e-statements are the easiest win.
• Address mismatch: The document must show the same residential address you entered on your profile.
• Name mismatch: Update your YesPlay profile to your legal name as per your ID. If you have a recent name change, submit the official change document if asked.
• P.O. Box only: Provide a document that lists a physical street address. If your bank shows both, make sure the street address is visible.
• Glare on ID: Turn off flash, use indirect daylight, and tilt slightly until the hologram doesn’t reflect.
• Passport used but expired: Use a valid passport or your SA ID. Expired documents won’t pass.

No bill in your name? Your best path:

• Ask your bank to update your profile with your current address; then download a fresh e-statement.
• If you live with someone, use a cohabitation/confirmation letter plus their utility bill and a copy of their ID.
• If you’re in student housing, a residence letter from the institution usually works.
• In a new place with no bills yet? A signed lease with your name and the physical address, plus any welcome letter from the managing agent, can help.

Mini‑FAQ

Q: Do I need certified copies?
A: Usually not if your scan/photo is crystal clear. If the image quality is weak or details are hard to read, support may ask for certified copies.

Q: Are bank e‑statements acceptable?
A: Yes, they’re often the fastest pass. Make sure the PDF shows your full name, physical address, and a date within 3 months.

Q: Can I withdraw before I’m verified?
A: Typically no. Most SA-licensed operators must verify you before withdrawals, as part of FICA and gambling board rules.

Q: How long does FICA take?
A: Often same day during business hours; sometimes up to 24-48 hours if there’s a backlog or if something needs a manual check.

Q: My address changed. Do I need to redo FICA?
A: Yes. Update your profile and submit a new proof of address dated within 3 months.

Q: I only have a P.O. Box on everything.
A: Update your bank profile to include your physical residential address and download a new e-statement.

Q: My document is in my maiden name, but my profile shows my married name.
A: Use the same legal name across all places, or provide the official name-change/marriage document if asked.

Q: The app won’t accept my selfie.
A: Enable camera permissions, clean your lens, stand in bright light, remove hats/glasses, and center your face. Try switching to the front camera if prompted.

Q: Is a digital document okay, or must it be printed and photographed?
A: Digital originals (like a bank PDF) are ideal and often pass faster than camera photos of paper bills.

Q: I’m a foreign national in SA. Can I use a passport?
A: Yes, a valid passport is standard for identity. For address, submit an accepted local document that shows your SA residential address.

Quick checklists you can follow

Identity checklist:

• Smart ID: upload front and back. Green book: upload the photo/details page. Passport: photo page.
• Photo is sharp, no glare, all edges visible.
• Document is valid and not physically damaged.

Proof of address checklist:

• Issued within the last 3 months.
• Shows your full name and physical residential address.
• Issuer name/logo and issue date are visible.
• If using a PDF: exported from the official portal/app, not a photo of a screen.

File prep checklist:

• Format: JPG, PNG, or PDF.
• Size: under 10 MB per file if possible.
• Lighting: bright, even, no flash glare. Use a flat, dark background.
• Don’t crop off edges or apply filters. Keep it natural.

Troubleshooting different scenarios

• Uploads stuck at 99%: Switch to Wi‑Fi or mobile data, or try another browser. Clear cache and retry.
• File too large: Use a PDF compressor or resave images at 85-90% quality. Avoid extreme compression that makes text unreadable.
• App permissions blocked: Go to your phone’s settings → find the YesPlay app → allow Camera and Files/Photos.
• Repeated rejection for address: Use a bank e‑statement or a municipal/insurer document; they’re the most reliable. Double‑check the date and street address.
• Camera too dark: Stand by a window during the day or use two lamps at 45° angles to reduce shadows.

Privacy and security notes

• YesPlay asks for FICA because the Financial Intelligence Centre requires it. This protects players and keeps the platform compliant.
• Only upload inside your logged‑in account or via an official support channel shown within the app/site. Don’t send sensitive documents over random email addresses or social media DMs.
• Keep copies of what you submit in a secure folder on your device for easy resubmission if needed.

When you must update your FICA

• New residential address: submit a fresh proof within 3 months of the move.
• Changed your name: update your profile and be ready to provide the official name‑change document if support asks.
• Expired passport (if that’s your ID): submit a valid document to avoid limits.

Handy decisions at a glance

• If you have a bank app → download a PDF e‑statement dated this month → submit it as proof of address.
• If you don’t have bills in your name → get a cohabitation/confirmation letter + bill and ID from the bill holder.
• If your photo is blurry → clean lens, add light, avoid zoom; retake with the phone closer.
• If the address on your bank is outdated → update it with the bank, then download a new PDF the next day.

Last tip so you pass first time: freeze your hands when taking the photo. Count “one‑two‑three” before you tap. It sounds silly, but most rejections are just shaky, dim shots. Get crisp files, and your FICA documents should pass without drama.