Historical page: Namebase shut down in June 2026. This page is preserved for reference only — do not follow links to namebase.io services (they are offline). For current tooling, start at /start/.
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Historical record (2020–2026): Namebase required identity verification for certain financial operations under standard AML/KYC regulations. This page documents their tiered permission model. Namebase ceased operations in June 2026.
Namebase was an incorporated U.S. company subject to the same anti-money-laundering and know-your-customer laws as exchanges like Coinbase. Verification requirements varied by user location and desired account features.
Why verification existed
Before selling HNS, withdrawing HNS, or accessing Namebase Pro, users had to verify their identity. Namebase partnered with Jumio for document verification — the same provider used by Coinbase, Airbnb, and other major platforms.
However, Namebase also offered an unverified path for users who only wanted to acquire names (not trade HNS freely). See Private naming.
Warning Trading HNS was never available to New York residents due to state regulatory restrictions.
Permission levels (historical)
Account capabilities depended on verification status and location:
| Services | Unverified | Verified (NY) | Verified (USA) | Verified (non-USA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bid on names | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Purchase names | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sell names | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Withdraw names | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit names | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Buy HNS with BTC | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sell HNS for BTC | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Withdraw HNS | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Deposit HNS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Namebase Pro | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Requirements | Unverified | Verified (all) |
|---|---|---|
| Required | Required | |
| Name, date of birth, address | No | Required |
| Identity document (phone, passport, SSN, or ID) | No | Required |
What this means today
Namebase’s verification system no longer exists. Current alternatives have their own requirements:
- CoinEx and MEXC — standard CEX KYC for spot trading (buy guide)
- Liquidity Spot — P2P trades without a centralized Namebase-style account
- Bob Wallet — self-custody; no KYC to hold or bid on names with HNS you already own
For name auctions and transfers without a custodial intermediary, see Get Handshake names.