You are not the only one asking this — a few readers have wondered the same thing lately. So let’s break it down in plain English, with minimal tech panic and zero tin-foil hats required.
Short answer:
Yes, this can be real — but that doesn’t mean you should hand over your driver’s license without checking a few things first.
What’s going on here?
Google has been tightening rules around age-restricted content (think YouTube videos, apps, and accounts that are supposed to be for adults). Sometimes, Google asks users to verify their age.
They may say:
- Your account could be limited
- Certain features could stop working
- In rare cases, the account could be disabled
Cue panic. 😬
Why would Google ask for proof of age?
Google uses age verification to comply with laws in different countries. If their system isn’t confident you’re over 18, it may ask for proof.
That proof might include:
- A government-issued ID
- A credit card
- Another form of age verification
This request usually pops up inside your Google account, not as a random email.
🚩 Red flags that mean “NOPE, THIS IS A SCAM”
If any of these are true, do not click or upload anything:
- The message came by email or text
- It pressures you with “ACT NOW OR LOSE EVERYTHING”
- The link looks weird (misspellings, extra numbers, odd domains)
- It asks for your full Social Security number
- It wants you to send a photo by reply email
Scammers love pretending to be big companies. They also love panic. Don’t give them the satisfaction.
✅ How to check if the request is legit (step by step)
Step 1: Don’t click the link
Even if it looks official.
Step 2: Open a browser and go directly to:
- google.com
- Sign in to your account the normal way
Step 3: Go to:
- Account settings
- Look for Notifications, Security, or Payments & subscriptions
If Google really wants age verification, you’ll see the request there, inside your account.
No notice there?
👉 It was probably a scam.
“But is it safe to give Google my driver’s license?”
That’s the million-dollar question.
The honest answer:
- Google says they securely store or delete verification images
- But once you upload an ID anywhere, you’ve lost some control
If you’re uncomfortable:
- See if there’s an alternative option (credit card verification, limited access instead)
- You may be able to keep the account with restricted features
You are allowed to say: “Nah, I’m not doing that.”
My Take
Before uploading anything personal, ask yourself:
“Would I hand this to a stranger in a parking lot who said they worked for Google?”
If the answer is no — slow down and double-check.
Bottom line
✔️ Yes, Google may really ask for age verification
✔️ Scammers are absolutely pretending to be Google
✔️ Never trust links in surprise emails
✔️ Always verify inside your account
✔️ You don’t have to upload ID if you’re uncomfortable
If you’ve gotten a message like this and you’re unsure, you’re doing the right thing by questioning it. Tech should work for you — not stress you out or demand your paperwork like it’s the DMV.
Cyn, thanks for keeping us up to date on such issues.