Am I obliged to earn the ID verification badge?

[#1]

Hi, 

1. Freelancers who have received an email/account notification letting them know that they are required to earn the badge
2. Freelancers who have received an email/account notification letting them know they are eligible to earn the badge, but it’s not yet a requirement for them
3. Freelancers who have received no notifications to earn the badge because they are not yet required or eligible to earn the badge

I don't remember if I have received an email from upwork. 

In my account, I have a simple "Get an Identity Verified badge to help build trust with your clients. Learn more."

Is that a requirement, an obligation or just an invitation?

Thank you.

[#2]

I got a notice earlier this week that I'd have to get the certified ID badge as of some point in August.

I went ahead and did it - it took all of five minutes.

[#3]

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Will L wrote:

I got a notice earlier this week that I'd have to get the certified ID badge as of some point in August.

I went ahead and did it - it took all of five minutes.

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Thanks, Will. I was verified a year ago and it took may be 10 mn but what I wanted to know is if I am obliged to do it or not.

[#4]

Eric, 

The message I got last week included the following:

QUOTE

Starting in August, we'll be gradually contacting freelancers like you and requiring them to earn the Identity Verified Badge.

Once notified, you will have 7 days to successfully complete the process, after which your account will be placed on hold until it's complete.

UNQUOTE

That sounds like it will soon be mandatory.

[#5]

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Will L wrote:

Eric, 

The message I got last week included the following:

QUOTE

Starting in August, we'll be gradually contacting freelancers like you and requiring them to earn the Identity Verified Badge.

Once notified, you will have 7 days to successfully complete the process, after which your account will be placed on hold until it's complete.

UNQUOTE

That sounds like it will soon be mandatory.

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Thanks, Will, you're right:  soon!

[#6]

Hi Eric,

The account notification you're referring to confirms that your account is eligible for the ID verification badge, it isn't a requirement.

Thank you.

[#7]

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Bojan S wrote:

Hi Eric,

The account notification you're referring to confirms that your account is eligible for the ID verification badge, it isn't a requirement.

Thank you.

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Thanks, Bojan.