The Verdict: The path to the “Verified Bot” badge has changed. If you are a developer under the age of 16, you can no longer submit your own identity documents to Stripe. To verify your bot, you must execute the Team Owner Proxy strategy.
The digital landscape is tightening. Due to evolving legal frameworks and Stripe’s identity processing requirements, the “Solo Developer” route for minors is effectively closed. However, this is not a ban—it is an architectural shift. This guide explains how to legally navigate these restrictions and secure your bot’s future.
The Blockade: Why You Cannot Verify Alone
Previously, ambitious young developers could submit a passport or ID to gain verification. That door is now shut.
The verification process relies on Stripe Identity. Legally, Stripe cannot process the sensitive biometric and identity data of users under 16 (or older in some jurisdictions) without specific parental structures that Discord’s API does not support natively for solo accounts.
The Rule: The Discord Account holding the “Owner” status of the bot application must match the ID submitted to Stripe.
The Bypass Protocol: The “Team Proxy” Strategy
To verify your bot, you must leverage the Teams feature in the Developer Portal. You cannot do this on your personal account alone.
Step 1: Recruit the Proxy (The 16+ Asset)
You need a trusted individual who is over 16 (and owns a valid government ID).
- Option A: The Guardian: A parent or legal guardian.
- Option B: The Co-Pilot: A trusted co-developer or partner who meets the age requirement.
Step 2: The Migration
- Initialize Team: Go to the Developer Portal and create a “Team.”
- Transfer Asset: Transfer your bot application from your personal account to this Team.
- Assign Ownership: Invite your “Proxy” (Guardian/Partner) to the team and transfer Team Ownership to them.
- Execute Verification: The Proxy (now the Owner) logs in, submits their ID to Stripe, and completes the verification flow.
Elite Note: Once verified, the Proxy must remain on the Team. However, you can remain a Team Member with full coding permissions to manage the bot day-to-day.
The Compliance Matrix: Do’s and Don’ts
| Strategy | Action | Verdict |
| Solo Attempt | Submitting your Under-16 ID. | REJECTED |
| Identity Spoofing | Using a parent’s ID on your personal account. | BANNED (Fraud) |
| Team Proxy | Transferring ownership to a 16+ user for ID check. | APPROVED |
| Legacy Bots | Verified before the rule change? | SAFE (Grandfathered) |
FAQ Vortex
Q: Can I just take my dad’s ID and upload it while logged into my account?
A: Absolutely Not. This is identity fraud. The name on the Discord Account must match the name on the ID. If they do not match, the application will be rejected, and you risk an account ban.
Q: I am a solo dev. I don’t have a team. What now?
A: You have two options: Wait until you turn 16, or ask a parent/guardian to create a Discord account solely for the purpose of holding the “Owner” title of your bot team.
Q: I am already verified, but I am 14. Will I lose my badge?
A: No. If you are already verified, you are “grandfathered” in. This policy only applies to new verification applications moving forward.
Q: Why could my friend do this last year, but I can’t?
A: Legal compliance is not static. Laws regarding minors and data processing (GDPR, COPPA) have forced Stripe and Discord to tighten their policies.
Zenith CTA
Do not let age restrictions halt your development. Form a Team, appoint a trusted Proxy, and secure your Verification Badge the right way.