How I Verified My Google Adsense Account With Nin

Starting the Journey with my Blog

I started my blogging journey in August last year. The goal? To promote my business and hopefully someday get accepted into the Google AdSense program. Like many new bloggers, I dreamed of seeing those little ads pop up on my blog and making some passive income from my content.

But oh boy, was I in for a ride!

The First (and Second... and Third) Rejection

After writing a few articles, I excitedly applied for AdSense. I was glued to my inbox, refreshing like someone waiting for a credit alert. About a week later, the email finally came.

Rejected.
The reason? “Thin content” and some vague “policy issues.”

I wasn’t discouraged at first. I went back, made changes, added more articles, and applied again. Same rejection. I repeated this cycle three times until I gave up.

At that point, I figured maybe AdSense just wasn’t meant for me. So, I focused on writing quality blog posts to support my business and inform my readers. I completely forgot about AdSense.

The Approval For Google AdSense

Months passed, and one day I randomly thought, “Let me try again.” I logged into my AdSense account, reapplied, and within 24 hours, I got the email:

“Your site is now ready to show ads.”

Wait, what?

If you ask me what I did differently, I honestly don’t know. All I had done was consistently publish helpful, original content. No tricks. No hacks. Just good writing.

The Google AdSense Identity Verification

Just when I was settling into the joy of seeing ads on my blog and earning a few cents here and there, I received another email:

“Identity Verification Required.”

And that’s when panic set in.

I knew identity verification was necessary before receiving AdSense payments. But I also knew from all the articles and YouTube videos I watched that:

“Google doesn’t accept NIN.”
“Use an international passport.”
“A driver’s license or a voter’s card is better.”

The problem?

• I didn’t have a passport (too expensive to get in a rush).

• My driver’s license had expired, and renewing it would take time.

• My voter’s card? Lost somewhere during my last house move.
  
  

So, I was left with just one thing: my NIN.

Taking the Risk with NIN

For days, I hesitated. I had read so many stories of people getting rejected with their NIN slip. But then I thought:

“What’s the worst that could happen?”

Here’s what I did differently and what I believe made the difference:

Instead of using the regular laminated NIN slip (you know the paper one that we often print and laminate), I used the new digital NIN slip that can be printed into a plastic ID card.

This version has:

• Your photo on the front

• Your full name, date of birth, and NIN number

• A QR code for verification

• A government disclaimer on the back asking organisations to verify the ID
  
  

I made sure:

• The photo was clear

• All four corners of the ID were visible

• The name matched exactly with my AdSense account
  
  

Then I uploaded it… and waited.

It Worked!

Within 24 hours, I received the message:

“Identity successfully verified.”

Can you believe it? My NIN worked.

And guess what?
Printing the new NIN ID card cost me just ₦3,000 (you might even get it cheaper depending on where you live). The government itself charges ₦1,000, but you’ll usually pay a little extra for printing services.

A Few Tips If You’re Trying This Too

If you’re trying to verify your Google AdSense account in Nigeria and want to use your NIN, here are a few things that worked for me:

• Use the new NIN digital slip (plastic printable version—not the plain paper version).

• Make sure your name matches exactly between your NIN and AdSense account.

• Take a clean, clear photo no cropping, no blurs, no edits.

• Include all four corners of the ID in your photo.

• Avoid using screenshots or photocopies. Google prefers natural ID photos.

• Be patient. If it fails, try again or prepare an alternate ID.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let fear or rumours stop you. I was told NIN wouldn’t work, but it did. Sometimes it’s just about following the right process and being patient.

Also, don’t stress too much if your blog gets rejected by AdSense the first time. Keep writing. Keep growing. Keep serving your audience. You might just get approved when you least expect it, just like I did.

Coming Soon…

Next, I’ll be sharing how I did my AdSense Address Verification in Nigeria (and how to get the postcard). Stay tuned!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use my NIN to verify my Google AdSense account in Nigeria?

Yes, you can if you use the new digital NIN slip that is printable as a plastic ID card. The regular paper slip is often rejected, but the upgraded version with a photo and QR code works.

What type of ID does Google accept for AdSense verification?

Google typically accepts:

• International passport

• Driver’s license

• Voter’s card

• NIN (only the upgraded version with photo and QR code)
  
  

Make sure the ID is clear, valid, and matches the name on your AdSense account.

How much does it cost to get the plastic NIN slip?

The official government fee is ₦1,000, but depending on where you get it printed, it may cost ₦2,000 to ₦3,000.

What if my name on the NIN doesn’t match my AdSense account?

Your verification may be rejected. Always ensure that the name on your ID matches exactly with the name on your AdSense profile.

How long does it take for Google to verify the ID?

In most cases, it takes less than 24 hours. Sometimes it could take up to 2–3 business days.

What happens if my NIN is rejected by AdSense?

You’ll get an email from Google asking you to submit another ID. You can try again with a better-quality photo or use an alternative ID like a passport or driver’s license.

Where can I print the plastic NIN ID slip?

Most local NIMC registration centres or cyber cafés that offer ID printing services can help you. Ask specifically for the digital NIN slip that can be printed like a plastic card.