Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from new VERA users.
Getting started
Do I need to verify my identity to use VERA?
No. You can create an account, connect with contacts, and use the secure channels without completing identity verification. However, your Trust Vault will show as unverified to contacts, which limits the trust you can establish. Most meaningful business interactions on VERA involve at least one verified party.
Can I use VERA on mobile?
VERA works in mobile browsers. A native mobile app is on the roadmap. For the best experience on mobile, add the VERA URL to your home screen as a Progressive Web App (PWA).
Is there a cost to use VERA?
VERA offers free and paid plans. The free plan includes basic account features, one contact connection, and limited document storage.
Accounts and security
Can I have multiple organisations?
Yes. Your account can be a member of multiple organisations, each as its own workspace. Switch between them using the workspace switcher at the top-left of the sidebar.
What happens if I forget my vault password?
Use your 12-word recovery key to reset it. Go to the login page, click Forgot vault password, and enter your recovery key. See Account security & recovery for the full flow.
Can VERA access my messages?
No. VERA uses end-to-end encryption. Messages are encrypted on your device before they're sent, and only your contact's device can decrypt them. VERA's servers never see your message content.
What happens if I lose both my vault password and recovery key?
Your vault contents are permanently inaccessible — this is by design. Encryption that can be overridden by a central authority isn't real encryption. If this happens, contact VERA Support before taking any action; they may be able to explore options depending on your situation.
Verification
How long does personal identity verification take?
Most verifications complete within 2–3 minutes. In some cases (name matching issues, unclear ID photos) manual review is needed and can take up to 24 hours.
Can my organisation be verified if I'm not personally verified?
No. Business verification requires at least one authorised representative to complete personal identity verification first. This links the business to a verified human, which is a regulatory requirement in most jurisdictions.
Contacts and connections
What if someone I invite isn't on VERA yet?
If they don't have a VERA account, the invitation link takes them through signup. Once they complete signup, they'll see your connection invitation and can accept it.
Can I have a contact in both my personal and organisation account?
Yes. If you connect with someone as an individual, that connection lives under your personal account. If you connect with them as your organisation, it lives under the organisation account. These are separate connections.
Is there a limit to how many contacts I can have?
The free plan has a contact limit. Paid plans include unlimited contacts. See VERA's pricing page for current limits.
Data and privacy
Where is my data stored?
VERA's infrastructure is hosted on ISO 27001-certified cloud providers. Your vault data is encrypted before it's stored, so even if the infrastructure were compromised, the encrypted data would be meaningless without your vault password.
What happens to my data if I close my account?
Account deletion removes your data from VERA's servers within 30 days. Verifiable credentials that you've shared with contacts remain in their possession (you gave them a signed credential, and that signature remains valid).