With online safety and youth protection in sharp focus, a growing number of U.S. states and countries are passing laws that require users to verify their age—often with government ID or similar robust methods—before accessing adult content online.
This guide covers the states and countries enforcing these measures, the types of age checks implemented, and what it means for users and businesses.
Which U.S. States Require Age Verification for Adult Sites?
As of mid-2025, more than 20 states have enacted or soon will enforce laws making age verification mandatory for adult content websites. If you’re browsing from any of these states, expect sites to require more than just a checkbox
List of Enforcing States:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Arizona
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
Enforcement and specific verification methods may vary by state. The majority demand government identification or approved third-party verification systems.
Countries Mandating Online Age Checks for Adult Sites
Several leading countries now also require robust proof of age for accessing adult websites. The aim is to disrupt easy access for minors and ensure greater digital responsibility from publishers and platforms alike.
France
Since January 2025, adult sites must check user age with biometric scans, government IDs, or anonymized third-party services.
United Kingdom
As of July 2025, the UK mandates strong age verification (ID checks, banking data, mobile provider verification, or facial scan).
Germany
A pioneer in this field, Germany requires platforms to use national digital ID cards, biometric scans, or official document readers.
Italy
Utilizes the national SPID digital identity system for online age checks.
Australia
Draft regulations finalized in 2025 are expected to require government-level ID-based age checks.
European Union Update
The EU Digital Services Act will expand these requirements to very large online platforms by August 2025, with several member countries already moving toward stricter models.
How Age Verification Works: Methods You’ll Encounter
Here are the most common techniques now used to verify age before granting access to adult content:
- Uploading a government photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Biometric selfies or live facial scan compared to ID photos
- Official digital ID platforms (like Italy’s SPID, Germany’s eID)
- Bank or credit card details (sometimes as an alternative)
- Linking to mobile phone carrier data for verification
Minor “age-gating” checkboxes are no longer considered effective where these laws are in place.
Table: Global Status of Mandatory Age Checks (2025)
| Region/Country | Status in 2025 | Approved Verification Methods |
| United States | 20+ states enforced | Gov’t ID, facial scan, banking option in some |
| France | National law since Jan 2025 | Biometric, document scan, third-party anonymizer |
| United Kingdom | Nationwide from July 2025 | ID, banking info, carrier, facial scan |
| Germany | Ongoing, updated regularly | Digital ID, doc scan, facial estimation |
| Italy | Nationwide (SPID) | SPID digital identity |
| Australia | National code finalized in 2025 | Gov’t ID-based (details evolving) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these rules the same everywhere?
No. Each state and country sets its own approved verification methods and enforcement dates.
Is credit card verification enough?
Rarely: While a few states accept it, most require government-issued ID or a digital identity verified with biometrics or official documents.
