How To Become A Verified Neighbor On Patch

Did you know that Patch offers “verified” badges to community members who post and reply using their real identity? So when you see a green checkmark by someone’s name, you know you’re speaking to one of your neighbors, not an anonymous user hiding behind an alias.

While we can’t guarantee every reputable profile will be verified, we encourage you to apply for a badge using this form if you believe you meet the criteria.

Here are a few ways to increase your chances of being verified:

1. Use your full name. All posters who operate under an alias, no matter how clever, are not eligible for a verified badge. Help us created a trusted space for neighbors to communicate by offering your first and last name.

2. Reside in the Patch community you call home: Patch is a space for neighborhood news, information and discussion. While you’re more than welcome to check out what’s happening in other towns, you should actually live in the area that you list as your home community.

3. Upload a profile photo: Building trust between neighbors is difficult when everyone is operating behind an anonymous avatar. Let people know who they’re speaking with by sharing a photo of yourself. You can upload a photo on your Edit Profile page.

4. Adhere to the Patch Community Guidelines: Posts should always be civil, truthful and local. A record of making mean-spirited comments or spreading false information is an easy way to be disqualified from receiving a verified badge. And remember: Promotional and commercial content should always be posted as a Classified or Event. (For more information on what to post where, please read the Patch Posting Instructions.)

If you don't have a Patch profile yet, you can quickly create one here. And if you're a local official, make sure to apply for a local official badge.

Feel free to reply to this article with any other questions you may have!

— Team Patch