Do Cold Wallets Require Real-Name Registration?
Cold wallets themselves typically do not require real-name registration. However, in specific usage scenarios, real-name requirements may be involved. Below is a detailed analysis:
Basic Attributes and Decentralized Nature of Cold Wallets
Cold wallets, as decentralized offline storage tools, are designed with the core principle of user autonomy over private keys, without reliance on third-party services or platforms. Since private keys are not directly linked to user identity information and cold wallets do not provide centralized custody functions, there is no mandatory identity verification (such as real-name registration) requirement. This characteristic makes them an important tool for protecting digital asset privacy, allowing users to manage their assets completely anonymously through offline devices (such as hardware wallets or paper wallets).
Special Scenarios Involving Real-Name Association
Centralized Platform-Related Operations
If a user purchases cryptocurrency through a centralized exchange and withdraws it to a cold wallet, the exchange may enforce a KYC (Know Your Customer) process due to compliance requirements. For example, platforms like Binance and OKX require identity verification during user registration or withdrawal, but this real-name requirement applies only to the exchange account and is unrelated to the cold wallet itself. Users simply need to ensure that the withdrawal address is correct to complete the operation.
Additional Authentication Requirements by Service Providers
Some cold wallet service providers (such as platforms that support cloud backup functions) may require users to register an account, which may involve email verification or phone number binding. However, such authentication is generally only for account management and does not involve the submission of legal identity information. Users can avoid direct association by generating new wallet addresses.
Regional Differences in Policies and Compliance
Practices in Privacy-Oriented Jurisdictions
In jurisdictions with strong privacy protections, such as Switzerland and Singapore, users can purchase hardware wallets directly from the manufacturer’s official website without providing identity information.
Exceptions in Strictly Regulated Regions
In countries with strict anti-money laundering (AML) policies, if users purchase a cold wallet using a payment method linked to a bank account, the payment institution may require real-name authentication. However, users can obtain cryptocurrency through anonymous channels such as Bitcoin ATMs and then transfer it to a cold wallet to bypass such restrictions.
User Autonomy and Security Recommendations
Privacy Protection Techniques
Users can enhance anonymity through the following methods: registering service provider accounts with disposable email addresses, accessing relevant websites via the TOR browser, and using Bitcoin mixing services to sever the traceability of fund flows. Hardware wallet users should avoid using pre-installed firmware from manufacturers and are advised to download verified versions from open-source platforms like GitHub.
Balancing Compliance and Security
For users managing large amounts of assets, it is recommended to adopt a “cold-hot separation” strategy: storing 90% of assets in completely anonymous hardware wallets and conducting transactions through centralized exchanges that comply with local regulations with the remaining 10%. It is also important to regularly update device firmware to guard against supply chain attack risks.
