What is a Signature Test?
Under Singapore’s Travel Rule requirements (refer to Singapore Travel Rule Requirements for more information), you must prove that you control any self-hosted wallet address before withdrawing crypto to it, either by using a Signature Test or a Small Deposit Test.
A Signature Test is a secure, cryptographic proof that you own a self-hosted wallet address. It involves connecting your external wallet (such as a browser extension or hardware wallet) and signing a unique message generated by Gemini. By successfully signing this message, you confirm that you control the private keys for that address. Gemini has partnered with Reown, a third-party wallet verification service, to facilitate the Signature Test. Reown provides the interface and technology for securely generating and verifying cryptographic signatures.
How does a Signature Test differ from a Small Deposit Test?
Signature Test
The Signature Test involves signing a one-time message with your wallet. It’s almost instant verification. You do not need to send any crypto, and there are no associated network fees for completing the proof-of-ownership step.
Small Deposit Test
The Small Deposit Test requires sending a small amount of crypto from your external wallet to Gemini. If Gemini sees the funds arrive at your account from that exact address, it confirms ownership. This method does involve an on-chain transaction fee and moves a small amount of your crypto.
Both methods confirm that you control the private keys for the address, but the Signature Test is often more seamless and cost-effective because no actual transfer of funds takes place.
| Feature | Signature Test | Small Deposit Test |
| Crypto transfer required | No | Yes |
| Fees involved | None | On-chain transaction fee |
| Speed | Almost instant | Depends on network confirmation times |
| Complexity | Low | Slightly higher due to wallet transfer |
| Asset support | BTC, ETH, ERC-20, SOL, SPL | ETH, ERC-20, BTC, BTC forks (LTC, BCH and DOGE) |
| Best for | Fast, cost-free verification | When signature functionality isn’t available |
How do I complete a Signature Test?
On Gemini Web:
- Navigate to Address Book.
- Click Add a self-hosted wallet address.
- Complete the address attestation.
- Under Actions, click Verify and select Signature Test.
- Follow the prompts to connect your external wallet (e.g., via a browser extension) and complete the Signature Test.
- Once the signature is verified, the status of the address will update to either:
- Active, or
- Hold Period (if you have Withdrawal Protection enabled - refer to Withdrawal Protection for more information).
On Gemini Mobile App
- Open the Gemini mobile app and ensure it is updated to the latest version.
- Tap the profile icon in the top-left corner.
- Go to Address Book.
- Tap Add New in the top-right corner.
- Enter the Scope, select the correct network, and input the self-hosted wallet address.
- Confirm the address details.
- Tap Verify, then select Self-Hosted Wallet as the wallet type.
- Choose Signature Test as the verification method.
- Follow the prompts to connect your external wallet (e.g., via wallet app or browser extension) and complete the Signature Test.