How do you get your identity verified?

How do you even get your identity verified? Ugh, the whole thing is a nightmare, right? They want a passport photo? Seriously? I'd rather wrestle a grumpy badger, I swear. A driver's license is less awful, I guess, but then it's the utility bills. Last time I tried, I felt like I was drowning in paperwork! Remember that time I needed to prove my identity for that online banking thing? It took me three days and I almost lost my mind sifting through a mountain of ancient statements, trying to find one that wasn’t faded or torn. Bank statements are the absolute worst – you're basically handing over your whole life story, aren't you? All that personal info... it's just too much! I mean, it makes sense, I know it does. They need to be sure it's really me. But, there's gotta be a better, less invasive way, you know? Something simpler, maybe? Something... less papery. It feels so intrusive, like they're asking for way more than they actually need. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. But still… it’s a royal pain in the neck!