A method, an apparatus, a terminal, and a server for identity authentication are disclosed. The method includes: receiving dynamic face authentication prompt information sent by a server during identity authentication of a user; obtaining gesture recognition information of the dynamic face authentication prompt information by recognizing a facial gesture presented by the user; and sending the gesture recognition information to the server to enable the server to confirm that the identity authentication is successful for the user in response to verifying that the gesture recognition information is consistent with the dynamic face authentication prompt information. Using the embodiments of the present application, a highly secure authentication can be performed on an identity of a user through dynamic face authentication. As compared with existing authentication methods using an authentication password, authentication information will not be stolen by a malicious third party, thus improving the reliability of authentication. Moreover, a user may be recognized as a live user through dynamic face authentication, thereby further improving the accuracy of identity authentication and reducing potential security risks during authentication.