How to verify your identity

Some government applications require identity verification. This additional layer of security requires you to prove you are you - and not someone pretending to be you.

If you are under 18 years of age, you may not be able to verify your identity for a Login.gov account. If you have trouble verifying your identity, please contact the partner agency to find out what you can do.

Requirements for identity verification

1. Your State-Issued ID. You can upload a photo of your ID by phone or by computer. Don’t have a state issued ID?
2. Social Security number
3. Your phone number
   • If we can’t verify your phone number, you can verify by mail instead. This takes 5 to 10 days.

If you are missing any of this information, please contact the government agency you are trying to access.

Our privacy and security standards

Login.gov is a secure, government website that adheres to the highest standards in data protection. Most of the data you submit is not stored. Learn how we verify your identity and the privacy and security measures we take to keep your information safe.

Steps for identity verification and securing your account

1. On the “We need to verify your identity” page, read the requirements and, if you agree, check the box next to the Login.gov consent statement.
   • Click “Continue”
2. Next, upload your State-Issued ID.
   • Note: If you began the identity verification process on your computer, you have the option to switch and use your phone to upload images.

   Continue by computer and upload images

   • Upload an image of the FRONT of your state-issued ID by clicking on “Choose File.”
     • Select the file from your computer
   • Upload an image of the BACK of your state-issued ID by clicking on “Choose File.”
     • Select the file from your computer
     • Click continue

   Switch from computer to phone to upload images

   • Enter your phone number.
     • Choose a phone number where you can receive SMS/Text messages and click “Continue.”
   • Click on the link sent to your phone.
   • You will see options to either “take a photo” or “upload a photo.”
     • Upload an image of the FRONT of your ID from your phone’s photo gallery or take an image of the front of your ID
     • Upload an image of the BACK of your ID from your phone’s photo gallery or take an image of the back of your ID
   • Return to computer to complete the process

   Continue by phone and upload images

   • You will see a screen with ‘front’ and ‘back’ in large squares and an option to either “take a photo” or “upload a photo.”
     • Upload an image of the FRONT of your ID from your phone’s photo gallery or take an image of the front of your ID
     • Upload an image of the BACK of your ID from your phone’s photo gallery or take an image of the back of your ID
   • Click “Continue”
3. Enter your social security number and click “Continue”
4. Verify the information you have submitted so far is correct and click “Continue”
5. Enter your primary phone number. This is the last step for identity verification.
   • If you do not have a U.S. phone number or cannot verify by phone, click on “Verify your address by mail instead.” You will have to wait 5 to 10 days to receive a letter in the mail and then follow the instructions to enter a verification code.
6. Once your identity is verified, you need to encrypt your account. Re-enter your Login.gov password. Click “Continue”
7. Take note of your personal key and keep it safe. You’ll need to enter your personal key immediately on the next page. Click “Continue”

Once the process is complete, click “Agree and Continue” to be redirected back to your Login.gov account page or the agency you are trying to access.

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