Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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 driver’s license or state ID card.
    You can upload a photo of your ID by phone or by computer.
  2. Social Security number
  3. Your phone number
    In some cases, you can verify by mail instead.
  4. Taking a photo of yourself
    Some services need you to take a photo of yourself with a phone to verify your identity online. If you don’t have a phone with a camera, you can verify your identity in person.

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 a photo of your driver’s license or state ID card.
    • Note: If you begin the identity verification process on your computer, you have the option to switch and use your phone to take images.

    Continue by computer

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

    Switch from computer to phone

    • 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.
    • Take an image of the front of your ID
    • Take an image of the back of your ID
    • You may also need to take a photo of yourself to complete this step.
    • Return to computer to complete the process

    Continue by phone

    • You will see a screen with “front” and “back” in large squares.
      • Take an image of the front of your ID
      • Take an image of the back of your ID
    • You may also need to take a photo of yourself to complete this step.
    • 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.
    • In some cases, you may be able to select “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.
    • If you do not have the option to verify by mail, you must verify by phone to successfully verify your identity.
  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.

Back to top