Some ID.me partners let you verify your identity by uploading a government-issued photo ID, then joining a short video call with a Video Chat Agent. This article explains how to use Self-Service or a short video call to verify your identity.
Participating ID.me partners
The following states and state agencies allow you to verify using Self-Service or a short video call:
- States - California EDD, Delaware DOL, DC DOES, FloridaCommerce, Kentucky, Massachusetts EOHLC, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Virginia
- US Federal agencies - Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
To find steps to verify for a different state or agency, visit Verifying for state benefits and services.
Before you verify
Self-Service is the most common verification method, and can be completed in a few minutes. To verify, you’ll need:
- A mobile phone that has a camera or a computer with a webcam
- Email address
- Government-issued photo ID (U.S. driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID)
- U.S. phone number
- Current U.S. address
- Social Security Number
On a video call, you will upload your documents, then work with a live agent to get verified. To verify, you’ll need:
- A mobile phone that has a camera or a computer with a webcam
- Email address
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, passport card, or state ID)
- Social Security number
Verify your identity
You can start with Self-Service or verify your identity on a video call. For video calls, you will need to upload a government-issued photo ID or primary and secondary identity documents. Select the tab below for steps for each option:
To verify your identity using Self-Service:
- Select Verify with ID.me in the email you received from a state partner or if you see an ID.me button on a state partner’s site.
- If you have an ID.me account, sign in using your email address and password.
To create an ID.me account, select Create an ID.me account, enter your email address and password, then confirm your email address. - Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to make your account even more secure.
Tip: If you’re setting up MFA for the first time, make sure to save or download your recovery code to ensure you always have access to your ID.me account. - Upload photos of your document. Acceptable documents include driver’s license, state ID, passport, passport card. You may need to upload the front and back of your documents.
- Take and submit a video selfie.
Tip: If you're unable to take a video selfie, you’ll have the option to do a quick video call with a trusted referee. For more information, visit Selfie Troubleshooting. - Enter your Social Security Number if you are creating a new account.
- Review and confirm your information.
- Select Allow and continue to share your identity information with your state.
The steps to verify on a video call include uploading your government-issued photo ID, then connecting with a video agent. To verify your identity on a short video call:
Enter your information
- Select Video Chat Agent, then select Continue.
- Select Get Started, accept ID.me's consent to collect personally identifiable information, then select Continue.
- Follow the prompts to upload your US Driver’s License or State Photo ID, or select Change Document to upload a Passport or Passport Card.Learn how to take photos of your documents.
Note: If you’re not able to verify using the documents above, you will need to verify on a video call using primary and secondary documents. - Enter your remaining information, including your Social Security number, then select Continue. Learn why ID.me asks for your Social Security number.
Connect with a Video Chat Agent
During the call with your Video Chat Agent, the agent will compare you to your uploaded identity document. To connect to a live call:
- After your information is confirmed, you will be prompted to join a video call. Select Join video call to proceed.
- Wait for the next Video Chat Agent to be available.
- Consent to having your call recorded, then select Join video call when prompted. You may request that ID.me delete your Biometric Data at any time.
- Stay on the call as the Video Chat Agent compares you to your identity document photo. This should only take a moment.
Confirm your information
After you’re verified, go back to the government agency’s application and sign in using your ID.me account. If prompted, make sure to allow consent to share your information and to access the state agency’s application. For more information on what you can do after you’ve verified your identity, please contact your state agency.
Troubleshooting verification
Retry verification
If you are unable to complete your verification, select Retry. You may see the option to change verification methods after failing your identity verification. If you have tried all available methods and are unable to verify your identity, contact your state workforce agency directly.
Documents weren’t approved
If your documents weren’t approved, you will have another opportunity to upload your documents. For tips to ensure your documents are approved, visit My documents were rejected
Duplicate account
When verifying your identity or community membership, you may see a “Duplicate Account” message that asks you to sign in with the original email address you verified with. This means you already verified under a different ID.me account. To learn more, visit I have more than one account.