If you live outside of the United States and don’t have a US phone number, mailing address, or Social Security number, you must submit specific documents to verify your identity. This article explains what documents you can use to verify when you don’t have US-based information or documents.
Document requirements
To verify your identity, you will need:
- Two primary documents or
- One primary and at least one secondary document
You may need to provide additional documentation:
- To prove your Social Security number or ITIN
- To prove a foreign address
- If your name has changed
For non-English documents, you can submit a photo that shows both the document and an English translation of that document. Do not write anything on your official document, as that will void it.
Proof of address
Below are documents you may have with you. If you don’t have any of these documents, visit Primary and secondary identification documents for other acceptable documents.
Primary documents
- National ID card
- Other government-issued ID that has a photo
Secondary
- Utility bills (cable, electric, gas, internet, phone, water)
- Pay stub
- Medical bill
- Bank, loan, or financial institution statement
- Auto or home insurance statement (if address is present)
- W-2 form
Proof of SSN (if required)
We recommend your Social Security, W-2 form, or a Paystub.
All documents must show the full SSN when using to prove your SSN.
Proof of ITIN (if selected)
If verifying with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, follow these instructions, then use either a CP565, or a bank statement with your full ITIN.