First responder documents – ID.me Help Center

This article explains the documents required for first responder verification based on your job title and status (active or retired).

Active first responders

Find your job title below for specific document requirements to verify your status.

You can submit any of the following documents:

ID card: Must include at least one name and initial, with “dispatch” or “communications” in the job title. If an issue date is present, it must be within the last four years. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Training Certificates: Must include your full name. If there is no expiration date, it must have been issued within the last four years.
Signed verification letter: Must include your full name, job title, and be dated within the last four years. It must be signed by an administrator on official letterhead.
Paystub: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years.

You can submit any of the following documents:

ID Card: Must include your full name and job title. Union cards are also accepted. If an issue date is present, it must be within the last four years. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Training Certificates: Must include your full name and state you are a certified firefighter. If no expiration date is present, it must have been issued within the last four years.
Signed Verification Letter: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years, signed by an administrator on official letterhead.
Paystub: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years.

You can submit any of the following documents:

ID Card: Must include your full name and job title. If an issue date is present, it must be within the last four years. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Training Certificates: Must include your full name. If no expiration date is present, it must have been issued within the last four years.
Signed Verification Letter: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years, signed by an administrator on official letterhead.
Paystub: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years.
Notification of Personnel Action: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years. SF-50 forms and PS Form 50 for postal employees are also accepted.

Retired first responders can submit the following documents to verify their status:

Retired ID Card or Badge: Must include at least one name and initial, job title, and indicate retirement status. Expired IDs are accepted.
Pension Statement: Must include your full name, job title, and former place of employment. Pay stubs are also acceptable.
Certificate of Retirement: Must include your full name and job title. It must be signed by an administrator on official letterhead.

The following documents are not accepted for verification:

Expired IDs and documents (unless retired ID cards)
Paper IDs
Federal ID cards issued by any federal department or agency
Transcripts, department logos, business cards, emblems, or uniform photos without proper identification

Note: All badges must be accompanied by proper identification.

Canadian active and retired first responders can submit the following documents:

You can submit any of the following documents:

ID Card: Must include at least one name and initial, and your job title. If an issue date is present, it must be within the last four years. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Training Certificates: Must include your full name and job title. If no expiration date is present, it must have been issued within the last four years.
Signed Verification Letter: Must include your full name and job title, dated within the last four years, signed by an administrator on official letterhead.

You can submit any of the following documents:

Pension Statement: Must include your full name, job title, and former place of employment.
Certificate of Retirement: Must include your full name and job title. It must be signed by an administrator on official letterhead.
Retired ID Card or Badge: Must include at least one name and initial, job title, and indicate retirement status. Expired IDs are accepted.