Documents to verify first responder status – ID.me Help Center

To verify as a first responder you must upload specific documents and have an eligible first responder job title. Both active and retired first responders can verify. This article explains what documents first responders must upload during the verification process.

Documents requirements

Document requirements depend on your job title, the document you submit, and whether you are an active or retired first responder.

Active first responders

Find your job title below for specifics about what documents you can submit to verify as an active first responder.

911 dispatchers

Active 911 dispatchers can submit any of the following:

Document	Requirements
ID card	At least one name and initial Eligible position or job title or document should say “dispatch” or “communications” No date is required, but if there is an issue date, it must be within the last four years (expired ID cards are not acceptable)
Training Certificates	Full name If there’s no expiration, it must have been issued within the last four years
Signed verification letter	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years Signed by an administrator on official letterhead
Paystub	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years

EMTs and paramedics

Active EMTs and paramedics can submit any of the following:

Document	Requirements
ID card	At least one name and initial Eligible position or job title No date is required, but if there is an issue date, it must be within the last four years(expired ID cards are not acceptable)
Training Certificates	Full name Must state you are certified as an EMT or Paramedic If there’s no expiration, it must have been issued within the last four years
Signed verification letter	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years Signed by an administrator on official letterhead
Paystub	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years

Firefighters

Active firefighters can submit any of the following:

Document	Requirements
ID card	Full name Eligible position or job title (if your firefighting organization is not shown) Union cards are acceptable No date is required, but if there is an issue date, it must be within the last four years (expired ID cards are not acceptable)
Training Certificates	Full name It must state you are a certified firefighter If there’s no expiration, it must have been issued within the last four years
Signed verification letter	Full name Position or job title (if your firefighting organization is not shown) Dated within the last four years Signed by an administrator on official letterhead
Paystub	Full name Position or job title (unless your firefighting organization is shown) Dated within the last four years

Law enforcement officers

Active law enforcement officers (LEOs) can submit any of the following:

Document	Requirements
ID card	Full name Eligible position or job title No date is required, but if there is an issue date, it must be within the last four years (expired ID cards are not acceptable)
Training Certificates	Full name If there’s no expiration, it must have been issued within the last four years
Signed verification letter	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years Signed by an administrator on official letterhead
Paystub	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years
Notification of personnel action	Full name Position or job title Dated within the last four years We also accept SF-50 forms and PS Form 50 for postal employees.

Retired first responders

Any retired first responder can use the documents below to verify your first responder status.

Retired ID card or badge

Your ID card should include:

At least one name and initial
Position or job title
Retirement status as retired

Expired IDs are acceptable.

Pension statement

Your pension statement should include:

Full name
Position or job title
Your former place of employment

Paystubs are also acceptable.

Certificate of retirement

Your pension statement should include:

Full name
Position or job title
Must be signed by an administrator and on official letterhead

Unacceptable documents

These documents aren’t acceptable for first responder verification:

Expired IDs and documents
Paper IDs
Federal ID cards, issued by any federal department or agency

Note: We do not accept transcripts, department logos, business cards, emblems, or pictures of individuals dressed in uniform as a form of verification. All badges must be accompanied by proper identification.

Canadian document requirements

Active and retired first responders are eligible to verify their status. Canadian first responders can use the following documents to verify their status.

Active first responders

Document	Requirements
ID card	At least one name and initial Must state eligible position or job title No date is required, but if there is an issue date, it must be within the last four years. Expired ID cards are not acceptable
Training Certificates	Full name Must state eligible position or job title If there’s no expiration date, it must have been issued within the last four years. Expired training certificates are not acceptable
Signed verification letter	Full name Must state eligible position or job title Dated within the last four years Signed by an administrator on official letterhead

Retired first responders

Document	Requirements
Pension statement	Full name Position or job title Your former place of employment
Certificate of retirement	Full name Position or job title No date requirements Signed by an administrator on official letterhead
Retired ID card or badge	At least one name and initial Position or job title Must state your retirement date Expired IDs are acceptable