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Verifying with KBA-R

Knowledge-Based Authentication-Replacement (KBA-R) is a verification method that uses your phone number or an identity document to verify your identity.

This article explains how to use KBA-R with ID.me.

Get started

How you begin depends on whether you already have an ID.me account or need to create an ID.me account for the first time. Select the appropriate tab below for step-by-step instructions.

Note: If you are using ID.me for work, follow the steps in setting up your ID.me account for work to make sure you have both a work and personal email on your account.
Already have an ID.me account? Creating an ID.me account for the first time?

Do not create another account if you already have one. Start the process by going to the organization’s website and select the ID.me button when prompted. 

 If you already verified your identity, you can prove your identity to a new organization by: 

  • Signing in
  • Completing MFA
  • Consenting to share your identity information.

If you haven’t verified your identity, you will be prompted to complete the verification after you’ve signed in to your ID.me account.

Steps to Verifying for the first time with KBA-R

You can verify your identity using your phone number and date of birth, or by uploading an identity document.

Phone number Identity document

To verify your identity using your phone number:

  1. Select Verify using your phone number.
  2. Enter your phone number and date of birth.
  3. ID.me will text you a link from a 5-digit number.
  4. Select the link to confirm possession of your device and verify your identity.
  5. If prompted, enter your Social Security number. Learn why ID.me asks for your Social Security number. 

Review and confirm your information

To complete verification, you’ll need to confirm your information:

  1. Review your information and make sure everything is correct. If your information is incorrect, select No. You’ll be prompted to verify again.
    Screenshot asking user to confirm personal information for identity verification, including name, address, and phone number
  2. After you review that your information is correct, select Yes.
  3. Finally, from the Authorize screen, review the information that the organization will receive and then select Allow to consent to share that information with them.

Learn more about how ID.me uses your data and protects your information.

After your identity is verified, and you’ve given consent for ID.me to share your information with the organization, you’re all set! You will receive additional communication about next steps.

Troubleshooting

I don’t have a smartphone

You don’t need a smartphone to verify your identity. You can also complete the verification process using a tablet or computer.

I couldn’t verify using my phone number

If you’re unable to verify your identity with your phone number, select Try with a different method and upload your government-issued ID when prompted. This allows you to upload a document photo instead.

My documents weren’t approved

If you’re unable to verify your identity with your identity document, try again with a different document type or different image of your document. If that doesn’t work, select Try with a different method when prompted. This allows you to verify using your phone number. Learn how to take photos of your documents.

I have multiple accounts

If you’ve created multiple accounts, visit Multiple ID.me accounts. 

Video Chat Agent

If there is an issue verifying your identity using KBA-R, you may be able to complete your verification by uploading additional documents and joining a video call. Not all organizations that work with ID.me offer Video Call verification.

Note: For more troubleshooting steps, visit Troubleshooting common technical issues.
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