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.
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.
If you have never created an ID.me account, you need to:
- Create an ID.me account using your personal email address
- Verify your identity
- Consent to share your identity information with your ID.me organization
Create an ID.me account
To create an ID.me account:
- Go to the website or organization you need to verify for and select Sign in with ID.me or Verify with ID.me when prompted.
Note: Some organizations will prompt you to verify by email. Check your spam folders for emails from ID.me or the organization. - Select Create an ID.me account, enter your personal email address and a strong password. Learn how to create a strong password.
- Follow the prompts to finish setting up your ID.me account and to confirm ownership of your email.
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.
To verify your identity using your phone number:
- Select Verify using your phone number.
- Enter your phone number and date of birth.
- ID.me will text you a link from a 5-digit number.
- Select the link to confirm possession of your device and verify your identity.
- If prompted, enter your Social Security number. Learn why ID.me asks for your Social Security number.
To verify your identity using your government-issued photo ID:
- Choose which government ID you’d like to upload. You can verify your identity using a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card.
- Follow the prompts to upload a photo of your government-issued ID using your smartphone or upload one from your computer. Learn how to take photos of your documents.
- If prompted, enter your Social Security number. Learn why ID.me asks for your Social Security number.
- Confirm that the information on your ID is clearly legible in the photo and select Continue.
Review and confirm your information
To complete verification, you’ll need to confirm your information:
- Review your information and make sure everything is correct. If your information is incorrect, select No. You’ll be prompted to verify again.
- After you review that your information is correct, select Yes.
- 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 a duplicate account
Your ID.me account is tied to you as an individual. Similar to having one driver's license or Social Security number, you can have only one verified ID.me account. If you’ve created a duplicate account, visit Duplicate account for more information and tips to resolve.
Video Chat Agent
If there is an issue verifying your identity using KBA, 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.