ID.me provides secure identity verification services. Business and government agencies work with ID.me to ensure that the person logging in to your account is really you and not someone pretending to be you. If this is your first time using ID.me, you will need to create an account and verify your identity.
Moving forward, you can use your ID.me account to access hundreds of other websites that offer ID.me as a login option.
One you—One ID.me account
Each person is allowed only one ID.me account. Your ID.me account is like having just one driver’s license—it’s all you need. You cannot have more than one account or share your account with a relative or coworker.
If you don't have a personal email, create one using your preferred email provider. You can create a free Gmail account by selecting the Google icon from the ID.me sign in screen.
You can also use your ID.me account for both personal and work tasks by adding several email addresses to your account. If you use ID.me for work, you should link both your work and personal emails to your account. For tips and steps on setting up your account for work, visit Setting up your ID.me account for work.
Using Tribal Documentation
To verify your identity, you'll need to provide either primary documents or a combination of primary and secondary documents. If you are a member of a federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe, you can verify your identity on a video call using specific tribal documents, including:
- Federally-recognized, Tribal-issued photo ID card (primary document)
- Native American tribal document (secondary document)
- Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs Card (secondary document)
Follow these guidelines for specific document types:
- Must have a valid expiration date, if present. However, Tribal IDs without any expiration date are acceptable
- Must be legible, not blurry, with all personal information displayed
- Cannot be voided: documents cannot have clipped edges, punched holes, or have “VOID” written on them
- Must display a DOB showing an 18+ age
- Must show front and back of document
- Must be legible, not blurry, with all personal information displayed
- Cannot be voided: documents cannot have clipped edges, punched holes, or have “VOID” written on them
- Must display a DOB showing an 18+ age
- Must display the Native American tribe name
- Must show front of document
- Must be legible, not blurry, with all personal information displayed
- Cannot be voided: documents cannot have clipped edges, punched holes, or have “VOID” written on them
- Must display a DOB showing an 18+ age
- Must show front and back of document
Verifying your identity with Self-Service
If you have a valid US driver’s license, state ID, passport or passport card, you can verify your identity using Self-Service. This guided process is the fastest and most popular way to verify your identity. During the Self-Service process, you’ll be asked to upload documents, submit a video selfie, and enter your Social Security number and address.
To verify with Self-Service, you will need to take and submit a live video selfie. Here are some tips for taking a good selfie:
Verifying your identity on a Video Call
To verify your identity using approved Tribal documents, you’ll need to verify on a video call with an ID.me Video Chat Agent. To route to a video call, select any of the following links when prompted:
- I don’t have any of the documents listed above
- I don't live in the United States
- I don’t have a US phone number
- I don’t have a US address
- I don’t have a Social Security number
Video Call Tips:
Send your documents
Use these tips when taking photos of your documents:
Get camera-ready
Before you verify, check the audio and video settings on your device. Make sure the agent will be able to hear and see you when you join the video call. Have a strong and reliable internet connection.
To verify your identity, the agent will need your consent to be recorded on the video call.
Here’s how to hold your smartphone so the Video Chat Agent can see your documents. If you cannot see yourself on the video call, ask the Video Chat Agent for direction.
Important:
You’ll need to have the original copies of each of your documents. The agent can’t verify your identity if you show them copies.
While you wait
Wait times for a Video Chat Agent can vary. The estimated wait time displays after you upload your identity documents for review.
Pro Tips:
- Wait times tend to be the shortest between 9:00 PM to 9:00 AM Pacific Time
- Keep your device active and nearby: If it locks or shuts off you may lose your spot in line. Refresh your screen often to ensure your session is active and to see the most current estimated wait time
- Keep your documents handy
- Confirm availability when prompted
No time to wait?
By scheduling appointments with a Video Chat Agent, you can finish verifying your identity at a time that’s convenient for you—instead of waiting in line for the next available video call. This option is only available after you have uploaded your documents.
For steps to verify, visit Verifying your identity on a video call.
Verifying your identity in-person
ID.me works with select government agencies to provide in-person verification. With in-person verification, you’ll begin the process by booking an appointment. After you book an appointment, you’ll take your identity documents and “Registration Code” to an Identity Network Location on the day and time of your appointment or at your convenience, if you choose the walk-in option. ID.me is constantly working to expand in-person alternatives across the country. Check with your agency to see if in-person verification is available.
For steps to verify, visit Verifying your identity in-person.