If you’re currently unhoused, this article can help you start the identity verification process. It also includes what to do if you don’t have a phone, a permanent address, or a government-issued ID.

Find organizations to verify for

You can use ID.me to verify your identity for many federal and state agencies. Once verified, you can sign in and access benefits and services. Some of the agencies that accept ID.me include:

• Federal agencies - The Internal Revenue Service, the Social Security Administration, Veterans Affairs, and more.
• State agencies - ID.me works with many state agencies so you can securely verify your identity and apply for unemployment insurance.

What you need to verify your identity

To verify your identity, you’ll need:

• A government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or passport card)
• A smartphone with a camera
• Proof of address

Your government ID is called a primary document. You must have at least one valid (not expired) primary document to verify your identity.

If you don’t have a photo ID

If you don’t have a valid government-issued photo ID, visit Applying for government-issued photo identification for tips on how you can apply for a government issued photo ID.

I don’t have a permanent address

If you don’t have a permanent address, request a Letter Attesting State Residency (LASR). A Letter Attesting State Residency (LASR) proves your address if you don’t currently have a permanent address. Examples of not having a permanent address include living in temporary housing or a shelter.

You may need to present this type of letter when verifying your identity during a Video Call. This letter qualifies as a secondary document and is a sworn statement testifying that you reside at a particular address.

LASR requirements

Before you request a state residency letter or if you already have one, make sure the letter meets all of the following criteria:

• It has your first and last name, institution or agency name, and staff name or signature.
• It’s on official letterhead from a shelter, drug treatment facility, halfway house, shelter for abused women, nonprofit entity, employer, faith-based organization, or government entity within the U.S.
• It can be scanned in full-color or black and white, a photocopy, or PDF file.

Requesting an LASR

If you don’t have a permanent address, you may need to request an LASR from a third-party entity. To get an LASR, contact:

• The management at the place you’re living, to request they print the letter on official letterhead.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles nearest you.

I don’t own a phone

If you can't prove your phone ownership, you’ll be prompted to continue your verification on a video call. You will likely be able to re-use the document you uploaded in Self-Service, but may be prompted to upload additional documents to prove your Social Security number. A Social Security card is the most common document to prove this.