This article offers guidance on what steps to take to begin verifying your digital identity while unhoused, what to do if you don’t own a phone, and agencies you can contact if you don’t have an identity document or an identity document with a permanent address.
Find organizations to verify for
With ID.me, you can verify your identity for various state and federal agencies so you can sign in and access essential benefits and services. Some organizations 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.
Verifying your identity
Your ID.me identity verification begins with having the necessary identification documents to prove you are who you say you are, these required documents include, but are not limited to a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card. These are considered primary documents. You’ll also need a phone that you own and proof of address.
I don’t have a primary document
If you don’t have a valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID or a renewal document for an expired ID to verify your identity, visit Applying for government-issued photo identification for tips on how you can apply for a government issued photo ID.
I can’t obtain a primary document, a phone, or prove my address
If you can’t obtain a government-issued photo ID, or encountered an issue proving your phone ownership you can verify your identity on a video call.
On a video call, you will have additional document options to choose from, and meet with an agent to finish your verification.
Common acceptable documents you may have include:
- Birth certificate
- Medical bill
- Expired driver’s license, with the corresponding extension document
- Electric bill from within the last year
- Vehicle Registration / Title
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.