Verifying with a non-U.S. passport

If you live outside the United States and don't have a Social Security number (SSN) or an ITIN, you may still be able to verify your identity using a non-US passport. This article explains how.

• If you live outside of the U.S. but have an ITIN instead of an SSN, visit Verifying with an ITIN.
• If you live outside of the U.S. but have a Social Security number, visit Verifying if you live outside of the U.S. and have an SSN.

What you’ll need

To verify your identity you will need the following:

• Your valid (unexpired), non-U.S passport that clearly shows your passport ID number
• An approved “address document” that shows the same international address that you will enter during verification. Commonly-used, eligible documents include bank statements, electric bills, valid and unexpired driver’s licenses, pay stubs, etc.

1. Get started

To get started:

1. Go to the website of the organization or agency you need to verify for, and select the ID.me button.
2. Sign in to your existing ID.me account or create a new account.
3. Complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) or add MFA to protect your account.
4. Select I don’t live in the United States or I don’t have the above documents. Do not select Self-Service or Video Chat Agent.
   
5. Select Get started.
6. On the personal information screen, under “Current Address”, select a non-U.S. country, then enter your non-U.S. address.
   

2. Confirm you don’t have an SSN or ITIN

1. Check the box to confirm you have never been issued a Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification number (ITIN).
   
2. Enter your passport number and passport’s expiration date, and then select Continue.
   

3. Upload your documents

Gather your documents in advance so they’re ready to upload when prompted.

1. Foreign (Non-U.S.) Passport
   Confirm that the name you entered previously matches the name on your non-U.S. passport, then follow the prompts to upload.
   
2. Select an approved “address document” that shows your same international address that you previously entered.
   Commonly-used, eligible documents include bank statements, electric bills, valid and unexpired driver’s licenses, pay stubs, etc.
   
3. Confirm your information
   After selecting your documents, carefully review the questions to confirm that the information you entered matches what’s shown on your documents.

4. Join the extended video call

1. Wait while your documents are reviewed.
   
2. After your documents are approved, you’ll wait for the next available video call. An estimated wait time will display in the same window.
3. If you don’t have time to wait or would like to come back another time, select Save & Exit or you can schedule a video call appointment.
4. Select Join Video Call when you are ready.

During the call:

1. Wait for the Video Chat Agent to join.
2. Verify your personal information (name, date of birth, address, and ITIN, if required).
3. Show your documents to the agent, ensuring they can see them clearly. Ask for guidance if needed. You must have the original versions of your identity documents—copies or photos are not accepted.
   

5. Share your information

After meeting with an agent:

1. Return to the organization’s website and sign in using your ID.me account. 
2. Select Allow to consent to share your information and access the organization or agency’s services.

Troubleshoot international verification

I selected Self-Service or Video Call

If you selected one of those options, select one of the following international links:

• I don’t have a US Phone Number: When prompted to enter your phone number.
• I don’t have a US address (if applicable): When asked for your home address.
• I don’t have a Social Security number: To use your ITIN

I verified using a non-U.S. passport but cannot access my benefits 

If you successfully verified with a non-U.S. passport but cannot access your benefits, contact the organization or agency directly. Some may require a Social Security number for identity verification.