U.S. driver’s licenses and state IDs are government-issued photo IDs you can use when verifying your identity. During the verification process, you’ll take a photo of your license or state ID using your smartphone or upload images from your device. This article explains how to verify your identity using a driver’s license or state ID.
Before you verify
- Driver’s licenses and state IDs are primary documents and must include your photo.
- If you’re helping someone who needs to verify using ID.me, make sure you have the necessary documents to upload.
- You can verify your identity, even if your driver's license or state ID expired.
How to verify
Using a driver’s license or state ID to verify your identity involves going to the organization’s site that you are verifying for, creating or signing in to your ID.me account, and submitting your ID, along with other information. To verify:
1. Start the verification process
Go to the organization’s site that you are verifying for. To find a list of organizations and where to start verification, go to Identity Verification.
2. Sign in or create an ID.me account
You must create your ID.me account or sign in to your existing account.
3. Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA)
To secure your account, set up your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method. ID.me recommends setting up at least two MFA methods.
4. Submit your driver’s license or state ID
When prompted, submit your driver’s license or state ID by taking a photo of the front and back. Make sure to follow our document photos tips.
For most organizations, driver's license or state ID will be the default document type.
My license or state ID wasn’t accepted
Your documents might not be accepted for a variety of reasons. If it wasn’t accepted, try taking another photo of your document, or use a different document.
If you try several times and your document isn’t accepted, select Verify identity on a video call. You will be prompted to upload additional documents and enter your information before starting a video chat with an ID.me Video Chat Agent. Video Chat Agents, or Trust Referees, are virtual agents that help verify your identity. You’ll need to show them your documents while on the video call.
Expired license or state ID
Learn what to do if your driver’s license or state ID expired within the last 12 months. It’s possible you can still use one of those documents to verify your identity on a video call. When prompted during the document upload process when verifying your identity on a video call, make sure you upload a photo of your renewal/extension documentation or your temporary ID from the DMV.
FAQ
I lost my driver’s license or state ID. What should I do?
If you lost your license or ID, visit Applying for government-issued photo identification to learn about applying for an ID.
Can I use a PO Box address when verifying my identity?
Yes. If your driver’s license has a PO Box listed as your home address, you can use that same address when entering your information for your ID.me Account. Otherwise, you will need a valid U.S. street address to verify your identity.
Can I verify with a passport or passport card instead?
Yes, you can also verify with a passport or passport card. To learn how, visit Verifying your identity using your passport or passport card.