Primary and secondary documents are types of identification documents you'll need to present when you verify your identity with an ID.me Video Chat Agent. ID.me follows NIST-compliant identity verification standards. This article explains what documents are acceptable and unacceptable during the ID.me Video Verification process.
Documents you will need
To verify your identity through the ID.me Video Verification process, you may choose between:
-
Two primary identification documents, OR
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One primary and two secondary identification documents.
For example, you can usually verify your identity by presenting your Driver's License or State ID, along with a utility bill and Social Security Card.
Keep in mind:
You may need to provide additional documentation:
- If your name has changed
- To prove your Social Security number
- To prove your current address
If your Driver’s License or state ID has expired in the last 12 months, you will need to upload your temporary license or ID, along with the expired document.
Document best practices
Make sure to follow our tips for taking a good photo of documents from your smartphone.
Keep in mind:
- When uploading your document, ensure the document type you select matches the document you upload.
- We recommend submitting at least one document showing your current address.
- You must display all four corners of your document during the video call for ID.me to accept it as valid.
- Documents in non-English languages are acceptable as long as they have English translations on the document, for example “Nombre / Name.”
Primary documents
The following Primary documents must be physically presented on your call with your Video Chat Agent:
Document | Notes |
---|---|
Driver’s License or Learner's Permit from a U.S. state or territory |
Licenses that expired in the last 12 months can be presented with documentation of renewal/extension or a temporary ID from the DMV. Your renewal/extension and expired ID must also be uploaded in order to be accepted. |
Other Government-issued Photo IDs | Military IDs, temporary and/or paper documents are not accepted. |
State-issued Photo ID |
IDs that expired in the last 12 months can be presented with documentation of renewal/extension or a temporary ID from the DMV. Your renewal/extension and expired ID must also be uploaded in order to be accepted. |
U.S. Passport | n/a |
U.S. Passport Card | You must upload the front and back of your U.S. Passport Card. |
U.S. Permanent Resident Card | We accept form I-551 or paper extension I-797A if it says 'approved' or 'notice of receipt'. |
USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Card | We don’t accept employer-issued ID cards. |
Non-U.S. Passport | n/a |
Veterans Health ID Card | Veterans insurance cards cannot be used. The Veterans Health ID Card has a photo and must be issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. |
DHS Trusted Traveler Cards | We accept cards issued by Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI. |
Canadian Driver’s License | n/a |
Certificate of Naturalization | We accept forms N-550 or N-570. |
National ID Card | Only for people who reside outside of the U.S. and have a non-U.S. address. |
Federally recognized, Tribal-issued Photo ID | n/a |
Secondary documents
Full-color scans and PDFs are acceptable
You can present full-color scans and PDFs of the following acceptable secondary documents:
Document | Notes |
---|---|
Social Security Card |
If you have chosen to use a Social Security Card as one of your secondary documents, you must present your original Social Security Card document during your Video Verification call. |
U.S. DoD Certificate of Birth Abroad | n/a |
U.S. DoS Certification of Report of Birth |
n/a |
Consular Report of Birth Abroad | n/a |
Full-color or black and white scans, and PDFs are acceptable
You can present full-color or black and white scans and PDFs of the following acceptable secondary documents:
Document | Notes |
---|---|
U.S. Health Insurance Card | n/a |
U.S. Birth Certificate with official seal | n/a |
W-2 Form | We also accept W-2C, W-2G, 499R-2 / W-2PR, etc. |
1098 Form | We also accept forms 1098-C, 1098-E, 1098-F, 1098-MA, 1098-T, 1098-Q, Form 480.6, 480.7, etc. |
Auto Insurance Card | n/a |
Border Crossing Card | n/a |
Canadian Indian and Northern Affairs card | n/a |
College or University Student Photo ID | It must be from the current academic year. |
College or University Transcript | It can be from the current or previous academic year. Your date of birth or Student ID number must be on the transcript. |
DOD Certificate of Discharge | We also accept Release DD214, DD256 or NGB 22. |
Auto or home insurance statement | The statement must include the last four digits of your identification, account, card, policy, or customer number. |
Letter attesting state residency | n/a |
NAP Recipient Certification | Certificación de beneficiario del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (ADSEF). |
Native American tribal document | n/a |
Non SSA-1099 Form | We also accept 1099-DIV, 1099-MISC, etc. |
SSA-1099 Form | We also accept 1099-SM,1099-R-OP1, etc. |
U.S. or U.S. Territory Voter Registration Card or Certificate | n/a |
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card | n/a |
U.S. Citizen ID Card Form | n/a |
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Puerto Rico recipient certification | n/a |
Secondary documents (90 day limit)
Full-color scans or black and white scans, photocopies, and PDFs are acceptable
These secondary identification documents:
- Cannot be older than 90 days
- Must display your full name, current address, and account number, except for pay stubs
- Must display any other information listed below
Document | Notes |
---|---|
Bank, Loan, or Financial Institution statement |
If you are using your Social Security Number as your personal identifiable information (PII), your statement must include your full Social Security Number. |
Medical bill |
|
Pay stub |
|
Utility bills (Cable, Electric, Gas, Internet, Phone, Water) |
|
Unacceptable documents
You cannot use the following documents for verification:
Document | Notes |
---|---|
Photocopies of original documents attesting state residency | n/a |
Expired or invalid documents | Except in scenarios specified above. In some cases, you can use an expired Driver’s license or State ID. |
Company employee ID cards | We also do not accept employee ID badges, building passes, etc. |
Digital Driver’s license or state IDs | n/a |
Documents that are temporary | n/a |
Documents that are voided | n/a |
Forms you fill out yourself | Including tax forms |
Letters from banks | n/a |
Unemployment documentation | n/a |
Unofficial student records | n/a |