Why do I need a phone number to verify my identity?

When you have set up MFA in your ID.me account, you begin the sign-in process with your email address and password, then you will also enter additional credentials--often, a verification code, which has been sent to a trusted device, sometimes via a trusted phone number. 

For example, depending on how your account is set up, you may sign in to ID.me on your computer, then receive a verification code via text on your smartphone. Enter the code from your phone on your computer, and sign-in is complete.

Depending on your account set-up and the partner website you are working with, you may be asked to provide MFA credentials every time you sign in, or you may be permitted to 'trust' sign-ins that come from certain devices.

What is a trusted device?

A trusted device (like a smartphone or tablet) is a device that you have used before for MFA. Trusted devices are used to verify your identity by displaying a verification code.

Do I have to have a smartphone to verify my identity?

If you do not have a smartphone, you may use a trusted phone number to receive verification codes either by text or phone call.

You must verify at least one trusted phone number to enroll in MFA. Consider verifying additional phone numbers (i.e. home phone, or a number used by a family member or close friend) to ensure you can access your account, even when you are away from your own trusted device. 

If your identity cannot be verified, you will be prompted to use the Trusted Referee process to verify your identity.