You may be asked to take a video selfie to verify your identity with ID.me. This step helps confirm that you are you, and not someone pretending to be you. Follow these instructions to take your video selfie successfully, along with tips to make sure your selfie is accepted.

Tips for taking a successful video selfie

• Set up lighting: Whether it’s natural light or from a lamp, make sure the light is in front of you.
• Avoid glare: If you notice glare, step back from the light source.
• Position the camera: Hold the camera directly in front of your face, about a foot away.
• Don’t hide your face: Avoid clothing, like hats, scarves, masks, or anything else that can hide your face.
• Check your background: Stand in front of a simple, plain background, if possible.
• It’s a selfie: Make sure no one else is in view.

Steps to take your ID.me video selfie

To take a video selfie using your smartphone:

1. Go to the website of the organization you need to access and select the ID.me button.
2. Sign in if you already have an ID.me account; do not create another account. If you have never created an ID.me account, create one using your personal email address.
3. Select Self-Service, if prompted.
4. Follow the prompts and when prompted to take a video selfie, select Start.
5. Select Start liveness detection. You may need to select Allow to grant permission to your camera.
6. Hold your phone so your face is centered in the frame. Wait until you see a “Processing video selfie” screen. Follow our video selfie best practices to take a great selfie.
    
7. After successfully submitting your video selfie, return to the original or previous web browser (either on a computer or a smartphone) to finish the verification process.

Troubleshoot video selfie issues 

If you're having trouble completing your video selfie or accessing your camera, try the following articles:

• Video selfie troubleshooting
• Camera and microphone troubleshooting