You may be asked to take a video selfie to verify your identity with ID.me. This step helps confirm your identity during verification. The instructions below explain how to take your video selfie and include tips to help you complete this step successfully.
Before you take a video selfie
Before you start the video selfie, you’ll see a consent screen. This screen explains how your biometric data is used and protected. ID.me uses this step only to verify your identity and help prevent fraud.
Steps to take your ID.me video selfie
To take a video selfie using your smartphone:
- Go to the website of the organization you need to access and select the ID.me button.
- Sign in if you already have an ID.me Wallet; do not create another wallet. If you have never created one, create one using your personal email address.
- Select Self-Service, if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. When prompted to take a video selfie, select Start.
- Select Start liveness detection. You may need to select Allow to grant permission to your camera.
- Hold your device so your face is centered in the frame. Your device will briefly flash different colors. This is a normal part of the process and usually lasts only a few seconds. Wait until you see a “Processing video selfie” screen.
- 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.
Tips for taking a successful video selfie
These tips can help reduce common issues during the video selfie step.
- Lighting: Set your screen brightness to the highest level. Be in a well-lit area.
- Glare: If you notice glare on your face or glasses, move slightly away from the light source.
- Camera position: Hold the camera directly in front of your face, about a foot away.
- Face visibility: Remove items that cover your face, such as hats, scarves, or masks.
- Background: Stand in front of a simple, plain background if one is available.
- Other people: Try to make sure only you are visible in the frame.
What to know about flashing lights during your video selfie
While taking a video selfie, your device screen will briefly flash different colors. This flashing sequence is short and designed to stay within WCAG accessibility standards, including guidance related to photosensitivity.
Options if you can’t complete the video selfie
If you’re unable to complete the video selfie due to a disability or accessibility concern, you can still verify your identity.
- Screen reader support: The video selfie experience is designed to work with screen readers. If this doesn’t work for you, you can verify your identity on a video call with a trained agent instead.
- Video call option: You may be guided to verify your identity on a video call with a trained agent. This option does not use flashing lights.
- Accessibility support: Learn how to verify your identity if you are blind or have low vision, or if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
Troubleshoot video selfie issues
If you're having trouble completing your video selfie or accessing your camera, try the following articles: