Verifying if you live outside of the U.S. and have an SSN

This article explains how to verify your identity if you live outside the United States and have a Social Security number (SSN).

• If you don’t have an SSN, but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), visit Verifying with an ITIN.
• If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN but have a non-U.S. passport, visit Verifying with a non-U.S. passport.

What you’ll need

To verify your identity you will need the following:

• Social Security number
• Two primary documents (e.g. passport, passport card, National ID card, government-issued ID with your photo) or
• One primary and at least one secondary document (e.g. utility bill, pay stub, medical bill, bank statement, W-2 form)

You may also need to provide:

• Proof of a non-U.S. address
• Legal name change documentation

1. Get started

To get started:

1. Go to the website of the organization or agency you need to verify for and select the ID.me button.
2. Sign in to your existing ID.me account or create a new account.
3. Complete multi-factor authentication (MFA) or add MFA to protect your account.
   
   Note: You can use an international phone number for MFA. If there's an error, use a method that doesn’t rely on phone calls or texts. We recommend setting up a passkey or using a code generator.
4. Select I don’t live in the United States or I don’t have the above documents. Do not select Self-Service or Video Call.

5. Select Get started.
6. Enter your non-U.S. address
   On the personal information screen, under “Current Address”, select a non-U.S. country. 
7. Enter and confirm your SSN, then select Continue.
   

2. Choose your documents

1. Choose your documents
   Follow the prompts to select the documents you will use to verify your identity.
2. Review document requirements
   On each screen, review the yellow box at the top for the specific information that must be on the document.
3. Confirm your information
   After selecting your documents, carefully review the questions to confirm that the information you entered matches what’s shown on your documents.

3. Upload your identity documents

Choose how you’ll upload images of your documents:

• Select Take Photo, then enter your phone number to receive a secure link from ID.me. Use the tips below to take a photo of your documents.
  
• Alternatively, select Choose Image to upload documents from your device.

After you send your documents, confirm the documents meet the requirements and select Continue.

5. Join the extended video call

1. Wait while your documents are reviewed.
   
2. After your documents are approved, you’ll wait for the next available video call. An estimated wait time will display in the same window.
3. If you don’t have time to wait or would like to come back another time, select Save & Exit or you can schedule a video call appointment.
4. Select Join Video Call when you are ready.

During the call:

1. Wait for the Video Chat Agent to join.
2. Verify your personal information (name, date of birth, address, and Social Security number, if required).
3. Show your documents to the agent, ensuring they can see them clearly. Ask for guidance if needed. You must have the original versions of your identity documents—copies or photos are not accepted.
   

6. Share your information

After meeting with an agent:

1. Return to the organization’s website and sign in using your ID.me account. 
2. Select Allow to consent to share your information and access the organization or agency’s services.

Troubleshoot international verification

I selected Self-Service or Video Call

If you selected one of those options, select one of the following international links:

• I don’t have a US Phone Number: When prompted to enter your phone number.
• I don’t have a US address (if applicable): When asked for your home address.