Verifying if you live outside of the United States – ID.me Help Center

If you live outside of the United States, you’ll need to verify your identity on a video call with a Video Chat Agent. During this process, you’ll upload your identity documents, wait for them to be reviewed, then join a live video call to complete verification.

This article explains how to verify while living outside of the US.

Who must verify on a video call

You must verify on a video call if you:

Don’t live in the United States
Don’t have a U.S. phone number, mailing address, or Social Security number

Documents you’ll need

To verify on a video call, you’ll first upload your identity documents before joining a video call. For a list of acceptable documents, visit Documents to verify if you live outside of the US.

Tip: You can submit a translated document as an accompanying document. Ensure that both the original non-English document and its translation are visible in the same photo, side-by-side. For example, some Canadian driver’s licenses may be accompanied by a French-to-English translation.

Step 1 - Start at the website you’re verifying for

Go to the website for the organization or agency you need to access. When you’re on the website, find and select Sign in with ID.me or Verify with ID.me.

Step 2 - Sign in or create an ID.me account

If you already have an ID.me account, sign in to your existing account, then complete multi-factor authentication (MFA).
If you have never created an ID.me account, select Create an ID.me account, then follow the prompts to create your account. When creating a new account, confirm your email address and set up multi-factor authentication (MFA).

Note: You can use an international phone number to set up MFA. However, if there’s an error, choose an MFA option that doesn’t require receiving phone calls or text messages. We recommend setting up a passkey, push notifications, or use the code generator.

Step 3 - Select an international link

When prompted to choose your verification method or document, select I don’t live in the United States or I don't have a driver's license, state ID, passport, or passport card.

Do not select Self-Service or Video Call.

User Choice Screen 5:2024.png

What if I selected Self-Service?

If you selected Self-Service, you can still verify on a video call. Select one of the international links at the bottom of the various verification screens, including:

I don’t have a U.S. phone number

When prompted to enter your phone number, select I don’t have a US phone Number.

I don’t have a U.S. address

When prompted to enter your home address, select I don’t have a US address.

I don’t have a Social Security number

When prompted to enter your Social Security number, select I don’t have a Social Security Number. After selecting the button, enter and upload your passport information.

Step 4 - Enter your information and upload documents

After you select an international link:

Select Get started.
Follow the prompts to enter your personal information.
- Enter and confirm your personal information. This information will be compared to the documents you upload later, so make sure everything is accurate.
- After you confirm your information is correct, select Continue.
Enter your Social Security number and select Continue.
- If you don’t have a Social Security number, you may be able to verify using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). When prompted, select Continue by entering your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Follow the prompts to submit your documents.
- You’ll need two primary documents or one primary and at least one secondary document.
- Follow our document photos tips when taking photos of your documents.

Step 5 - Join a video call

After your information is confirmed, you will be prompted to join a video call. Select Join video call, then wait for the next Video Chat Agent to be available.

Have your physical documents ready

Ensure you have the original, physical copies of your accepted primary or secondary identity documents to show to the Video Chat Agent.
If you live outside of the United States and don’t have a US phone number, mailing address, or Social Security number, you must submit documents to prove a foreign address and verify your identity.
You may need to provide additional documentation to prove your Social Security number or if your name has changed.

Troubleshooting

I verified using an ITIN or passport ID but cannot access my benefits

If you successfully verified using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or passport ID, it’s possible you still won’t be able to access your benefits. Contact the organization or agency you need to access to ask them if you can verify using only an ITIN or passport. Some organizations require an SSN for identity verification.

I don’t have a Social Security number or ITIN

If you don’t have an SSN or ITIN, make sure to enter your international address during verification. You’ll be prompted to enter your passport number and expiration date. When prompted to upload your documents, upload a photo of a document that shows the same international address you entered.