Having trouble signing in to VA.gov? This article walks you through logging in to the Department of Veterans Affairs website with ID.me and verifying your identity. Once verified, you can securely access your VA benefits, medical records, and other services.

Sign in to VA.gov using ID.me

If you already have an ID.me Wallet, sign in:

1. Go to VA.gov and select Sign in.
2. Select ID.me.
   
3. Follow the prompts to sign in to your ID.me Wallet.
4. If required, follow the prompts to provide any additional information.
5. From the Authorize screen, review the information that the VA will receive and then select Allow to consent to share that information with them.

I can’t sign in to my ID.me Wallet

• Changed your phone number? Visit I changed my phone number.
• Have trouble with MFA? Visit Resetting your multi-factor authentication (MFA) method.
• Unsure of your sign-in issue? Visit I can’t sign in to my ID.me Wallet.

Verify your identity for the VA

If you’ve never had an ID.me Wallet, you’ll create one before verifying your identity. After you create your wallet, you’ll choose how to verify:

• Self-Service
• Video Call
• In Person

Self–Service

This process usually takes 5-10 minutes and guides you through each step on your screen.

To verify your identity, you'll need:

• A smartphone with a camera
• Your government-issued photo ID (U.S. driver's license or state ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. passport card)
• Your Social Security number

To verify with Self-Service:

1. Follow the prompts to take a photo your US driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card. For help, visit Taking photos of your ID or documents.
2. Take and submit a video selfie to verify that your face matches the photo on your ID. If your video selfie isn’t accepted, take another selfie following our selfie best practices.
3. Enter your phone number and Social Security number when prompted. You may need to enter your U.S. address.
4. Review your information, then select Yes to confirm its accuracy.
5. On the Authorize screen, review the information the VA will receive and select Allow to consent to share the information. If you select Deny, your access to the Veterans Affairs website will be limited.

After you verify with the VA, sign in by selecting Sign in with ID.me.

Video Call

You will enter your personal information, choose and submit your identity documents, then wait for your documents to be reviewed. After they’re approved, you’ll join an ID.me Video Chat Agent on a video call to verify your personal information and show your documents to an agent.

For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying with an extended video call.

In person

Book an appointment and bring your identity documents and 'Registration Code' to an Identity Network Location at your scheduled time. If you choose the walk-in option, you can visit at your convenience.

For step-by-step instructions, visit Verifying your identity in person.

Troubleshoot VA verification

I want to use my Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC)

When using your VHIC to verify, keep in mind:

• VHIC will not display on screens requiring documents that show your date of birth, as date of birth is not shown on the VHIC.
• After you choose a primary document that includes your date of birth, VHIC will display as an option on the next document selection screen.
• VHICs cannot be used as "Other government-issued photo IDs."
• Veterans insurance cards cannot be used.

I live outside of the United States

If you live outside of the United States and have a Social Security number, learn how to verify your identity. If you don’t have an SSN, visit Verifying with ITIN or Verifying with a non-US passport.

I’m trying to verify with an expired driver’s license or state ID

You can still verify your identity on a video call, even if your driver’s license or state ID expired. To learn more, visit Using an expired driver's license or state ID.

I verified my identity on a video call, but I can’t access my VA benefits

After your video call, you'll receive an email from ID.me with the subject "Action Required: Complete your VA verification." Follow the instructions in the email to share your information with the VA.

Otherwise, go to VA.gov, select Sign in, then follow the prompts to sign in to your ID.me Wallet.

I saw an error after verifying my identity

If you receive an error when attempting to access a Veterans Affairs site after verification (Error Code: PE, etc), try the following:

1. Clear your browser's cache and cookies. Also, enable cookies in your browser settings.

2. Update your browser to the latest version.

   Note: If you are using Internet Explorer or Microsoft Edge, try using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
3. Close all of your browser windows before trying to sign in again.
4. Return to VA.gov and sign in with your ID.me email and password.

If you continue to have trouble signing in or see an error, contact the VA for more assistance.

Who to contact for help

ID.me

ID.me can help if you have trouble with your wallet or verifying your identity. Common issues include:

• Signing in to your wallet
• Having multiple ID.me Wallets
• Taking photos of your ID or documents or selfies
• Fixing rejected documents

Veterans Affairs

For any questions after you complete the verification process, contact the VA directly.