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Verifying with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)

This article explains how to verify your identity using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

What you’ll need

To verify your identity you will need the following:

  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
  • 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:

Tip: If submitting a translated document, ensure the original non-English document and its translation are visible in the same photo, side-by-side. For instance, Canadian driver’s licenses may include a French-to-English translation. Writing on your official documents will void them.

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.

Screenshot showing options to verify identity by self-service or video call, with a link for users outside the U.S.

  1. Select Get started.
  2. Enter your address
    • Living in the U.S.: Enter your United States address.
    • Living outside the U.S.: On the personal information screen, under “Current Address”, select a non-U.S. country, then enter your non-U.S. address.

2. Enter your ITIN

  1. Skip the SSN fields.
  2. Check the box next to Continue by entering your Individual Taxpayer Number (ITIN).
  3. Enter and confirm your ITIN, then select Continue to choose your documents.
    Screenshot of form to confirm Social Security number with link highlighted for users without an SSN to enter an ITIN instead

3. 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.

4. 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.
    Illustration with do’s and don’ts for taking a photo of your ID document
  • 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

Tip: ID.me supports video calls in over 240 languages. If you prefer to verify in a language other than English, inform the Video Chat Agent, who will bring in a third-party interpreter.
  1. Wait while your documents are reviewed.
    Screenshot showing estimated wait time for document review before a video call and a list of required documents
  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.
Note: Be aware that fraudsters may send you a video call link as a way to steal your information. If you received a link to a video call from anyone other than ID.me, let your agent know immediately after you join the call.

During the call:

  1. Wait for the Video Chat Agent to join.
  2. Verify your personal information (name, date of birth, address, and ITIN, 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.
    Illustration showing a man holding an ID next to his face for a selfie as part of identity verification

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.
  • I don’t have a Social Security number: To use your ITIN

I verified using an ITIN but cannot access my benefits 

If you successfully verified with an ITIN or passport ID but cannot access your benefits, contact the organization or agency directly. Some may require a Social Security number for identity verification.

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