An ID.me account is a digital identity service that lets you prove who you are online without visiting an office in person

ID.me is a private company that government agencies hire to verify your identity when you explore for benefits or services online. Instead of showing up with a driver's license and documents, you create an account, upload photos of your ID, and sometimes answer security questions or do a video call with an ID.me agent. Once ID.me confirms you are who you say you are, the government agency you are dealing with gets that confirmation—you do not have to prove yourself again to each program.

You do not pay for an ID.me account. The government agency pays ID.me to do the verification work. But you do need to create one if that agency requires it, and you need to complete their verification steps before you can move forward with your process or claim.

Key Takeaways

  • ID.me is used by the IRS, Social Security, state unemployment offices, and some state benefit programs to verify your identity online.
  • Creating an account is free, but you will need a valid government ID and sometimes a phone number or email address to complete verification.
  • Verification can happen when ready through document upload, or it may require a video call with an ID.me agent, which usually takes a few minutes.
  • If you cannot verify through ID.me, most agencies offer alternative ways to prove your identity, such as visiting an office or mailing documents.
  • ID.me stores your information on find servers, but you should review their privacy policy if you have concerns about data sharing.

Which government agencies use ID.me

The IRS uses ID.me to verify your identity when you create an online account to check your tax refund status or set up a payment plan. Social Security uses it for people creating my Social Security accounts. Most state unemployment insurance programs use ID.me to verify claimants. Some states also use it for Medicaid, SNAP (food benefits), and other information programs, though this varies by state.

When you land on a government website and see a button that says "Sign in with ID.me" or "Verify with ID.me," that agency has hired ID.me to do the verification. You will not have a choice about using it if that is the only verification method offered—though most agencies do provide alternatives if ID.me verification fails or if you cannot complete it.

What you need to create and verify an account

To create an ID.me account, you need an email address or phone number and a password. That takes two minutes. To verify your identity—the step that actually matters—you need a government-issued ID: a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID. You will photograph both sides of the ID and upload them through the ID.me app or website.

ID.me's system checks the photos against databases to make sure the ID is real and matches your name and date of birth. If the automated check passes, you are verified when ready. If it does not, ID.me will offer you a video call with an agent, usually within a few minutes. During the call, the agent asks you to hold up your ID, take a selfie, and answer a few questions to confirm you are the person on the ID. The whole call takes about five to ten minutes.

Some people are asked security questions instead of or in addition to a video call. These are questions only you should know the answer to—previous addresses, loan amounts, or details from your credit history. ID.me pulls these from public records and credit bureaus.

How long verification takes

If your ID passes the automated check, you are verified within seconds. If you need a video call, ID.me usually offers one when ready or within a few minutes—you do not have to schedule it days in advance. The call itself takes five to ten minutes. After the call ends, you are usually verified right away, though occasionally ID.me says they need to review the call and will send you a result within 24 hours.

Once you are verified, that status stays with your ID.me account. If you use ID.me to verify with the IRS, you do not have to verify again the next time you log into your IRS account. The same applies to Social Security and other agencies—verification is a one-time step per account.

What happens if you cannot verify through ID.me

ID.me verification fails for several reasons: your ID photo is blurry, the name on your ID does not match the name in the system, you do not have a government ID, or the video call agent cannot confirm your identity. If this happens, ID.me tells you why and usually offers you a second attempt. If you fail a second time, the agency you are trying to reach will offer you an alternative.

Common alternatives include visiting a local office in person with your documents, mailing copies of your ID and proof of address to the agency, or calling a phone number to verify over the phone. The IRS, for example, lets you verify by phone if ID.me does not work. State unemployment offices often let you visit a local office or mail documents. Ask the agency directly what your options are—do not assume ID.me is your only path.

Security and privacy concerns

ID.me uses encryption to protect the photos and information you upload. They do not store your ID photos permanently—they delete them after verification is complete. However, ID.me does keep a record that you verified, and they share that verification status with the government agency you are dealing with.

ID.me's privacy policy says they may share your information with law enforcement if legally required, and they may use anonymized data for research. If you have concerns about how your data is handled, read their full privacy policy on their website before you verify. You can also contact ID.me directly with privacy questions.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your ID photo is rejected, make sure both sides are fully visible, well-lit, and in focus. Glare, shadows, and blurry images are the most common reasons for rejection. If your name does not match—for example, you recently changed your name or your ID has a nickname—tell the video call agent. They can often override the mismatch if you explain it and show supporting documents like a marriage certificate or court order.

If you do not have a government ID, you cannot verify through ID.me. In that case, use the alternative verification method the agency offers. If you have a passport, that counts as a government ID and usually works. If you have a state ID card or military ID, those work too. A driver's license is the most common, but it is not the only option.

If the ID.me website or app is not working, try a different browser or device. If you are on a phone, try the website on a computer, or vice versa. If you are still stuck, contact the government agency you are trying to reach—they can tell you whether ID.me is having technical problems or whether the issue is on your end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use ID.me, or can I verify another way?

If the agency offers ID.me as the only verification method on their website, you have to use it to verify online. However, most agencies offer alternatives—visiting an office, mailing documents, or calling a phone number. If ID.me fails, ask the agency what your other options are.

Can someone else create an ID.me account using my information?

No. ID.me requires you to photograph your ID and, usually, take a selfie or answer security questions. Someone else cannot do this for you. If someone tries to verify as you, the video call agent will catch it because the person on camera will not match the ID.

What if I lost my government ID or it is expired?

An expired ID may still work for ID.me verification, depending on how recently it expired and whether the photo is still recognizable. Try uploading it. If it does not work, use the alternative verification method the agency offers. You may also need to get a new ID from your state or the federal government before you can verify.

Does ID.me cost money?

No. Creating and verifying an ID.me account is free. The government agency pays ID.me for the verification service. You should never be asked to pay to use ID.me.

How do I know if ID.me is legitimate and not a scam?

ID.me is a real company used by the IRS, Social Security, and state agencies. However, scammers sometimes create fake ID.me websites or send phishing emails pretending to be ID.me. Only go to ID.me through a link on the official government website you are trying to reach. Do not click links in emails or texts claiming to be from ID.me.