Verifying your identity on VA.gov

Identity verification is a one-time process that helps us make sure that the person creating your account is really you—and not someone pretending to be you. During this process, the account

provider (Login.gov or ID.me) will ask you to provide certain personal information and identification (ID). Learn about when and how to verify your identity.

Here’s what you’ll need to verify your identity for your account online:

When you’re ready, we'll guide you step by step through the identity verification process for your account. Get step-by-step instructions:

Learn how to verify your identity for your Login.gov account

Yes. Login.gov offers in-person identity verification at a participating United States Postal Service (USPS) location near you.

Or, you may also have the option to verify your identity in person if you tried to verify online but couldn’t upload a photo of your ID.

Learn more about verifying your identity in person on the Login.gov website 

Yes. ID.me offers in-person verification at participating locations of The UPS Store.

Get step-by-step instructions for how to create your ID.me account 

Learn how to book an in-person verification appointment on the ID.me website

If your address is outside the U.S., you can use ID.me to verify your identity. 

On the screen where you choose a verification option, select I don’t live in the US. You’ll need to show your identity documents on a video call with an ID.me representative.

Learn more about verifying your identity if you live outside the U.S. on the ID.me website

Play a video on how to verify your identity while living outside the U.S. (YouTube)

Learn about primary and secondary identification documents on the ID.me website

Note: If you don’t have a U.S. Social Security number, you’ll need to show a valid U.S. passport as one of your identity documents.

Identity verification is a one-time process that we ask you to complete for your Login.gov or ID.me account. The process often takes about 10 minutes.  

During this process, the account provider (Login.gov or ID.me) will ask you to provide certain personal information and identification (ID). This process helps us make sure that the person

creating your account is really you—and not someone pretending to be you. It’s a lot like the process for setting up a bank account. 

Identity verification is not about whether we trust that you’re who you say you are. It’s about protecting you from scammers who may try to set up an account in your name to access your

information and benefits.  

After you verify your identity, you won’t have to do it again for that account unless you lose access to your account’s multifactor authentication method or need to recreate your account. In

the future, we may ask you to help us reverify your identity once every several years for added protection. 

We know that uploading a photo of your ID for verification can sometimes be difficult. These tips from Login.gov and ID.me may help.

For Login.gov, you may also have the option to verify your identity in person if you tried to verify online but couldn’t upload a photo of your ID.

Learn more about verifying your identity in person on the Login.gov website 

If you don’t have a U.S. phone number, select Get a code via mail instead on the screen that asks for your phone number.  

You’ll have to wait to receive a letter in the mail with the code. Then you can follow the instructions to enter the code and complete the process.  

You’ll need a computer or tablet with an internet connection to verify your identity. 

Learn more about verifying your identity on the ID.me website 

We can help guide you to fix some common issues as you create your account and verify your identity.

Or you can get more help on each account provider’s website.  

Multifactor authentication is an extra layer of protection on your sign-in account. It helps us make sure that it’s you trying to use your account—and not someone pretending to be you. It’s

also called 2-factor authentication or MFA. 

Each time you sign in to a VA website or app, you’ll use multifactor authentication to confirm you’re you. You’ll do this using a device that only you should have, such as your mobile phone.

You’ll get a unique code through a method of your choice. Options may include an app like Google Authenticator, security key, text message, phone call, or backup codes. You’ll enter the code

to use your account. Login.gov may offer other options like face or touch unlock for signing in securely and privately. 

This way, even if someone were to guess or steal your username and password, they can’t access your account.  

Identity verification and multifactor authentication work together to protect your identity and personal information: