ID.me is the identity verification service Social Security uses to let you create an online account

When you go to ssa.gov and try to set up a "my Social Security" account, Social Security directs you to ID.me to prove you are who you say you are. ID.me is a third-party company that verifies your identity using information from public records, and sometimes by asking you to take a photo of your ID or answer security questions. Once ID.me confirms your identity, you can create your Social Security login and access your earnings record, benefit statements, and other account information online.

You do not have to use ID.me if you do not want to access your account online. You can still call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person. But if you want to check your information from home without waiting on hold, ID.me is the only way Social Security currently offers to verify new online accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • ID.me is a separate company that Social Security uses to confirm your identity before you can log in online.
  • You will need a valid government-issued ID, a Social Security number, and a phone number or email address to complete the ID.me process.
  • ID.me may ask you to upload a photo of your ID, answer questions about your personal history, or both, depending on what information it can verify automatically.
  • The process usually takes a few minutes, but if ID.me cannot verify you right away, it may take up to 24 hours or require you to visit a Social Security office in person.
  • Once you pass ID.me verification, you create a username and password for your Social Security account and can log in anytime.

What you need before you start the ID.me process

Gather these items before you go to ssa.gov to create your account. You will need your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (a driver's license, passport, or state ID card), and either a phone number or email address where ID.me can reach you. If you do not have a government-issued ID, you will not be able to complete the online process and will need to visit a Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 instead.

Have your ID ready to photograph if ID.me asks for it. Make sure the photo is clear, well-lit, and shows all four corners of the ID. If the photo is blurry or cut off, ID.me will reject it and ask you to try again.

How the ID.me verification process works

When you click "Create an account" on ssa.gov, you will be sent to ID.me's website. ID.me will ask for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address or phone number. It then checks this information against public records — things like credit reports, utility bills, and state databases — to see if it can verify you automatically.

If ID.me can verify you from public records alone, you will move forward to create your Social Security username and password. If it cannot, ID.me will ask you to upload a photo of your government-issued ID. Take a clear photo of the front and back of your ID using a phone or computer camera, and upload both images. ID.me will review the photos and check that the ID is real and matches the information you provided.

If ID.me still cannot verify you after reviewing your ID, it may ask you security questions about your personal history — things like previous addresses, loan amounts, or family members' names. Answer these questions based on information from your past. If you pass this step, you will be verified. If you do not, ID.me will tell you that you cannot complete the process online and will direct you to visit a Social Security office or call the agency.

How long ID.me verification takes

Most people are verified within a few minutes. If ID.me can match your information to public records right away, you will know immediately and can move on to creating your Social Security login. If ID.me needs to review a photo of your ID or your answers to security questions, it usually takes a few minutes to a few hours.

In some cases, ID.me may tell you that verification is pending and will take up to 24 hours. This happens when ID.me needs more time to review your documents or when the information you provided does not match public records closely enough for an instant decision. You will receive an email or text message when the review is complete. If ID.me cannot verify you within 24 hours, it will direct you to complete the process in person at a Social Security office.

What to do if ID.me cannot verify you

If ID.me tells you that you cannot be verified online, you have two options. You can visit a Social Security office in person and complete the identity verification there. Bring your government-issued ID, Social Security card (if you have it), and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease. A Social Security representative will review your documents and help you create your online account.

Alternatively, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask to set up an account by phone. A representative can walk you through the process and may be able to verify you without requiring an in-person visit, depending on your situation. Wait times on the phone can be long, especially early in the week, so consider calling early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

Protecting your information during ID.me verification

ID.me uses encryption to protect the information you send during the verification process, which means your data is scrambled so that only ID.me and Social Security can read it. However, you should still take steps to protect yourself. Do not use a public Wi-Fi network when you upload your ID or enter sensitive information. Use a private home network or your phone's cellular data instead.

Be aware that ID.me will ask you to photograph your government-issued ID. This is a real step in the verification process, not a scam. However, scammers sometimes impersonate ID.me or Social Security and ask you to send photos of your ID through email or text message. Social Security and ID.me will never ask you to send documents by email or text. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Social Security or ID.me and asks for your ID, do not respond. Hang up or delete the message and contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.

What you can do once you have logged in

After you create your Social Security username and password, you can log in to your account anytime to view your earnings record, which shows how much you have earned each year and how much Social Security tax you have paid. You can also view your benefit statement, which estimates how much you might receive in retirement, disability, or survivor benefits depending on your age and work history. You can download these documents as PDFs and print them if you need them for a loan application, legal matter, or your own records.

Your online account also lets you change your address, phone number, or email on file with Social Security. You can request a replacement Social Security card if yours is lost or damaged. You cannot apply for benefits online through your account, but you can start the application process and Social Security will contact you to finish it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use ID.me to create a Social Security account?

No. You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local office in person to access your information or apply for benefits. ID.me is only required if you want to create an online account on ssa.gov. Many people manage their Social Security business by phone or in person without ever using an online account.

What if I do not have a government-issued ID?

You cannot complete the ID.me process without a government-issued ID. Visit a Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213. A representative can help you without requiring online verification. Bring whatever identification you do have, such as a passport from another country, a tribal ID, or a work ID.

Is it safe to upload a photo of my ID to ID.me?

ID.me uses encryption to protect your documents, and Social Security requires ID.me to follow strict security rules. However, uploading any sensitive document online carries some risk. Only upload your ID through the official ssa.gov website, not through a link in an email or text message. If you are uncomfortable uploading your ID, you can complete the process in person at a Social Security office instead.

Can I use ID.me to apply for Social Security benefits?

No. ID.me only verifies your identity so you can create an online account and view your information. To apply for retirement, disability, or survivor benefits, you must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, visit an office in person, or start the application on ssa.gov, which will direct you to complete it by phone or in person.

What if I forget my Social Security username or password?

Go to ssa.gov and click "Forgot username or password?" on the login page. Social Security will send you a link to reset your password or retrieve your username. You will need to verify your identity again, which may involve ID.me or answering security questions. If you cannot reset it online, call 1-800-772-1213 for help.