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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.

How to verify your identity

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. 

You can verify your identity through Login.gov or ID.me

Here’s what you’ll need for Login.gov: 

  • Your driver’s license or other state-issued ID, and 
  • Your Social Security number, and 
  • A U.S. phone number 

Note: If you don’t have a U.S. phone number, Login.gov can send a letter to your mailing address instead. 

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

Here’s what you’ll need for ID.me

  • A phone number, and 
  • Your driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or passport card 

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

Yes, but you can only verify your identity in person if you can’t verify your identity online. 

First, you’ll need to try verifying your identity online through Login.gov. If you can’t successfully upload your driver’s license or other state-issued ID, you can try to verify your identity in person at a participating United States Postal Service (USPS) location.  

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

Common issues while verifying your identity

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

Make sure to have your identity documents ready. 

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.

Yes. 

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 

Go to the account provider’s website.  

Go to the Login.gov help center

Go to the ID.me support section

Multifactor authentication

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.  

Play our video on multifactor authentication (YouTube) 

Learn about MFA methods on the Login.gov website 

Learn about MFA methods on the ID.me website  

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

  • Identity verification is a one-time process. You complete this process when you first set up your sign-in account. To verify your identity, you provide certain personal information and identification (ID). Identity verification helps us make sure only you can create your sign-in account—and no scammer can create one in your name.  
  • Multifactor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of protection that’s part of the process of signing in to use your account. When you first set up your account, you set up your choice of MFA method (like an authenticator app) on a device only you have access to. Then, you use that method to provide a specific code we send you each time you sign in. Multifactor authentication helps us make sure only you can use your sign-in account to access and manage your benefits and health care.   

VA benefits

  • Records

    Apply for a printed Veteran ID card, get your VA benefit letters and medical records, and learn how to apply for a discharge upgrade.

Need more help?

MyVA411 main information line: 800-698-2411