ID.me is the identity verification service Social Security uses to let you sign in online

When you visit ssa.gov and want to create or access a my Social Security account, Social Security directs you to ID.me to verify who you are. ID.me is a third-party identity verification company — not part of Social Security itself — that confirms your identity using information from government records and other sources before you can set up or log into your account.

You do not have to use ID.me to conduct all Social Security business. You can still call Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213, visit a local Social Security office in person, or use a representative payee if one is assigned to your account. ID.me is specifically for people who want to create and manage a my Social Security account online.

Key Takeaways

  • ID.me verifies your identity before Social Security lets you create or access a my Social Security account online.
  • You will need a valid government-issued photo ID, a Social Security number, and a phone number or email address to set up ID.me.
  • ID.me uses information from government records and may ask you security questions based on your credit history to confirm you are who you say you are.
  • If you cannot or do not want to use ID.me, you can still reach Social Security by phone, in person, or through a representative payee.

What you need to create an ID.me account

To set up ID.me for Social Security, you will need a valid government-issued photo ID (a driver's license, passport, state ID card, or military ID), your Social Security number, and either a phone number or email address where ID.me can reach you. You will also need to be at least 13 years old.

ID.me will ask you to take a photo of your ID and, in some cases, a photo of your face to match against the ID. This process is called identity proofing. After that, ID.me may ask you security questions based on information in your credit history or public records to make sure you are the real owner of that Social Security number.

Steps to sign in through ID.me

Go to ssa.gov and select "Sign In" or "Create an Account." Social Security will direct you to ID.me's website. Choose whether you want to sign in with an existing ID.me account or create a new one.

If you are creating a new ID.me account, you will upload a photo of your government-issued ID and take a selfie. ID.me will compare the two photos to confirm they match. Next, you will answer security questions based on your personal history — these questions pull from credit reports, public records, or other data sources ID.me has access to. Once ID.me confirms your identity, you will be sent back to ssa.gov to finish setting up your my Social Security account.

If you already have an ID.me account from another service (such as state unemployment, the IRS, or a state DMV), you can use those same login credentials to access Social Security. You will not have to verify your identity again.

What happens if ID.me cannot verify your identity

If ID.me's automated system cannot confirm your identity, you may be offered the option to have a real person review your information. This is called human review. The person will look at your ID, your photo, and your answers to security questions. This process usually takes a few minutes, though it may take longer depending on how many people are waiting.

If ID.me still cannot verify you after human review, you will not be able to create a my Social Security account through ID.me. In that case, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with someone who can help you another way, or visit a local Social Security office in person with your ID and Social Security card.

Security and privacy when using ID.me

ID.me stores your identity information on its own servers, not on Social Security's servers. ID.me is required to follow federal privacy laws and has its own privacy policy separate from Social Security's. You can read ID.me's privacy policy on their website before you create an account.

When you sign in through ID.me, you are giving ID.me permission to share confirmation of your identity with Social Security — not your personal documents or photos. Social Security receives only a yes-or-no answer that ID.me has verified you are who you claim to be.

Alternatives if you do not want to use ID.me

You do not have to create a my Social Security account online. You can conduct Social Security business by phone, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. You can also find your local office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you have a representative payee — someone appointed by Social Security to manage your benefits — that person can handle many tasks on your behalf without you needing to sign in online. You can ask Social Security whether a representative payee is assigned to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use ID.me to get my Social Security benefits?

No. ID.me is only required if you want to create and use a my Social Security account online. You can receive benefits, check your benefit amount, and handle other Social Security business by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting an office in person, or working with a representative payee.

Can I use ID.me if I do not have a driver's license?

Yes. ID.me accepts other government-issued photo IDs, including a passport, state ID card, military ID, or tribal ID. You will need one of these forms of ID to verify your identity.

What if I forget my ID.me password?

Go to ID.me's login page and select "Forgot Password." ID.me will send you a link to reset your password through the email address or phone number you used when you created your account. If you cannot reset it yourself, you can contact ID.me's support team through their website.

Is my information safe with ID.me?

ID.me follows federal security standards and is required to protect your personal information. However, ID.me is a separate company from Social Security. Read ID.me's privacy policy to understand how they collect, store, and use your data before you create an account.

Can I use the same ID.me account for other government services?

Yes. Many federal and state agencies use ID.me for identity verification, including the IRS, state unemployment offices, and state DMVs. If you already verified your identity with ID.me for one service, you can use the same account to sign into Social Security without verifying again.