In the digital era, innovations have been made that allow you to verify your identity using online platforms. For a US citizen or Greencard holder, this platform is known as ID.me is used by numerous organizations, including government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers.
If you’re a US citizen living abroad, ID.me can be quite beneficial. When you use ID.me, you can eliminate multiple credential entries, making it as easy as one click. Not only is it easy to use, but it’s secure. However, the most attractive aspect of ID.me is that you can access it remotely from anywhere in the world—making it perfect for any US expat.
You can use ID.me to check your IRS account, Social Security Benefits account and many other important government accounts online.
There is a step-by-step process that needs to be completed before you can enjoy the simplicity of ID.me. With ID.me being connected to many government entities, you will need to provide numerous documents such as:
- Government-Issued Photo ID
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- Proof of your Address
- Utility Bills
- Bank Statements
- Social Security Security
Step 1: Creating an Account
For the first step, go to the ID.me website or use a partnered website such as the IRS one. After that, you need to click on ”Create an Account”. Just like many other accounts, you will have to fill in some information about yourself, such as your name, email address, and password creation.
Step 2: Email Confirmation and Multi-Factor Authentication
You’ll need to verify your email generally with a code sent to your email. The multi-factor authentication also includes verifying your phone number. If you’re stressing about your international phone number, it’s not a problem, ID.me accepts international numbers!
Step 3: Preparing your Documents
You need to prepare your documents, this means not only collecting your documents, but also translating them. If your documents are not in English, you will need to get them translated before sending them to ID.me.
Otherwise, your verification could get rejected.
Step 4: Verifying Your Identity
Now that you’re ready to finish your application, you have two options for verifying your documents. You can use the self-service and upload scanned copies of your documents, or you can video call with a representative.
Please note: If you’re living abroad, you’ll likely have to book an appointment with a representative through video verification. This is because US expats do not normally have US mortgages, credit card statements or other documents that ID.me can reference to check your identity.
Step 5: Additional Information
After you finish preparing, you will be asked to enter your phone number, address, and social security number, if applicable. If you cannot place your international data, don’t worry; scroll down to the “I don’t have a US…“. After that, you can proceed with the instructions given for international information.
Step 6: Document Submission
When it comes to document submission, it’s time to send in your documents or prepare for your video call. Give yourself time to ensure you have:
- Find a place with a strong internet connection
- Make sure your device is charged
- Test your microphone and video camera beforehand
- Don’t forget to enable your microphone and camera on meet.ID.me
You will likely have to engage in conversation with the representative as they will verbally confirm contact information. Otherwise, you will just have to show your documents.
Step 7: Confirmation and login
Now the part you’ve been waiting for, you will get an email shortly after your video call or your self-serve submission confirming your verification. Which means, you should be able to login into your ID.me account!
Let’s hope your ID.me verification doesn’t get rejected; however, if it does, they should inform you why it got rejected. Usually, the reason will be as simple as unclear documents (a blurry photo), mismatched information, or an incomplete submission. Once you’ve identified the issue, you can use these steps for resubmission:
- Correct the identified issue
- Resubmit your documents
- Try a video call with a representative
If you continue to have issues, contact the support team at ID.me to see if it is potentially a problem on their end.
From one US expat to another, the responsibilities of being a US citizen do not stop when you move abroad. The processes can often be frustrating, but when you use ID.me, you can eliminate the login factor on multiple platforms. Make your life a little easier in the long run, and ensure you get yourself an ID.me account!
