How to Set Up Your ID.me Account as a US Expat

In the digital era, innovations have been made that allow you to verify your identity using online platforms. For a US citizen or Green Card holder, this platform is known as ID.me and 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 to login. 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.

What documents do you need for ID.me?

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:

• A Government-Issued Photo ID
  • Passport
  • Driver’s License
• Proof of your Address
  • Utility Bills
  • Bank Statements
• Social Security Card

How do you set up your ID.me account?

Step 1: Creating an Account

For the first step, go to the ID.me website or use a partnered website. For simplicity purposes, it will be explained how to use the ID.me website. After opening to the ID.me website, you will need to click and find where it says ”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 with a code that will be sent to your email. The multi-factor authentication will also include 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

Next, you will 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 translate them before submitting it on ID.me.

Otherwise, your verification could get rejected.

Step 4: Verifying Your Identity

For verification, 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. The video call is necessary 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

They 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:

1. Strong internet connection
2. A charged device
3. Tested your microphone and video camera
4. Your microphone and camera on meet.ID.me enabled

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!

Why did my ID.me verification get rejected?

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:

1. Correct the identified issue
2. Resubmit your documents
3. 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.

Simplify your processes abroad!

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!

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