How to Verify Your Identity With Social Security

Online is the easiest option, but you can still confirm who you are on the phone or in person when applying for benefits

Phil Pruitt,

Updated August 12, 2026

AARP

Reviewed by

Stephen Richardson

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En español

Updated August 12, 2026

a blank social security card on a blue background

AARP (Getty Images 2)

Key takeaways

The fastest way to verify your identity with Social Security is online through a My Social Security account.
In-person identity checks require original documents, such as a valid driver’s license, state ID or U.S. passport.
When calling Social Security, you can verify your identity through security questions or, if you have an online account, a one-time authorization PIN.

It seems a straightforward proposition: When you apply for Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to be sure you are who you say you are and not, say, an identity thief using stolen personal data to claim benefits in your name.

However, the SSA’s approach to this practice provoked an outcry in March 2025 when the agency abruptly announced it would no longer confirm a customer’s identity by phone. People calling to file a benefit claim or change their direct deposit banking information registered with Social Security would have to verify their identity online or in person at a local SSA office.

The agency said the move would curb fraud by making it harder for criminals to call into Social Security with illicitly obtained personal information and hijack people’s payments. AARP pushed back, joining other advocates for older Americans in asserting that limiting phone service would worsen the agency’s customer service crisis; cause confusion; and create new hardships for people who have disabilities or mobility issues, lack reliable internet access or live far from a local office.

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In the face of public opposition, the SSA shelved the plan a few weeks later. People claiming any type of benefit can still apply by phone at 800-772-1213, the SSA’s national customer service line, and confirm their identity. But the options for doing so have changed in recent months.

Of course, you can still apply online using a My Social Security account or at a local Social Security office. Here’s how SSA identity proofing works in all three situations.

Verifying your identity online

The quickest and easiest way to prove your identity with the SSA is through the My Social Security portal. The SSA uses two credentialing services, Login.gov and ID.me, to verify your identity when you set up your account. It’s your choice which program to use, except in certain circumstances — for example, if you have a foreign mailing address or do not have a Social Security number, you must use ID.me.

Creating an account typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. Have your smartphone and a valid photo ID at hand, such as an unexpired passport, a driver’s license or a state-issued ID card.

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Whether you sign up through Login.gov or ID.me, you’ll select the multifactor authentication method you want the SSA to use to verify you’re you when you sign in to your account. You’ll also be asked to upload pictures of your photo ID. Login.gov will then request a selfie photo, while ID.me will ask you to make a selfie video or dial in to a video call. The providers match the photo or video image to the photo from your ID.

Once your account is established, you’re set — you won’t need to verify your identity again to use Social Security services online, other than going through multifactor authentication each time you log in.

Verifying your identity in person

If you choose to apply for benefits at a local Social Security office, bring at least one of the following, which the SSA accepts as “primary” forms of ID:

An unexpired, state-issued driver’s license.
An unexpired, state-issued identification card.
An unexpired U.S. passport or passport card.

Bring the originals; photocopies will not be accepted.

If you don’t have any of these primary documents, the SSA may accept a “secondary” form of ID, such as a U.S. military identification card, a tribal ID document, a certification of naturalization or U.S. citizenship, or a health insurance or Medicaid card.

Identity verification at a Social Security office is not permanent. You’ll need to bring the same documents if you return to the office for any service that requires an identity check, such as changing your direct deposit information. For most in-person services, you need to call Social Security’s national helpline (800-772-1213) to make an appointment.

Verifying your identity by phone

If you call the SSA’s 800 number, your identity can be verified in one of two ways: You’ll be asked tailored questions that presumably only you can answer, or you’ll be asked to use your My Social Security account credentials to generate a unique code to share with the SSA agent.

The first method is called knowledge-based authentication. The questions, which might be asked by an agent or a bot, are based on public records, your credit history and your personal data on file with the SSA. Generated in real time, they are designed to be specific and detailed enough so that only you can correctly answer them. Questions vary for each caller.

If you do not have a My Social Security account, knowledge-based authentication is your only option for proving your identity when calling the SSA. If you do have an account, you will be able to use the other method, called the security authentication PIN process, or SAP.

SAP is mandatory if you are calling to report a change in your direct deposit information. In other circumstances, such as applying by phone for retirement or survivor benefits, it is optional — you can still use knowledge-based authentication. But the SSA says using SAP will save you about three minutes once you connect with an agent.

Here’s how it works:

While on the phone with the SSA agent, go to ssa.gov/PIN in your internet browser and log in with your My Social Security account ID and password.
You’ll land on a page where you can generate a one-time code to share with the SSA agent.
The agent will verify your code to confirm your identity and proceed with the transaction. (If verification fails, they will not proceed, but you can try again using a newly generated code or try knowledge-based authentication instead.)

Social Security has an online FAQ page with more information on identity proofing. And remember: The SSA will not call, text or email to ask for personal information to confirm your identity or to continue paying benefits. If you receive such a message, it’s a scam.

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The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.

Phil Pruitt is an AARP writer and editor focusing on Social Security. He is a former editor at Scripps News and Yahoo News and was on the start-up staff at USA Today, where he held numerous editing positions.

Stephen Richardson is a retired New England regional communications director for the Social Security Administration and AARP consultant on Social Security benefit issues. He began his career with the agency in 1982 as a claims representative.