What documents can be used for ID verification?

Asked by: Ari Franecki III  |  Last update: September 14, 2026
Score: 4.2/5 (69 votes)

Valid ID verification documents typically include government-issued photo IDs like a driver’s license, state ID card, or passport. Other accepted documents include a Permanent Resident Card, military ID, or, for additional proof, a Social Security card, birth certificate, or recent utility bill. Documents must be current and unexpired.

What documents are accepted as proof of ID?

To support your identity, you'll generally need government-issued documents like a Passport, Driver's License, or State ID (primary photo ID), plus supporting documents for secondary verification, such as a Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, or utility bills, depending on the specific requirements of the entity requesting the ID.

What else can I use to verify my identity?

How to Verify Your Identity

  • A mobile phone that belongs to you and has a camera, or a computer with a webcam.
  • A government-issued photo ID (U.S. driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, or U.S. passport card)
  • Your Social Security number.

What could be used as two forms of ID?

Two valid forms of ID usually require a combination of a primary photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and a secondary document (like a Social Security card or utility bill), though sometimes one strong primary ID (like a passport) suffices, or two documents (one photo, one signature) are needed if the primary lacks both. The key is that both must generally be unexpired, original, and meet the specific requirements of the organization requesting them, often for proof of identity and sometimes address.
 

What are three acceptable forms of ID?

Three common and acceptable forms of ID in the U.S. are a driver's license, a U.S. passport, and a state-issued ID card, often required for travel (TSA) or official transactions, though specific needs (like banking or federal work) might require combining a primary photo ID with a secondary document like a Social Security card. The key is government-issued identification with your photo, name, and date of birth. 

ID documents verification technology

28 related questions found

How to verify identity without physical ID?

A digital ID is an electronic representation of personally identifying information (PII) that may be used to verify the identity of a person. A mobile driver's license is a type of digital ID issued by a state.

What can be given as ID proof?

List of identity documents of India

  • Aadhaar Card, issued by Unique Identification Authority of India.
  • Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India.
  • Indian Passport, issued by Ministry of External Affairs of the Republic of India.
  • ABHA Card issued by the National Health Agency.

What is 2 proof of ID?

For proving your identity, you generally need two proofs of ID, often a primary photo ID (like a driver's license or passport) and a secondary document (like a Social Security card, birth certificate, or utility bill) to confirm your name, date of birth, and sometimes legal presence in the U.S. Acceptable combinations vary, but common examples include a U.S. passport and Social Security card, or a state-issued driver's license and a birth certificate, ensuring they connect to your current legal name.
 

What can I use to prove my ID?

In-branch ID verification

  • Passport.
  • Driving licence.
  • Recent utility bills.
  • Bank statements.

What is the valid ID proof document?

Aadhaar letter/card or the e-Aadhaar (an electronically generated letter from the website of UIDAI), as the case may be, will be accepted as Proof of Address (POA) and Proof of Photo-Identity (POI) for availing passport related services.

What are acceptable I-9 documents?

Documents that Establish Identity

  • Driver's license or ID card issued by a State or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address. ...
  • U.S. Military card or draft record. ...
  • Military dependent's ID card.

What documents do you have as proof of your identity?

To support your identity, you'll generally need government-issued documents like a Passport, Driver's License, or State ID (primary photo ID), plus supporting documents for secondary verification, such as a Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, or utility bills, depending on the specific requirements of the entity requesting the ID.

How do I prove who I am without a photo ID?

use non-photographic ID with a referee

If you do not have any acceptable original documents, you will need a referee confirming from official records.

Is a birth certificate a photo ID?

By itself, the birth certificate is usually only considered proof of citizenship but not proof of identity, since it is issued without a photograph at birth, containing no identifying features.

What would three forms of ID be?

Three common and acceptable forms of ID in the U.S. are a driver's license, a U.S. passport, and a state-issued ID card, often required for travel (TSA) or official transactions, though specific needs (like banking or federal work) might require combining a primary photo ID with a secondary document like a Social Security card. The key is government-issued identification with your photo, name, and date of birth. 

What counts as a valid picture ID?

Approved Forms of Government Issued Photo ID:

Driver's License (U.S. state issued including U.S. Territories) Non-Driver Photo ID (U.S. state issued including U.S. Territories) U.S. Passport. U.S. Passport Card.

What is an example of two valid IDs?

Two common examples of valid IDs are a US Passport and a state-issued Driver's License, often used as primary photo IDs, while a Social Security Card or utility bill can serve as a secondary document to confirm identity and address. Other valid examples include military IDs, permanent resident cards, or foreign passports, depending on the context.
 

What is the most common form of ID?

Below, you'll find the most widely accepted forms of ID in the UK.

  • Passport. A valid UK or international passport is almost always accepted as proof of identity and nationality. ...
  • Driving Licence. ...
  • Proof of Age Card. ...
  • National Identity Card. ...
  • Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) ...
  • Arrange Notarisation and Legalisation of Your ID.