ID.me is Virginia's identity verification system for unemployment claims

Virginia uses ID.me to verify your identity before you can access your unemployment account through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) website. ID.me is a third-party identity verification service — not part of VEC itself — that confirms you are who you say you are using documents you upload and sometimes a video call with a real person.

You will encounter ID.me the first time you try to log into your VEC account, or if VEC asks you to re-verify your identity during your claim. The process takes between 5 and 15 minutes for most people, though verification can take up to 24 hours after you complete it.

This is a required step. You cannot bypass ID.me or use a different verification method to access VEC unemployment services online.

Key Takeaways

  • ID.me verification happens on a separate website before you reach your VEC account — you start at ID.me, not at VEC.
  • You will need a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card) and a way to take a photo or video of yourself.
  • The system may ask you to verify your identity using a video call with an ID.me agent, which requires a working camera and microphone.
  • Once ID.me confirms your identity, you are sent back to VEC and can log in with your username and password.
  • If ID.me cannot verify you automatically, you will be offered a video call option — this is normal and does not mean you have done anything wrong.

What you need before you start the ID.me process

Gather these items before you begin. Having them ready prevents you from having to restart:

  • A valid government-issued photo ID: a U.S. driver's license, state ID card, or U.S. passport. Military IDs and tribal IDs are also accepted. The ID must not be expired.
  • A smartphone, tablet, or computer with a working camera. If you use a computer, make sure your webcam works.
  • A clear, well-lit space where you can take a photo of your ID and, if needed, a video of yourself.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • Your VEC username and password (if you already have a VEC account).

If your ID is expired, you can still use it for ID.me verification as long as it is a government-issued photo ID. However, if you do not have any of these forms of ID, you will not be able to complete verification through ID.me.

Step-by-step: How to log in through ID.me

Step 1: Go to the VEC website and click the login button. Navigate to vec.virginia.gov. On the homepage, look for the login button or link. You will be directed to the ID.me verification page, not directly to your VEC account.

Step 2: Choose how you want to verify your identity. ID.me offers three paths: automatic verification using your ID and a selfie, video call with an ID.me agent, or uploading documents. Most people start with the automatic option. Click "get your free guide" or "Verify Your Identity."

Step 3: Take a photo of the front and back of your ID. Follow the on-screen instructions. Hold your ID flat, make sure it is fully visible and in focus, and take a clear photo of both sides. The photo must show all four corners of the ID and be taken in good lighting.

Step 4: Take a selfie (photo of your face). ID.me will ask you to take a photo of yourself. Look directly at the camera, make sure your face is clearly visible, and follow any positioning instructions on the screen. This photo is compared to your ID photo to confirm they match.

Step 5: Wait for automatic verification or choose video verification. ID.me processes your photos. If the system can verify you automatically, you will see a confirmation message within a few minutes. If automatic verification fails, you will be offered the option to do a video call with an ID.me agent instead. This is not a failure — it is a normal part of the process for some people.

Step 6: Complete a video call if asked. If you choose the video option, you will be matched with an ID.me agent. Have your ID ready. The agent will ask you to show your ID to the camera, answer a few questions to confirm your identity, and may ask about your address or other personal details. The call usually takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 7: Return to VEC and log in. Once ID.me confirms your identity, you will be sent back to the VEC website. Log in with your VEC username and password. If you do not have a VEC account yet, you will be prompted to create one at this point.

Common problems and how to fix them

Your ID photo is rejected or unclear. Make sure you are in a well-lit space and that the entire ID is visible in the frame, including all four corners. Avoid glare or shadows. If you are using a phone, hold it steady and do not move it while taking the photo. Try again with a clearer image.

Your selfie does not match your ID photo. This usually happens if the lighting is very different, you are wearing glasses in one photo but not the other, or your facial expression is very different. Try taking the selfie again in similar lighting to your ID photo, and keep a neutral expression. If you have changed your appearance significantly since your ID was issued, the video call option is more likely to work.

You are offered a video call but do not have a camera or microphone. You can still proceed with ID.me by uploading documents instead. Look for the "Upload Documents" option on the screen. You will need to provide additional documents such as a utility bill, bank statement, or lease to verify your address. This takes longer — usually 24 to 48 hours — but does not require a video call.

The ID.me page will not load or keeps timing out. Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. Use a different browser if the problem continues (try Chrome, Firefox, or Safari instead of Internet Explorer). Make sure your internet connection is stable. If the problem persists, wait a few hours and try again — ID.me servers occasionally experience brief outages.

You completed ID.me verification but cannot log into VEC. Wait at least 15 minutes after ID.me confirms your identity. The confirmation needs to sync with VEC's system. If you still cannot log in after 15 minutes, try clearing your browser cache and logging in again. If you see an error message, write down the exact message and contact VEC directly at 866-832-2363.

What happens after ID.me verification

Once you are verified through ID.me, you can log into your VEC account using your username and password. You will not have to go through ID.me verification again unless VEC asks you to re-verify — this can happen if you have not logged in for a long time, if you change your password, or if VEC suspects unusual activity on your account.

Your ID.me verification is separate from your unemployment claim itself. Verification only confirms your identity. You still need to file a claim, provide work history, and meet Virginia's other requirements to receive unemployment benefits.

If ID.me verification fails

If you complete all the steps and ID.me still cannot verify you, you have options. You can request a manual review by ID.me, which involves submitting additional documents and can take 3 to 5 business days. You can also contact VEC directly to ask about alternative verification methods or to report a problem with ID.me.

VEC's phone number is 866-832-2363. Have your Social Security number and any ID.me reference number ready when you call. Explain that you are having trouble with ID.me verification and ask what other ways you can verify your identity to access your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ID.me safe? Will my information be stolen?

ID.me is used by many state unemployment systems and federal agencies. Your ID photo and personal information are encrypted and stored securely. However, no online system is completely risk-free. Never share your ID.me login or VEC password with anyone, and do not click links in emails claiming to be from ID.me or VEC — go directly to the websites instead.

Can someone else verify their identity for me using my information?

No. ID.me requires you to take a selfie that matches your government ID. The person taking the selfie must be you. Using someone else's information or having someone else complete verification for you is fraud and can result in criminal charges and loss of benefits.

What if I do not have a smartphone or computer with a camera?

You can use a computer at a public library, a friend's device, or a community center. You can also choose the document upload option instead of video verification — this does not require a camera, only the ability to photograph or scan documents and upload them to ID.me.

How long does ID.me verification take?

Automatic verification usually takes 5 to 15 minutes. If you need a video call, the call itself takes 5 to 10 minutes, but you may wait in a queue first. If you upload documents instead, verification can take 24 to 48 hours. After ID.me confirms you, allow another 15 minutes for the confirmation to reach VEC before you try to log in.

Do I have to use ID.me, or can I verify my identity a different way?

Virginia requires ID.me for online access to VEC accounts. There is no alternative online verification method. If you cannot complete ID.me verification, contact VEC at 866-832-2363 to ask about in-person verification or other options.