Most government accounts use Login.gov, a single sign-in system that works across federal agencies

Login.gov is a free federal sign-in service that lets you access Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, Veterans Affairs, and dozens of other government websites with one username and password. You do not need a separate account for each agency — you create one Login.gov account and use it everywhere that accepts it.

The process takes about 10 minutes. You go to Login.gov, enter your email address, create a password, and then verify your identity by uploading a photo ID or answering security questions based on your credit history. Once your identity is confirmed, you can sign into any participating government website using those same Login.gov credentials.

Not every government service uses Login.gov yet. Some states, cities, and individual agencies still run their own sign-in systems. But Login.gov is the standard for federal benefits and services, and the list of participating agencies grows regularly.

Key Takeaways

  • Login.gov is a free federal sign-in system that works across Social Security, Medicare, the IRS, VA, and other agencies — you create one account and use it for all of them.
  • Setting up Login.gov requires your email address, a password, and identity verification using either a photo ID or answers to security questions.
  • State and local government services often have their own separate sign-in systems, so you may need multiple accounts depending on which services you use.
  • If you forget your password or lose access to your email, you can recover your account using your phone number or a backup email address you set up during registration.

How to create a Login.gov account

Go to Login.gov and click "Sign up". Enter your email address — this is the address you will use every time you sign in, so use one you check regularly. You will receive a confirmation email; click the link in that email to continue.

Next, create a password. It must be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager if you have one. Login.gov will not let you use a password you have used before.

After you set your password, you choose how to verify your identity. You can upload a photo of your driver's license or passport, or you can answer security questions based on your credit history (questions like "Which of these addresses have you lived at?" or "What was the original loan amount?"). The photo ID route is usually faster — it takes a few minutes to a few hours. The security questions route can take up to 24 hours.

Once your identity is verified, your account is active. You can now sign into any government website that uses Login.gov.

Which government services use Login.gov

The main federal services available through Login.gov include Social Security (to view your earnings record and benefits), Medicare (to check claims and coverage), the IRS (to view tax transcripts and payment history), the Department of Veterans Affairs (to access health records and benefits), the Department of Education (to manage student loans), and the Office of Personnel Management (if you are a federal employee or retiree).

You can see the full list of participating agencies on the Login.gov website. The list changes as more agencies join the system. If a service you need is not on the list, that agency still uses its own separate sign-in.

State and local services — unemployment insurance, driver's license renewal, property tax records, state benefit programs — almost always have their own separate accounts. You will need to create those accounts directly on each state or city website. Some states are beginning to use their own unified sign-in systems similar to Login.gov, but this varies widely.

What to do if you do not have a photo ID or cannot verify your identity

If you do not have a driver's license or passport, or if you cannot answer the security questions (because your credit history is too thin or too old), you have options. Login.gov allows you to use a trusted referee — someone who can verify your identity in person at a participating location. This is usually a library, post office, or community center.

You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if you are trying to access your Social Security account. They can help you set up Login.gov over the phone or direct you to a local office where someone can help you in person.

If you are a veteran, the VA has its own identity verification process. You can call the VA at 1-800-827-1000 or visit a VA medical center to get help setting up your account.

Recovering a forgotten password or lost email access

If you forget your Login.gov password, go to the sign-in page and click "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to enter your email address. Login.gov will send you a link to reset your password. That link expires after one hour, so check your email right away.

If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you can recover it using your phone number. On the sign-in page, click "Trouble signing in?" and select "I do not have access to my email address." You will be asked to enter your phone number. If it matches the one on file, Login.gov will send you a recovery code by text message. Use that code to regain access to your account.

If you did not set up a backup phone number during registration and you cannot access your email, you will need to contact the agency whose service you are trying to reach. They can sometimes help you recover your account or reset your Login.gov credentials.

Setting up a backup email and phone number

When you first create your Login.gov account, you are asked if you want to add a backup email address and phone number. It is worth doing this — it makes account recovery much faster if something goes wrong.

You can add or change your backup email and phone number anytime by signing into Login.gov, going to your account settings, and selecting "Add a phone number" or "Add a backup email." You will need to verify the new phone number or email before it becomes active.

If you use a phone number, make sure it is one you will have access to for years to come. If you change phone numbers, update your Login.gov account as soon as you can.

Accessing state and local government accounts

State and local government services do not use Login.gov. Each state runs its own systems for unemployment insurance, driver's license services, tax records, and benefit programs. Some cities have their own portals for property taxes, permits, and utilities.

To find the right website for your state or city service, search "[your state] [service name]" — for example, "California unemployment insurance" or "New York City property tax." The official government website will usually appear at the top of the search results. Look for a URL that ends in .gov or .state.[your state].us.

When you create an account on a state or local website, use the same email address and password recovery method you use for Login.gov if possible. This makes it easier to remember which account is which. Write down the website address and your username somewhere safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Login.gov to access federal benefits?

Most federal agencies now require Login.gov, but a few still allow you to create an account directly on their website. If you go to a federal agency's website and do not see a Login.gov button, look for a "Create account" or "Sign up" link. You can also call the agency to ask which sign-in method they use.

Is Login.gov safe? Will my information be stolen?

Login.gov is run by the federal government and uses the same security standards as banks. Your password is encrypted, and the system requires identity verification before you can access your account. However, no online system is 100 percent safe. Use a strong, unique password and do not share it with anyone. If you think your account has been hacked, change your password when ready and contact the agency whose service you use.

Can I use the same Login.gov account on a computer and a phone?

Yes. You sign in with the same email and password on any device. Some agencies also offer apps (like the Social Security mobile app or the IRS app) that let you sign in using Login.gov. Check the agency's website to see if they have an app.

What if I do not have an email address?

You need an email address to create a Login.gov account. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account at Gmail.com, Outlook.com, or Yahoo.com in about five minutes. Once you have an email address, you can set up Login.gov. If you need help creating an email account, ask at your local library — librarians often help people set up email for free.

Can I use Login.gov to access my bank account or credit card?

No. Login.gov only works for government agencies. Banks and credit card companies have their own separate sign-in systems. Do not confuse the two — never enter your bank password into a government website, and never enter your Login.gov password into a bank website.