For your protection, Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) uses data provided by LexisNexis® Risk Solutions to help verify and validate your identity. Such data may include public records from federal, state and local government sources, and/or non-public data from government, utility, or education sources. LexisNexis® may also use limited information from credit reporting bureaus, but no credit check is conducted, and no inquiry of any kind is incurred. This process will take place when filing your claim.
IWD must be able to verify your identity to pay you unemployment insurance benefits. When filing an unemployment insurance claim, you will be asked to verify your identity. You will be provided the option to go through the online process to verify. If you decline this online verification process, you will be required to send in documentation for proof of identity prior to receiving any payments (En Español). The online verification process will take you through a series of questions which you will be required to answer. After completing those questions, if your identity was unable to be verified, you will be required to send in documentation for proof of identity. If your identity was verified, you will be able to continue through the claims filing process. A deadline will be set of when you will need to respond. That deadline is usually five business days from the date you filed your claim.
NOTE: YOU MUST CONTINUE TO FILE YOUR WEEKLY CLAIM APPLICATIONS WHILE YOUR IDENTITY IS VERIFIED.
Identity Verification Instructions
Please view the instructions below for completing the identity verification process. If you are prepared to begin the process, visit this form here or click the same link below.
NOTE: Your identity must be verifiedor your benefits may be delayed and your claim may be canceled.
NOTE: You will also be required to upload documents that help verify your identity. Please use the identity verification webform for that process. For reference, instructions on uploading your documents (either on your mobile phone or computer) can be found below.
*If you have an Iowa Driver's License with Real ID(gold star) or with a Veteran's designation, then you are NOT required to submit any additional documents other than a copy of the license.
For proof of identity, you must provide a minimum of two items:
A copy of a government-issued identification document that includes your Social Security Number
EX: Social Security Card
If Social Security Card is not available, see "Approved Documents with SSN" below for instructions.
AND a copy of one of the following identity documents:
IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
Driver's License, a state issued ID, or Military ID
Driver’s license or ID card issued by a State or outlying possession of the U.S.
ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains information
U.S. Military card or draft record
Active Duty, Retiree or Reservist military ID card (DD Form 2 or 2A)
Discharge papers (DD-214)
Military dependent’s ID card
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card
Native American tribal record
Learner Permit
Northern Mariana Card
American Department of Indian Affairs Tribal Card
Canadian Department of Indian Affairs issued ID card
Passport or Passport Card
U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card
Certificate of Naturalization
Must contain Document Number, USCIS/INS Registration Number
Foreign Passport
Must contain a Valid United States Visa or I-94 to be used as a primary proof of identification
Foreign passports, not issued in English, must be translated and accompanied by a Certificate of Accurate Translation
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Card
Permanent Resident Card I-551
Must contain Alien/USCIS Number, and Card Number
Employment Authorization Document Form I-766
Must contain Alien/USCIS Number, Card Number, and Document Expiration Date
Arrival Departure Record Form I-94
Must contain I-94 Number
Refugee Travel Document Form I-571
Must contain Alien/USCIS Number
Reentry Permit Form I-327
Must contain Alien/USCIS Number
Other
Must contain Document Name, Alien/USCIS Number, and Document Expiration Date, when available
Birth Certificate
Original or certified copy issued by a State, county, municipal authority, or territory of the United States bearing an official seal
Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form PS-545)
Certification of Report of Birth issued by the Department of State (Form DS-1350).
Adoptive Decree
Marriage License/Certificate
Original or certified copy
A copy of a document that is registered AFTER the marriage, not the license authorizing the union
Other Document Types
Vehicle Documents
Vehicle Registration or Title
Bill of Sale or purchase contract
IRS/state tax form
W2 Forms, Property tax receipts, etc.
School Records
Diploma or G.E.D
Financial Institution Documents
Account statement, loan document, etc.
Approved Documents with SSN **If social security card is not available. You can provide a document form this list. Additionally, you must provide 2 of the documents from the list above under "Identity Documents".
W-2 Form
SSA- 1099 Form
Non-SSA 1099 Form
Pay Stub with your name and Social Security Number on it
Social Security Administration documents establishing that you are ineligible for a Social Security Number
Your documents must not be expired.
WHERE TO SEND
You may submit the required documents online, by mail or in person. A copy or a photo will be accepted.
Mail
Iowa Workforce Development
Attn: Benefits Bureau
PO Box 10332
Des Moines, IA 50306-0332
In Person
Go to your local IowaWORKS Center, a proud partner of the American Job Center network.
NOTE: You will also be required to upload documents that help verify your identity. Please use the identity verification webform for that process (Link).
For reference, instructions on uploading your documents (either on your mobile phone or computer) can be found below.
