Set Up Gov Accounts, One Each for USCIS, IRS and Your State
When you arrive in the US, you need separate online accounts with USCIS, the IRS and your state government; they don’t share logins. A USCIS account is set up with your email and asks for a one-time code every time you sign in; an IRS account verifies your identity through ID.me and needs an SSN or ITIN plus a photo government ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport.
State government accounts (such as the DMV) differ by state, and some online services require an SSN. Open your USCIS account first, since you use it for case notices and address changes; open your IRS account once you have an SSN or ITIN.
What each of the three accounts needs
| Account | What you need | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|
| USCIS online account | An email used only by you; a US mobile number for text messages | Filing and paying online, checking case status, changing your address |
| IRS online account (ID.me) | An SSN or ITIN, plus a photo government ID | Checking balances owed, paying, checking refund status, downloading tax records |
| State government account (e.g., California MyDMV) | Depends on the state; California DMV online address changes require an SSN | State matters such as driver’s licenses and vehicle registration |
USCIS online account
USCIS’s steps for opening an account (USCIS):
- Only for you: don’t share an account with anyone; each family member opens their own.
- Sign up with email: enter your email and click the link in the confirmation message to continue; if it hasn’t arrived in 10 minutes, check your junk mail.
- Password: at least 8 characters, with an uppercase letter, a lowercase letter and a special character.
- Two-step verification: every sign-in needs a one-time code, sent by email, text or an authentication app; for text messages you enter a US mobile number. You also get a backup code when you open the account; print or save it.
- Password reset questions: choose 5 questions that are used to confirm your identity if you forget your password.
- Paper-filed cases can be added: if you filed on paper, choose “Add a paper-filed case” under My Account and enter your receipt number to see case status.
You can change your address in the account; noncitizens must report a move within 10 days, see Report your move to USCIS on AR-11 within 10 days; for other uses of your USCIS account, see USCIS online account.
IRS online account verifying identity with ID.me
The IRS says opening an account has two parts: set up the account, then verify your identity once (IRS creating an account):
- What you need: an SSN or ITIN, plus a valid government photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID, or a passport or passport card.
- ID.me: follow ID.me’s steps to create an account and verify your identity; one ID.me account lets you sign in to most IRS accounts and services.
- What you can do in the account: see balances owed, tax records and transcripts, refund or amended return status, digital IRS notices, and Forms W-2 and some 1099s; pay from your bank account and apply for a payment plan (IRS online account).
If you don’t have an SSN and need to file taxes, apply for an ITIN first; see ITIN is for people who can’t get an SSN but must file taxes.
State government accounts differ by state
Each state runs its own accounts. In California, for example, the DMV says people without an SSN can’t use MyDMV to change their address online and must mail Form DMV 14 instead (California DMV). For DMV and benefits accounts in other states, check your state’s official website. For what state government accounts are used for, see Set up your state government accounts first.
What this article did not check
- SSA’s my Social Security account: we could not open SSA’s account page when we checked on 2026-10-28, so this article does not say what you need for it.
- Login.gov: we could not open Login.gov’s identity verification page when we checked on 2026-10-28, so this article does not list which IDs it accepts.
- Each state’s account rules: this article gives only one California DMV example.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open a USCIS account without an SSN?
The steps USCIS lists for opening an account are signing up with email, setting a password, two-step verification, choosing password reset questions and an account type; the steps don’t mention an SSN.
Does an IRS account require an SSN?
You need either an SSN or an ITIN, plus a photo government ID such as a driver’s license, state ID or passport, and you verify your identity through ID.me.
Can family members share one USCIS account?
No. USCIS says an account is only for you and should not be shared with anyone.
Can I check the status of a paper-filed case online?
Yes. In your USCIS account, choose “Add a paper-filed case” under My Account and enter your receipt number.
This item on the checklist
“Learn about the USCIS online account” is in the full version of the My USA Plan checklist . The first 30 items are free, and the full 91 items cost US$9.90 once, not a subscription.
Sources and dates checked
All checked on 2026-10-28.
- USCIS How to Create a USCIS Online Account: https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account
- IRS Creating an account for IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov/privacy-disclosure/creating-an-account-for-irsgov
- IRS Your online account: https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account
- California DMV Submit a Change of Address Online: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/online-change-of-address-coa-system/