Many US government websites do not have their own passwords. Instead, they use one of two sign-in services: Login.gov (run by the federal government) or ID.me (a private company that many agencies contract with). Agencies such as the Social Security Administration, the IRS and many state agencies use one or both.
Creating an account: an email, a strong password and a second sign-in method (see the guide on two-step codes). Anyone can do this.
Verifying your identity: proving you are the real person, needed before you can see private records like tax transcripts. This is harder for newcomers.
To verify your identity, Login.gov currently asks for:
A US driver's license, state ID, mobile driver's license or US passport.
Your Social Security number.
A US phone number or a mailing address.
If photos of your ID do not work, you may be able to verify in person at a US Post Office that offers this service. If you have no SSN or no US-issued ID, you can usually still create a Login.gov account, but you may not be able to complete identity verification. Ask the agency you are dealing with if it has another way.
Self-service: most people verify online with one government photo ID. ID.me accepts passports from any country if the photo page has the machine-readable code at the bottom.
Video call with an agent: if self-service fails, you show two documents (or one primary and one secondary document) to an agent on a video call.
Some agencies require your SSN in the process.
Start from the agency's own website (for example irs.gov or ssa.gov), then follow its link to Login.gov or ID.me. This avoids fake sign-in pages.
Use an email you will keep for years.
Set up at least two sign-in methods, for example an authenticator app and backup codes.
Have your ID, SSN (if you have one) and phone ready, in good light, before starting the identity check.
Save backup codes on paper in a safe place.
Creating the account with a work or school email you will lose.
Using only a text-message code and then changing phone numbers.
Searching "Login.gov" and clicking an ad. Type the address yourself: login.gov or id.me.