What documents needed for in-person IRS ID verification appointment & timeline?
Need to verify my identity at the IRS office but not sure what documents to bring or how the process works. Anyone done this recently? How long did everything take from appointment to getting your refund?
20 comments
Join the conversation
Sebastian Scott
For in-person verification you'll need: government-issued photo ID (drivers license or passport), social security card, this year's tax return copy, and any IRS notices you've received. They might also ask for proof of address like utility bills. Usually takes 30-45 mins for the appointment itself.
0 coins
Sarah Jones
•thank u! do they need original social security card or can i bring a copy?
0 coins
Sebastian Scott
•Bring the original - they won't accept copies for identity verification
0 coins
Emily Sanjay
Instead of stressing about what docs to bring, I used taxr.ai to analyze my transcript first. It showed exactly why I needed verification and what docs they'd ask for. Best $1 I ever spent tbh https://taxr.ai
0 coins
Jordan Walker
•how does that work? does it actually tell u specific stuff about ur case?
0 coins
Emily Sanjay
•Yeah its crazy detailed! It reads ur whole transcript and tells u exactly whats going on, what to expect, and how to fix any issues. Saved me hours of research 💯
0 coins
Natalie Adams
just did this last week! took me about an hour total at the office. make sure u make an appointment first, they dont take walk ins anymore
0 coins
Elijah O'Reilly
After verification how long did it take to get ur refund? Been waiting 2 weeks since my appointment 😩
0 coins
Natalie Adams
•got mine exactly 9 days after. should see movement soon!
0 coins
Elijah O'Reilly
•thx for the hope! this waiting game is killing me fr fr ðŸ˜
0 coins
Amara Torres
Bring more docs than u think u need! I brought my birth certificate just in case and they actually asked for it. Better safe than sorry and having to go back
0 coins
Sarah Jones
•good idea! gonna bring everything but the kitchen sink lol
0 coins
Olivia Van-Cleve
Quick tip: Get there 15 mins early to get through security. They're strict about appointment times and security can take forever sometimes 🙄
0 coins
Nora Brooks
Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm what specific documents they need for your case. Different verification reasons sometimes require different docs. Also, if you're married filing jointly, bring your spouse's ID too even if they're not coming - saved me a second trip!
0 coins
Keisha Brown
•This is super helpful! I never thought about bringing spouse's ID just in case. Did they actually check it or just wanted to have it on file? And when you called ahead, did they give you a specific list or just general guidance?
0 coins
Javier Morales
Been through this process twice (long story lol). Definitely bring originals of everything - SS card, driver's license, and any IRS correspondence. Also helpful to bring a recent bank statement or utility bill with your current address. The whole thing took about 45 minutes for me, but I've heard it can vary by location. Make sure to check their website for any COVID-related changes to required docs before you go!
0 coins
Maya Lewis
•Wait you had to go through this twice?? What happened the first time if you don't mind me asking? I'm already stressed about doing it once lol. And good call on checking for COVID changes - didn't even think about that!
0 coins
AstroAdventurer
Just a heads up - if you're going during tax season (Feb-Apr), expect longer wait times even with an appointment. I went in March last year and what should have been 45 mins turned into almost 2 hours because they were swamped. Try to schedule early morning appointments if possible! Also, make sure your phone is charged - they have you wait in different areas and you might want to track your refund status while you're there.
0 coins
A Man D Mortal
•Thanks for the timing tip! That's exactly what I was worried about. Did you end up getting your refund processed faster because you went during peak season, or does the timing of your appointment not really affect how quickly they process everything after? Also wondering if they let you use your phone while waiting or if it's one of those "put everything away" type situations.
0 coins
Alejandro Castro
I went through this last month and it was pretty straightforward! Definitely bring your original Social Security card, government photo ID, and a copy of your tax return. Also helpful to have the IRS letter that told you to verify your identity. One thing I wish someone had told me - they'll ask you personal questions from your tax history to verify it's really you, so review your return beforehand. The actual appointment was about 30 minutes, but I'd budget an hour total including wait time and security. Good luck!
0 coins