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STEP 3 - How to Become a TSP

Step 3: Complete Verification of your Login.gov Account

Some government applications require identity verification. This additional layer of security requires you to prove you are you - and not someone pretending to be you.
Login.gov allows you to verify your identity using personal information such as your SSN, address, phone and approved U.S. based state issued photo ID. Alternative methods for identity verification are also available including USDA Local Registration Authorities (LRAs).

Option #1: Online (Recommended)

If this is the first time you are logging onto the NRCS Registry site, you will need to follow the steps for identity verification and securing your account. This may be completed using either your cell phone or by computer.

1. On the “We need to verify your identity” page, read the requirements and, if you agree, check the box next to the Login.gov consent statement. Click “Continue.”

2. Select the method of verification, Text Message or Computer

Continue using Mobile phone

  • If selecting to receive a Text Message, enter the one-time code provided. This will give you a link allowing you to upload your state-issued ID.
  • Next, click the link provided and follow the directions to upload your State-Issued ID.

  • Return to computer to complete the process

    Note: If you began the identity verification process on your computer, you have the option to switch and use your phone to upload images.

Continue by computer and upload image

Upload images, as prompted of the FRONT AND BACK of your state- issued ID by clicking on “Choose File.”

  • Select the file from your computer
    o Click continue

3. Enter your social security number and click “Continue.”

4. Verify the information you have submitted so far is correct and click “Continue.”

5. Enter your primary phone number. This is the last step for identity verification.

  • NOTE: If you do not have a U.S. phone number or cannot verify by phone, click on “Verify your address by mail instead.” You will have to wait to receive a letter in the mail and then follow the instructions to enter the code.

6. Once your identity is verified, you need to encrypt your account. Re-enter your Login.gov password. Click “Continue.”

7. Take note of your personal key and keep it safe. Select the box indicating you have saved your personal key in a safe place. Click “Continue.”

Once the process is complete, click “Agree and Continue” to be redirected back to your Login.gov account page or the agency application (in this case Registry) you are trying to access.

Option #2: Verify in Person – Visit a Local Registration Authority

If you selected to verify your identity in person, once you complete the steps on Login.gov, the system will email you a barcode and a deadline to go to the nearest Local Registration Authority (LRA) at a USDA Service Center. You will need to have this barcode and your Driver’s License available at your verification appointment.

You can print the email or show the email from your mobile device. If you go choose to visit the US Post Office to complete this step after the deadline, your information will not be saved, and you will need to restart the process.

Bring the same ID you used on Login.gov. Your ID must not be expired. Currently, only the following state-issued identification is accepted:

  • Driver’s license from all 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and other US territories (Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Mariana Islands and Puerto Rico)
  • A non-driver’s license state-issued ID card

       o This is an identity document issued by the state, the District of Columbia (DC), or US territory that asserts identity but does not give driving privileges.

NOTE: If you are going to visit a Local Registration Authority (LRA) at a USDA Service Center office to validate your identity, please make an appointment. Most LRAs are located at a USDA Service Center. Click on Find a Local Registration Authority to locate one closest to you.

Current eAuth customer?
If you are already a USDA customer (a Technical Service Provider, for example), linking your eAuth account to the new Login.gov account is necessary. Instructions below to assist the process.

How does linking a LOGIN.GOV account to eAuth work?

To use your LOGIN.GOV account with USDA, it must go through a one-time process to link with eAuth. Once linked, you can use it to access USDA protected resources. NOTE: Linking to an existing eAuth account will help to retain your relationship with applications you have accessed.
1. Click the LOGIN.GOV login option.
2. You will be taken to the LOGIN.GOV website, where you will log in with your existing Login.gov account or create a new LOGIN.GOV account.
3. After logging in or creating the new account, you will be returned to eAuth to link your LOGIN.GOV account to eAuth.

The linking process will vary depending on:

  • If the email address on the Login.gov account is the same email address as an eAuth account in the system.
  • If you choose to link to an existing eAuth account.
  • If you choose not to link to an existing eAuth account.
  • If the email address on the Login.gov account is the same email address as multiple eAuth accounts in the system.

4. If the email address on the LOGIN.GOV account is using the same email address as an eAuth account, you will link automatically. You are informed the LOGIN.GOV account must be used for ALL future logins with USDA, and asked if you want to continue with the link to LOGIN.GOV by selecting Yes. You will be taken to the website or application.

5. If you don’t have an eAuth account in the system with the same email address as the LOGIN.GOV account, eAuth will ask if you want to use an existing eAuth account to link with LOGIN.GOV or continue without linking to an existing eAuth account?

6. You will be informed the LOGIN.GOV account must be used for ALL future logins with USDA, then asked if you want to continue with the link to LOGIN.GOV by selecting Yes.

7. You will be taken to the website or application.

Note: If you have multiple eAuth accounts in the system matching the LOGIN.GOV email address, you will be notified multiple accounts were found. You will need to select the User ID from the list for the eAuth account you want to link with LOGIN.GOV. You will be prompted to log in with the selected User ID and password for the eAuth account to allow the link to continue.

For additional information or support linking your existing eAuth account to LOGIN.GOV, visit eAuthentication (usda.gov) Click on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). You can also call the 24- hour Helpdesk at 844-875-6446.
 

How to Become a TSP