How to delete your ID.me account
You can delete your ID.me account by logging in, going to your account settings, and selecting the delete or deactivate option. ID.me will ask you to confirm the deletion, and the process usually completes within a few minutes. Once deleted, you lose access to any services linked through that account—including government benefits portals, tax filing, and unemployment systems—so make sure you have alternative ways to access those services before you proceed.
The exact steps depend on whether you want to deactivate (temporarily pause) or permanently delete (remove all data). Deactivation is reversible; deletion is not. Most people who want out choose deletion because they do not plan to return.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your ID.me account cuts off access to any government or financial service that uses ID.me for identity verification, so confirm you have another way in before you delete.
- Deactivation pauses your account temporarily and is reversible; deletion removes it permanently and cannot be undone.
- The deletion request is processed through your account settings under privacy or security options, and confirmation usually takes a few minutes.
- If you use ID.me to log into unemployment, Social Security, IRS, or state benefits, contact those agencies separately to set up a different login method.
Steps to delete your ID.me account
Log into your ID.me account at id.me using your email and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to enter the code sent to your phone or email.
Once logged in, look for your account settings or profile menu, usually found in the top right corner or in a hamburger menu. Select "Account Settings" or "Privacy & Security." Scroll down until you find the option labeled "Delete Account," "Close Account," or "Deactivate Account." Click it.
ID.me will show you a warning that explains what you are about to lose—access to linked services, saved documents, and verification history. Read this carefully. You will be asked to confirm your decision, usually by typing your password again or clicking a confirmation button. Once you confirm, the deletion request is submitted.
Most deletions process immediately, though ID.me may take up to 30 days to fully remove your data from their servers. You will receive a confirmation email. After that, you cannot log back in.
What happens to services linked to your ID.me account
Deleting ID.me does not automatically delete your accounts on the services that use it—such as IRS, Social Security, state unemployment, or your state's benefits portal. Those accounts still exist. What changes is your login method: you will no longer be able to sign in through ID.me.
Before you delete, contact each service you use ID.me to access and set up an alternative login. For the IRS, you can create an account directly on IRS.gov. For Social Security, visit ssa.gov and create a my Social Security account. For state unemployment or benefits, go to your state's labor or human services website and look for a direct login option that does not use ID.me.
If you delete ID.me without setting up these alternatives first, you may be locked out of your accounts temporarily. You can regain access by using the "Forgot Password" option on each service's website, but this takes time and may require you to verify your identity through other means.
Deactivation versus permanent deletion
Deactivation temporarily disables your account. You cannot log in, but your data remains on ID.me's servers. You can reactivate by logging in again with your password—no new verification needed. Deactivation is useful if you want to step away for a while but might return later.
Permanent deletion removes your account and all associated data from ID.me. You cannot reactivate it. If you ever need to use ID.me again, you must create a brand new account and go through the full verification process, which can take several days. Deletion is the right choice if you do not plan to use ID.me services again.
If you are unsure, choose deactivation first. You can always delete later, but you cannot undo a deletion.
If you cannot access your ID.me account
If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the ID.me login page. Enter your email, and ID.me will send you a reset link. Click it, create a new password, and log back in to delete your account.
If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your account, contact ID.me support directly. Go to id.me/support or look for a "Contact Us" link on the ID.me website. Explain that you cannot access your email and want to delete your account. ID.me will ask you to verify your identity through other means—usually a phone number or the last four digits of your Social Security number—before they process the deletion.
If you have two-factor authentication enabled and no longer have access to your phone or email, the process takes longer. ID.me may require you to submit a government-issued ID to confirm you are the account holder. This can take several business days.
Removing ID.me from linked services
Some services—like your state's unemployment portal or the IRS—allow you to disconnect ID.me as a login method without deleting your entire account. This is different from deleting ID.me itself, but it accomplishes the same goal: you stop using ID.me to sign in.
To disconnect ID.me from a specific service, log into that service directly (not through ID.me), go to account settings or security settings, and look for "Connected Apps" or "Linked Accounts." Find ID.me in the list and select "Disconnect" or "Remove." After that, you can only log into that service using its own login method.
This approach is safer than deleting ID.me outright because it lets you keep your ID.me account active for services you still use while cutting it off from services you do not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will deleting my ID.me account delete my government benefits or tax accounts?
No. Deleting ID.me only removes your ID.me login. Your benefits, tax records, and government accounts remain. You will just need to log in using a different method. Contact each agency to set up a direct login before you delete ID.me.
Can I recover my ID.me account after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent. If you need to use ID.me again later, you must create a new account from scratch and complete the full verification process, which takes several days. If you might return, choose deactivation instead.
How long does it take to delete my ID.me account?
The deletion request usually processes within minutes, and you will receive a confirmation email. ID.me may take up to 30 days to fully remove your data from their servers, but your account will be inaccessible immediately after confirmation.
What if I deleted my ID.me account but still need to access my unemployment benefits?
Log into your state's unemployment website directly using the email and password you created for that site, or use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your login. Contact your state's labor department if you need help setting up a direct login that does not use ID.me.
Can I delete ID.me if I still owe money or have an open case?
Yes. Deleting your ID.me account does not affect any money you owe or any active cases. Your obligations remain with the government agency or service provider, not with ID.me. You will still need to pay what you owe and handle your case through that agency's direct website or phone line.