A Step By Step Guide To Permanently Closing Your ID.me Account Safely

ID.me is a widely used identity verification platform that allows users to securely access government services, healthcare portals, and retail discounts. While many rely on it for authentication, there are valid reasons to close an account—ranging from privacy concerns to no longer needing the service. However, deleting an online identity isn’t as simple as logging out. Done incorrectly, it can leave personal data exposed or cause issues with linked services.

This guide walks through the complete process of permanently closing your ID.me account with confidence. You’ll learn not only the technical steps but also how to safeguard your information, manage connected accounts, and verify that your data has been fully removed.

Why Closing Your ID.me Account Requires Care

Unlike deleting a social media profile or unsubscribing from a newsletter, removing an identity verification account involves more than clicking “Delete.” ID.me stores sensitive personal information such as your full name, date of birth, Social Security number (in some cases), driver’s license details, and biometric data like selfies used for facial recognition.

Because this data is used across multiple platforms—including the IRS, state unemployment systems, and military verification portals—it's crucial to ensure your account is truly deactivated and your information is purged according to ID.me’s data retention policies.

“Deleting an identity management account requires both technical action and digital hygiene awareness. Users must disconnect integrations and confirm deletion to avoid residual exposure.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cybersecurity Researcher at the Digital Trust Institute

Step-by-Step Process to Close Your ID.me Account

Closing your ID.me account is a structured process that should be followed carefully to prevent unintended consequences. Follow these steps in order:

1. Log in to your ID.me account using your current credentials. Visit id.me and sign in securely.
2. Navigate to Account Settings: Click on your profile icon in the top-right corner and select “Account Settings” from the dropdown menu.
3. Select “Privacy & Data”: In the left-hand menu, find and click on “Privacy & Data” to access data control options.
4. Request Account Deletion: Scroll down to the “Close Account” section. You’ll see a warning explaining that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.
5. Verify Your Identity Again: For security, ID.me will ask you to re-enter your password and may prompt additional verification (e.g., SMS code).
6. Confirm Permanent Closure: After verification, click “Close My Account” and confirm your decision in the pop-up dialog.
7. Wait for Confirmation Email: ID.me will send a final confirmation email stating your request has been processed.

Tip: Do not close your account during an active application process (e.g., unemployment benefits or tax filing). Wait until all services have verified your identity through alternative means.

What Happens After You Delete Your Account?

ID.me does not instantly erase all data upon request. According to their Privacy Policy, account closure triggers a data retention period of up to 90 days for legal and compliance purposes. During this time:

• Your account becomes inaccessible.
• You cannot log in or recover data.
• Stored personal information is encrypted and isolated from active systems.
• After 90 days, data is permanently deleted from production and backup systems.

Note: Some transaction logs may be retained in anonymized form for fraud prevention, but they do not include personally identifiable information (PII) after deletion.

Data Disconnection Checklist Before Closure

Before requesting deletion, disconnect any third-party services linked to your ID.me account. Failure to do so may result in login issues or service interruptions.

Checklist: Pre-Deletion Actions

• ✅ List all government or private services using ID.me for login (e.g., IRS, VA, state portals)
• ✅ Create alternative login methods (email/password or other 2FA options)
• ✅ Update passwords on those platforms to remove ID.me dependency
• ✅ Download any important records or verification history from ID.me
• ✅ Revoke app permissions if you’ve used ID.me to sign into mobile apps

Do’s and Don’ts When Deleting Your ID.me Account

Do’s	Don’ts
Back up essential documents stored in your ID.me vault	Assume immediate data erasure after clicking delete
Use a secure network when accessing account settings	Delete your account while verifying benefits or taxes
Keep the confirmation email for your records	Share your verification codes during the deletion process
Monitor linked accounts for login failures post-deletion	Reuse the same recovery email if you plan to create a new ID.me account later

Real Example: Sarah’s Account Closure Experience

Sarah, a federal employee from Colorado, decided to close her ID.me account after retiring. She had used it for years to access her retirement portal and file annual disclosures. When she attempted to delete her account, she encountered a block: her agency still required ID.me authentication for ongoing benefit verification.

She contacted her HR department and discovered she needed to update her authentication method before ID.me could be safely removed. After switching to a government-issued PIV card for login, she successfully submitted her deletion request. Two weeks later, she received confirmation and verified no further activity on her account.

Sarah’s case illustrates a common oversight: assuming all services allow seamless migration away from ID.me. Always confirm with each organization whether they depend on your ID.me credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen my ID.me account after deletion?

No. Once your account is closed, it cannot be recovered. All data, including verified identities and uploaded documents, is permanently lost. If you need ID.me again, you must create a new account and go through verification from scratch.

Will closing my ID.me account affect my credit score?

No. ID.me does not report to credit bureaus or store financial data tied to creditworthiness. Closing your account has no impact on your credit history or score.

How do I know my data was actually deleted?

ID.me sends a final confirmation email once your request is processed. While you won’t receive a follow-up after the 90-day purge, you can contact their support team at [e-mail] to confirm deletion completion. Include your registered email and deletion date for faster assistance.

Final Steps and Verification

After submitting your deletion request, take these final actions to ensure safety:

• Clear browser cache and cookies related to ID.me to remove stored session data.
• Revoke saved passwords in your password manager associated with id.me.
• Monitor your email for any unexpected messages claiming to be from ID.me post-deletion—these could be phishing attempts.
• Consider a data removal service if you’re concerned about residual data brokers holding your info.

While ID.me handles most data responsibly, true digital privacy often requires proactive habits beyond a single deletion. Treat account closure as one step in an ongoing effort to control your digital footprint.

Conclusion

Permanently closing your ID.me account is a responsible move when the service no longer serves your needs. By following the correct procedure—backing up data, disconnecting integrations, and confirming deletion—you protect your identity and reduce unnecessary exposure.

Digital accounts accumulate over time, but not all deserve permanent access to your personal information. Taking control of what stays and what goes is a vital part of modern online safety. If you’ve been considering this step, now is the time to act with clarity and confidence.

💬 Have questions about your ID.me deletion experience? Share your story or ask for advice in the comments below—your insight could help others navigate the process safely.