TreasuryDirect Will Require ID.me Identity Verification for Login
TreasuryDirect, the platform millions of Americans use to buy and manage savings bonds, is rolling out a new login requirement built on ID.me, a private identity verification service. Users will need to verify their identity through ID.me's process—which typically involves uploading a government ID and completing facial recognition or video verification—before they can continue accessing their accounts.
This follows a pattern seen at other federal agencies, including the IRS, which previously attempted a similar mandate before backing off amid privacy backlash. ID.me has faced scrutiny over data handling, accessibility issues, and its use of biometric matching.
The rollout gives users roughly a one-month window to prepare, though details on fallback options for those unable or unwilling to complete ID.me verification remain unclear from the notice itself.