Last Updated 1 year ago

A Step-by-Step Guide for U.S. Expats

If you live outside the United States and need to access your IRS account, get your tax IP PIN to file your tax return electronically, but don’t have a U.S. phone number, driver’s license, or U.S. income documents, don’t worry. Many people have successfully gone through the process using mainly foreign credentials. Here’s what you need to know and do.

What to Have Ready First

Before starting, gather as many of the following documents as you can:

Required/Suggested Documents:

• Israeli Passport (unexpired)
• Utility Bill or Insurance Statement
• Must show your name and address.
• If not in English, translate it using an AI tool and show both the original and the translation.

• Social Security Card (if applicable)
• U.S. Passport (optional, but helpful if not expired)
• U.S. State License if you have one (unexpired)
• Form W-2 or Form 1099 (optional, but can help verify identity)

Tip 1: You likely do not have many of these documents, as you live abroad. That is fine. Gather as many as you can currently; if you can’t complete the process the first time, you can always return to it. 

Tip 2: Documents must be clear, legible, and recent (within 12 months for utility/insurance). 

Tip 3: Make sure to have digital copies, like pictures of your passports, and original paper copies. You will need both!

Step 1: Start on the IRS Site

Go to the IRS online account login page. Click “Sign in to your Online Account” and then choose to create an ID.me account.

Step 2: Create an ID.me Login

1. Enter your email and password.
2. When prompted for Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), select “I don’t have a U.S. phone number.”
3. Choose an option like an authenticator app or sending a text for MFA. If you can, the Authenticator app works best.

Step 3A: If You Have U.S. Documents (Recommended Option)

If you have at least two of the following:

• A valid U.S. driver’s license or state ID
• A valid U.S. passport
• A recent Form W-2 or 1099

You can use the “Self-Service” option when you get to the “Verify Your Identity” screen. This process is fully automated and usually much faster.

Follow the prompts to upload your U.S. documents and complete identity verification. If successful, you’ll be taken directly to your IRS Online Account.

Step 3B: If You Don’t Have U.S. Documents (International Flow)

When you get to the “Verify Your Identity” screen:

• Do not click on the big buttons (“Self-Service” or “Video Call”).

Instead, click the small text link:

• “I don’t have a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or passport card.”

It will take you to a section to confirm your identity, upload documents, and go through the ID.me video call verification process that supports international users.

Step 4: Upload Your Documents

1. Upload your Israeli Passport, utility/insurance document (and translation if needed), and other identification documents you have.
2. Use your phone camera via a secure link or upload from your computer.
3. Wait for the system to approve the upload and prepare for a video chat.

Step 5: Complete the Video Call

1. You’ll be placed in a queue. The average wait is 5–20 minutes.
2. An agent will join and ask to see the original documents via webcam.
3. Confirm your name, address, and Social Security Number/ITIN if applicable.
4. Once approved, you’ll be redirected to the IRS site.

Step 6: Get Your IP PIN

In some cases, the IRS may have automatically enrolled you in the IP PIN program.  This happens if they are worried about fraud on your account.  In such a case, the IRS will not allow you to submit your tax return electronically without the IP PIN.  To see your IP PIN, please follow the instructions below.

If you are not automatically enrolled and want to register for an IP PIN, follow the instructions below.  Before enrolling, we recommend reading this blog post for more details on the IP PIN program.

1. Log in again to your IRS Online Account.
2. Go to Profile → Identity Protection PIN.
3. Your 6-digit IP PIN will appear.

Note: IP PINs are only available from January to November each year.

With these steps, you can successfully set up your IRS ID.me account and get your IP PIN from anywhere in the world.