Is Login.gov a national ID?

No. It is a shared login and identity-verification service for government websites, not an ID card or document.

What sign-in security does it require?

At least one multi-factor authentication method, with options including device biometrics, authenticator apps, security keys, phone codes, and PIV/CAC cards.

Does America.gov use Login.gov?

Yes. The executive order establishing America.gov, signed September 29, 2026, directs GSA to use Login.gov as America.gov's authentication service and tells agencies to complete their Login.gov integration under 6 U.S.C. 1523(b)(1)(D), which already required agencies to use the single sign-on platform GSA develops. Asking America.gov general questions does not depend on an account; sign-in applies to the transactions it is meant to add.

🇺🇸 United States · Government login

Login.gov

Login.gov is the public's shared account for secure, private access to participating U.S. government services. Operated by the GSA, it provides multi-factor authentication and, for eligible programs, identity verification. It is not a national ID; it is a login and identity-proofing service used across federal and state agencies. A September 2026 executive order made it the authentication service for America.gov, the new single entry point to federal services, and directed agencies to complete their Login.gov integration.

What it does

Online authenticationIdentity verification / KYCBiometric authentication

Country:🇺🇸 United States

Type:Government login

Status:Live

Launched:2017

Issuer:U.S. General Services Administration (GSA)

Who can get it:Members of the public accessing participating U.S. government services

Format

Web accountMobile-accessible account

Identity attributes

Email addressPhone numberVerified identity attributes (name, address, DOB, SSN) for proofed accounts

Authentication methods

Password + MFAAuthenticator app (TOTP)Hardware security keySMS or phone one-time codeDevice biometricsGovernment PIV/CAC card

Common use cases

Single sign-on to government websitesAccessing federal benefits and servicesIdentity proofing for eligible programsAuthentication service for America.gov

Standards

NIST SP 800-63 Digital Identity GuidelinesMulti-factor authentication (MFA)

Coverage

More than 100 million accounts, per GSA (July 2026); used across federal and state agencies

Interoperability

Domestic

Privacy and trust

Login.gov safeguards user data with encryption and mandatory multi-factor authentication and is run as a government service rather than a commercial identity broker.

Official source

https://login.gov/

Login.gov: frequently asked questions

Is Login.gov a national ID?: No. It is a shared login and identity-verification service for government websites, not an ID card or document.
What sign-in security does it require?: At least one multi-factor authentication method, with options including device biometrics, authenticator apps, security keys, phone codes, and PIV/CAC cards.
Does America.gov use Login.gov?: Yes. The executive order establishing America.gov, signed September 29, 2026, directs GSA to use Login.gov as America.gov's authentication service and tells agencies to complete their Login.gov integration under 6 U.S.C. 1523(b)(1)(D), which already required agencies to use the single sign-on platform GSA develops. Asking America.gov general questions does not depend on an account; sign-in applies to the transactions it is meant to add.

Educational reference, not official guidance. Confirm current details with the issuing authority. See United States data protection law · all United States schemes · identity verification vendors

Last reviewed November 5, 2026Suggest a correction How we research