Verification Process FAQ's

Verification Process

1. What are the next steps for applicants who choose not to use ID.me for verification?
1. Applicants that opt-out will continue using pre-ID.me processes, and will be reminded at each login to consider verifying. If a student chooses to verify later, they will go through the ID.me verification process and their updated verification status will be displayed on their account screen. If a student is not submitting a new application, college staff will need to confirm verification with the student.
2. How is the verification handled for students who do not use ID.me during the application process? 
1. Students who opt out or are unable to verify through ID.me will be processed primarily through pre-existing fraud mitigation processes at both the system and local college levels.
3. Will colleges receive verification status records through the application process?
1. Yes, new data elements, including a “verified” flag, will be provided with the application data. For more information, please see the technical notes.
4. How does the verification process affect students using an affirmed name versus a legal name?
1. ID.me can only verify a student’s legal identity through accepted government documents. A student can include their affirmed name in the “preferred name” field in their OpenCCC student account and this name is sent to the colleges as part of the application data. However, the legal first and last name on the student account must match their legal identity documents.
5. Where can verification information from ID.me be found in the CCC Report Center?
1. The verification data for students who verify at the time of application submission will be available starting with the production release on February 2, 2024, via the CCC Report Center and SuperGlue. The student’s verification status is also displayed on the “Edit Account” page in the OpenCCC account. 
6. Is there an option for colleges to verify students in person?
1. Yes, a “staff verified” option is available for new OpenCCC accounts established by college staff through CCCApply Administrator. Or if the college chooses to purchase an ID.me kiosk that they can use to verify student identities on-site. ID.me kiosks are only available if the college purchases them through the CollegeBuys program. 
7. How long does the verification process take after submitting documentation?
1. The time varies, those with an existing ID.me account may be confirmed within a few minutes. Video chat may involve a wait for a customer service representative and then a further wait to verify the documents. The student will be notified, generally by email, once verification is complete.
8. Are all "null" students in the system required to be verified by the Office of Admissions and Records?
1. Yes, for students who opt out or cannot verify and are marked as "null" in the system, local verification is required.
9. Do students applying before February 2024 need to go through the verification process?
1. No, verification will be required starting with the release on February 2, 2024.
10. How are applications treated for students who opt out of ID.me identity verification?
1. These applicants will continue with the existing college process of verification at the local level.
11. What valid identity documents are accepted for international students?
1. A list of valid identity documents from the country of origin is available on ID.me's website, here.
12. How does the new ID verification process affect incarcerated students interested in applying to a California Community College?
1. We recognize the challenges incarcerated students face in providing standard ID documentation. The Chancellor's Office is working closely with ID.me to develop alternative verification methods that consider the unique circumstances of incarcerated students while still maintaining security. 
13. How does the ID.me process accommodate students with multiple email addresses across different colleges?
1. It’s recommended to use the same email for ID.me and CCCApply, but alternative email addresses can be added to the ID.me profile.
14. Can a student’s existing ID.me account be linked to their CCC account without revalidation?
1. Yes, if the identity was previously verified with ID.Me for another agency, like the Social Security office.
15. Are high school IDs accepted for students over 18 without a driver's license or California ID?
1. Specific details on acceptable forms of ID can be found on the ID.me website.
16. Is the ID.me verification process mandatory for ALL students? Credit, noncredit, international, etc?
1. All students 18 years and older will be asked to verify their identity with ID.me. 
17. What happens if students deny data sharing between ID.me and the college they are applying to?
1. They will appear as unverified and will be required to verify based on local processes. Unverified applicants may opt to share data later or undergo re-verification.
18. Are students prompted to verify every time they log into their CCCApply account?
1. Yes, until the verification process is completed.
19. Does the verification requirement affect current students?
1. Current students creating a new application will be prompted to verify.
20. What identification documents are needed for the ID.me process?
1. Please review the list of acceptable documents here.
21. What are the Device Requirements to verify your identity?
1. Students can use a mobile device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. A device must have the following:
2. Access to the internet, with an updated browser
3. A working webcam or a selfie camera
22.  Can a student speak to a Video Chat Agent in languages other than English?
1. Students can verify in over 240 languages over a video call. 
23. What MFA options are available without a smartphone?
1. When using their computer, students can choose Passkey MFA, to set up their computer as the method to sign in. If they don’t have a smartphone or computer, they can use the phone call option to receive a call to their landline phone.