The IRS does not require a driver's license to e-file your taxes
You do not need to show a driver's license or any physical ID to file electronically. The IRS uses a different verification system for e-filing that relies on information from your tax return itself — your Social Security number, filing status, and prior-year tax information — rather than government-issued photo ID.
That said, the IRS does need to confirm you are who you say you are before accepting your return. How that confirmation happens depends on which method you use to file and whether you have already set up an online account with the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- A driver's license is not required to e-file; the IRS verifies your identity using your Social Security number and tax return details instead.
- If you use a tax software company or a tax professional to file, they handle the identity verification process on your behalf.
- If you file directly through IRS Free File or create an IRS online account, you will need to verify your identity through one of several methods, none of which require a physical driver's license.
- The IRS's identity verification methods include answering security questions based on your financial history or using a mobile phone to receive a code.
How the IRS verifies your identity when you e-file
When you file electronically, the IRS uses what is called electronic return origination (ERO) to check that the return is legitimate. This process does not involve showing a photo ID. Instead, the IRS asks you questions that only you would know the answers to — details from your credit history, past tax returns, or financial accounts.
If you file through a tax software company like TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct, that company performs the identity check before sending your return to the IRS. If you file through a tax professional or CPA, they verify your identity according to IRS rules before submitting on your behalf. In both cases, you are not dealing directly with the IRS for this step.
What happens if you file directly with the IRS
If you use the IRS's own Free File program or create an account on IRS.gov, you will go through the IRS's identity verification system directly. The IRS offers several ways to prove who you are, and you can choose the one that works for you.
One common method is knowledge-based authentication (KBA), where the IRS asks you questions about your financial history — for example, the loan amount on a car you financed, or the name of a bank where you held an account. You answer a series of these questions, and if you get enough correct, the IRS confirms your identity and lets you proceed.
Another method is IRS ID verification by phone. You can receive a one-time code on your mobile phone, enter it into the IRS website, and that confirms you are the account holder. This method does not require any ID document at all — just access to the phone number on file with the IRS.
If you do not have a Social Security number
The IRS requires a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file a tax return, whether you file on paper or electronically. If you do not have an SSN, you will need to obtain an ITIN from the IRS before you can e-file.
An ITIN is a nine-digit number the IRS issues to people who are not U.S. citizens but have a tax filing requirement. You request an ITIN by mailing Form W-7 to the IRS along with proof of identity and proof of residency. This process takes several weeks and does require submitting documents by mail, so it cannot be done entirely online.
What to bring if you file in person
If you choose to file your taxes in person at an IRS office or through a tax professional's office, the rules are different. In that case, the IRS does ask to see a photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card — to confirm your identity before you file.
However, this is not the same as e-filing. If you are filing electronically from home, you will never be asked to show a physical ID to the IRS. The verification happens through the methods described above.
Why the IRS does not require a driver's license for e-filing
The IRS designed the e-filing system to be accessible to people who may not have a current driver's license — for example, people who do not drive, people whose licenses have expired, or people who lost their ID. By using information from your tax history and financial records instead, the IRS can verify your identity without creating a barrier to filing.
This approach also reduces fraud. A driver's license can be forged or stolen, but the questions the IRS asks about your financial history are much harder for someone else to answer correctly. The IRS has found that knowledge-based authentication and phone verification are actually more find than photo ID for online filing.
What to do if you cannot pass the IRS identity check
If you try to verify your identity online and the IRS's system cannot confirm who you are — for example, if you answer the security questions incorrectly or do not have a phone number on file — you have other options. You can call the IRS directly at 1-800-829-1040 and speak to a representative who can verify your identity over the phone and help you file.
You can also file on paper and mail your return to the IRS. This takes longer — typically 21 days or more to process — but it does not require any online identity verification. If you file on paper, the IRS will verify your identity when they receive and process your return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I e-file if my driver's license is expired?
Yes. An expired driver's license does not affect your ability to e-file. The IRS does not check your driver's license status when you file electronically. You only need to pass the IRS's identity verification process, which uses financial history questions or a phone code instead.
Do I need to upload a photo of my ID when I e-file?
No. E-filing does not require you to upload or submit any photo ID. The IRS verifies your identity through knowledge-based questions or a phone verification code. If you file through a tax software company, they may ask for your ID information to confirm your identity, but you do not upload an image of the ID itself.
What if I do not have a phone to receive the IRS verification code?
If you cannot use phone verification, you can answer the knowledge-based authentication questions instead. If you cannot pass either method, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and a representative can verify your identity over the phone and help you proceed with filing.
Can someone else e-file my taxes without showing an ID?
A tax professional or CPA can file on your behalf, and they do not need to show your ID to the IRS. However, they will need to verify their own identity to the IRS as a tax preparer, and they will need your permission and your tax information to file your return.