How Do I Verify Identity with TransUnion?

You verify your identity with TransUnion by completing a short online flow that confirms who you are before any credit data is released.

1. Log into MyTransUnion - Go to the MyTransUnion portal, click 'Sign In,' then select 'Verify Identity.'
2. Select a verification method - Choose between instant online upload, a secure phone call, or a mailed paper form; online is fastest.
3. Enter personal details - Provide your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and current address exactly as they appear on government records.
4. Upload supporting documents - Attach a clear photo or PDF of a government‑issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent utility bill or bank statement showing the same address; follow the on‑screen prompts to ensure legibility.
5. Answer security questions - Respond to TransUnion's prompts about past loans, addresses, or employment; these questions help confirm the documents belong to you.
6. Submit and wait for confirmation - Click 'Submit.' TransUnion typically validates the information within minutes for online uploads, though it may take up to 48 hours if manual review is required.
7. Receive verification result - Check your inbox or the portal notification; a successful verification unlocks full credit access, while a rejection will list the missing piece so you can correct it (see the 'Fix common TransUnion verification rejections' section).

Proceed to the next step, 'Gather documents you need for TransUnion,' to ensure you have the right paperwork before starting the flow.

Gather a government‑issued photo ID, your Social Security card, and a recent proof‑of‑address document before you start the TransUnion identity verification. These items satisfy TransUnion's standard checklist and keep the next step - choosing a verification method - smooth.

• Driver's license, passport, or state ID (photo ID)
• Social Security card or SSN confirmation letter
• Utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement dated within the last 30 days (address proof)
• Birth certificate or legal name‑change document if your name differs from the ID
• Any court order or temporary ID if you're under a legal guardianship

Pick the verification method that aligns with your deadline, available documents, and comfort with digital tools.

• TransUnion online portal: fastest, works 24/7, needs a clear photo ID and SSN.
• Phone verification: good for limited internet, requires answering security questions and confirming personal details.
• In‑person at a TransUnion office or approved partner: ideal for name or SSN changes, requires original documents and face‑to‑face proof.
• Mail‑in paper form: slowest option, useful when you cannot scan or upload files, includes a prepaid envelope and a checklist of required documents.

Choose online for speed, phone for convenience, in‑person for complex cases, and mail when digital upload isn't possible, then move on to see what TransUnion checks to verify you.

TransUnion validates your identity by cross‑checking the personal information you provide with its credit database and public records.

• Social Security number (SSN)
• Full legal name (including middle name or initial)
• Date of birth (DOB)
• Current residential address (matched to utility or bank statements)
• Driver's license or state ID number (or passport number if supplied)
• Recent utility, mortgage, or bank statement showing the same address
• Employment details (employer name, dates)
• Phone number or email address used for one‑time verification codes

Knowing these data points lets you gather the right documents before you move on to the verification timelines and fees section in the guide. For more detail, see the TransUnion identity verification guide.

**_TransUnion_** typically finishes an online **_identity verification_** in minutes; mailed documents add about 2‑3 business days after they're received. The basic fee is **$10‑$15** for a single‑person check, while a multi‑person or business verification usually costs **$25‑$40**, and some services such as a credit‑lock verification are offered free of charge.

Fees and timing can vary by product, urgency option, or state‑specific regulations, so always review the exact price on the official portal (TransUnion identity verification fees) before you submit. Knowing these details helps you plan the next step - protecting your personal data during the **_verification process_** - which we cover in the following section.

Protect your personal data during TransUnion verification by using a private, encrypted internet connection and only entering the exact information the form requests. Avoid public Wi‑Fi, disable browser extensions that record keystrokes, and double‑check the URL ends with 'transunion.com'.

TransUnion stores your documents in a secure, PCI‑DSS‑compliant vault, but you still need to guard your account. Create a strong, unique password, enable two‑factor authentication, and never share login details via email or text. If you receive an unexpected request for SSN or driver‑license scans, treat it as a phishing attempt and contact TransUnion support directly.

These safeguards set the stage for the next section on fixing common TransUnion verification rejections, where having clean, unaltered copies of your documents will save time and prevent further data exposure.

Fix common TransUnion verification rejections by matching every data point, submitting clear documents, and addressing any flagged errors right away.

1. Check name, SSN, and DOB - ensure spelling, middle initial, and numbers exactly match the information on your government ID and credit file. A single character mismatch triggers an instant reject.
2. Use unexpired, high‑resolution IDs - scan or photograph a current driver's license, passport, or state ID with at least 300 dpi. Blurry or expired images are rejected automatically.
3. Include a secondary proof of address - a recent utility bill or bank statement that shows the same address as your ID closes the 'address not verified' gap.
4. Rename files plainly - use 'DriverLicense.jpg' or 'UtilityBill.pdf'. Special characters or overly long filenames can cause file‑type errors.
5. Verify file format - upload only JPEG, PNG, or PDF files; other formats are filtered out before they reach the verification engine.
6. Correct flagged fraud alerts - if TransUnion flags unusual activity, log into your account, answer the security questions, or contact the TransUnion support center for clearance.
7. Wait 24 hours after a failed attempt - rapid re‑submissions can be blocked by rate‑limit rules. Give the system time to reset before trying again.
8. Review the rejection code - the error message (e.g., 'Document mismatch' or 'Insufficient proof') tells you exactly what to fix; follow the specific guidance rather than guessing.
9. Update outdated information - if you recently changed your name, address, or marital status, submit a certified marriage certificate or legal name‑change document before re‑trying verification.
10. Contact TransUnion if the issue persists - a support agent can view the exact cause and guide you through any remaining steps, preventing endless rejections.

After an identity theft, you verify your identity with TransUnion by submitting a government‑issued photo ID and a recent proof‑of‑address document through the online verification portal. TransUnion will then match those items to the Social Security number on file and use them to unlock your credit file for dispute processing.

For example, gather a driver's license or passport, a utility bill dated within the last 30 days, and a copy of your Social Security card (or the number you already know). Log into the TransUnion portal, upload the scans, and answer the verification questions. If you have a police report or an FTC Identity Theft Report, attach them to help dispute fraudulent accounts, but they are not mandatory for the verification step.

Keep monitoring your SSN; you cannot change the number, but you may request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration if you suspect misuse. The Fair Credit Reporting Act permits up to 30 days to investigate disputes, so expect the verification result to arrive within that window, though complex cases may take longer.

Verify your identity after an SSN or name change by logging into TransUnion's secure portal and uploading clear, legible copies of the new paperwork. The system accepts scanned images or photocopies; never mail original IDs or legal documents.

Typical supporting documents include a government‑issued photo ID with the updated number or name, a certified marriage or divorce decree, a court order, and a recent utility bill for address confirmation. Upload each file as a separate PDF or JPEG, then submit the request; TransUnion usually processes the update within 7‑10 business days.

To verify another person's identity with TransUnion when you have permission, first obtain a signed written authorization or power of attorney that specifically allows you to act on their behalf, then gather the same documents listed in the 'gather documents you need for TransUnion' section for both the subject (e.g., driver's license, passport, Social Security card) and yourself as the authorized representative, upload the files through TransUnion's authorized representative portal using the 'Authorized Representative' verification method, ensure the authorization form is clearly labeled and matches the personal information on the subject's IDs, and finally confirm the submission receipt;

TransUnion generally processes these requests within 7 to 10 business days and will notify you of any missing items, after which you can proceed to the next scenario of identity verification after identity theft.