The Senior Veteran’s Guide to Creating a VA.gov Account (2025 Update)

Keywords: VA.gov Account, Login.gov, ID.me, Senior Veteran Guide

Subtitle: A frustration-free, step-by-step walkthrough to securing your benefits online—written specifically for you.

Why You Need to Do This Now

If you are used to logging in with My HealtheVet or DS Logon, things are changing. To improve security and protect your hard-earned benefits from identity theft, the VA is retiring these older systems in 2025.

• My HealtheVet usernames/passwords retire on January 31, 2025.
• DS Logon retires on September 30, 2025.

Moving forward, you will need a Login.gov or ID.me account. It might feel like a hassle, but think of this like upgrading the lock on your front door—it keeps your information much safer.

Part 1: Preparation Checklist (Do This First!)

Before you sit down at the computer, gather these items. Having them ready will save you from getting timed out while searching for your wallet.

1. The "Tech" Essentials

• A unique email address: You cannot share an email with your spouse for this. You need your own.
• A mobile phone: You will need this to receive a security code (via text or call).
• Your glasses: There will be small text to read!

2. The Documents (Have 2 of these ready)

• Driver's License or State ID: Check the expiration date! It must be current.
• Passport: If you have one.
• Social Security Number: You don't need the card, just the number.

Part 2: Choose Your Path

You have two doors to enter the VA.gov house. Both work perfectly fine.

• Option A: Login.gov (Run by the government. Simple, direct).
• Option B: ID.me (A private company trusted by the VA. Offers video calls and UPS store visits).

Recommendation: Try Login.gov first. If you get stuck, ID.me offers more ways to verify your identity offline.

Part 3: How to Create a Login.gov Account

1. Go to VA.gov and click "Sign In" at the top right.
2. Click "Create an account with Login.gov".
3. Enter your email address. They will send you an email immediately.
4. Check your email. Click the link inside that says "Confirm email address."
5. Create a password. Tip: Use a pass-phrase that is easy to remember but hard to guess, like Blue_Coffee_Mug_1955.
6. Verify your identity. This is the big step. You will be asked to upload a photo of your Driver's License.
   If this fails: You can choose to verify in-person at a US Post Office. (See Part 5).

Part 4: How to Create an ID.me Account

1. Go to VA.gov and click "Sign In".
2. Click "Create an account with ID.me".
3. Enter your email and create a password.
4. Set up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). What is this? It’s a second lock. You can choose to get a text message or a phone call with a 6-digit code. Enter that code on the screen.
5. Verify Identity. You will see three options:
   1. Self-Service: Take photos of your ID with your phone.
   2. Video Call: Chat with a live "Video Referee" on your computer (great if you have a webcam and want a human to help).
   3. In-Person: Go to a UPS Store. (See Part 5).

Part 5: The "No Camera Required" Options (In-Person)

If you struggle with taking photos of your ID, stop trying to force it. Go visit a location in person. It is often faster and less frustrating.

Option A: The UPS Store (For ID.me)

1. If you chose ID.me, select "Verify in Person" on the screen.
2. You will get a Registration Code (print this out or write it down!).
3. Go to the UPS Store. Bring these documents:
   • Primary ID: Current Driver's License, State ID, or Passport.
   • Secondary ID: A utility bill (electric/gas), bank statement, or vehicle registration that shows your current address.

Note: The address on your bill must match the address you told ID.me.

Option B: The Post Office (For Login.gov)

1. If you chose Login.gov, select "Verify at a Post Office" on the screen.
2. You will get a Barcode via email.
3. Go to the Post Office. Bring these documents:
   • State ID or Driver's License: Must not be expired.
   • Secondary ID: If your ID address doesn't match your current address, bring a utility bill or vehicle registration.

Part 6: Troubleshooting & Help

"I'm stuck and I don't know what to do." Take a deep breath. You have support.

• MyVA411 (Main Help Line): Call 800-698-2411. This is the "front door" to the VA. They can guide you.
• Login.gov Support: Call 844-875-6446 (24/7 support).
• ID.me Support: They do not have a phone number for general support, but they have a "Video Call" feature inside the setup process which connects you to a human.

"My camera won't focus on my ID."

• Lighting: Turn on all the lights in the room. Dark rooms are the #1 cause of failure.
• Background: Place your ID on a dark surface (like a dark table or a piece of construction paper). Glare from a white table confuses the camera.
• Steady Hands: Brace your elbows on the table while holding the phone.

Final Thoughts

You served your country; you shouldn't have to fight a war with a computer to get your benefits. If the online process frustrates you, grab your documents and use the In-Person option at the UPS Store or Post Office. It gets you to the same destination: a secure, verified account that protects your future.