What to do if…
you receive an unexpected notice that your identity must be verified in person for an official record

What to do now

1. Get the notice in front of you and slow the situation down. Write down the agency name, the reference or case number, the record it mentions, the appointment location, the deadline, and exactly what ID or documents it asks for.

2. Check the sender without using the notice’s contact details first.

   • Search for the agency’s official website yourself, preferably a .gov site, and make sure the site uses HTTPS.
   • Use the official main phone number, secure online account, or contact page you find there.
   • If it claims to be from local police, a sheriff, a court, or another local office, use the main number from the official city, county, court, or state website.
   • If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

3. Ask the real office to confirm the notice with minimal disclosure. Give only the reference number or other limited details needed to locate it, then ask:

   • “Did you issue this notice?”
   • “What official record is this about?”
   • “Why is in-person identity verification needed?”
   • “Is this location an official office or authorized partner site?”
   • “What exactly do I need to bring?”
   • “What are my options if I cannot attend on that date?”

4. Match the notice to the verified official pathway. Do not improvise or follow a similar-looking process unless the real agency confirms it for your exact notice. Common legitimate patterns can include:

   • Some federal services using Login.gov may allow in-person identity verification at a participating U.S. Post Office after online steps are completed first.
   • Some immigration matters may involve a biometrics appointment notice; verify it through your official account, case status route, or an official contact route before attending.
   • Some IRS identity-verification letters use online, phone, or in-person steps depending on the exact letter or notice. Treat any example as real for you only if it matches the notice and the agency confirms it through an official route.

5. Prepare only the minimum necessary documents.

   • Bring the notice or appointment letter if the verified instructions say to bring it.
   • Bring the photo ID or identity documents the verified agency specifically requires.
   • Do not bring extra original documents “just in case” unless the verified instructions list them.
   • Keep a simple note at home with the date, time, name or role of the person you spoke to, and what they told you to do.

6. Make the appointment safer and less overwhelming.

   • Confirm the address, opening hours, parking or entry instructions, and whether you need an appointment number.
   • If you are anxious about going alone, ask the agency whether someone can come with you or wait nearby.
   • If you have safety concerns, accessibility needs, language needs, or cannot safely share an address, ask about alternatives before attending.

7. If the notice still does not check out, stop using that route.

   • Do not reply again through the suspicious phone number, link, QR code, email, or address.
   • Re-check using an official website or main number found independently.
   • If you suspect identity theft, use the federal identity-theft reporting and recovery site.
   • If money was requested, personal information was given, or someone pressured you to act immediately, consider reporting it through an official scam-reporting route.