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Identity Verification (IDV) Key Points

By August 1, 2025March 27th, 2026No Comments

Author: Ginger Ruback

Important Update
On July 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) updated the Program Integrity Questions and Answers – Verification to include new guidance on Identity Verification (IDV).

Program Integrity Questions and Answers – Verification | U.S. Department of Education

Key points:

  • If a 2025–26 ISIR is selected for V4 or V5 verification, no further disbursements for 2024–25 may be made until verification of identity for the new award year is complete.
  • Video and notary verification methods are permitted only when the applicant cannot appear in person.
  • ED clarified that identity verification using a third party that meets NIST Identity Assurance Level 2 (IAL2) standards is acceptable, even if the student can appear in person.