Verifying an 18-year-old’s identity
When a minor turns 18, we’re required to verify their identity within 60 days to keep their USAA accounts open.
What documents do I need to provide?
We’ll need a copy of the following for the minor:
- Government-issued ID
- Social Security number
- Proof of physical address
Not sure what to submit? Here are the .
Types of Documents We Accept
Government-issued ID
All IDs must have a picture of the 18-year-old’s face. We’ll only accept IDs that aren’t expired.
Provide one of the following:
- Driver's license issued by a state or U.S. territory, front and back
- Government ID card issued by a state or U.S. territory, not military ID
- Unexpired U.S. passport, photo page
- Foreign government-issued ID
- Employment authorization document such as Form I-766, I-688, I-688A or I-688B
- Permanent Resident Card, also called a green card, Alien Registration Receipt Card or Form I-551
Social Security number
Provide one of the following:
- U.S. Social Security card
- U.S. IRS letter or card that shows the full tax identification number
- Current year Social Security Administration Form 1099
- Current year W-2 that shows the full Social Security number
Proof of physical address
Provide one of the following:
- Unexpired government-issued ID that has a picture of the 18-year-old
- Rental agreement showing their name and current address
- Documentation of home ownership that shows the current address like a property tax statement
- Major credit card statement that isn't over 90 days old showing the current address and the 18-year old’s name
- Water, internet, electricity or other utility bill issued within the last 90 days showing their physical address and name
- Voter registration card
- Native American tribal document
Why do I need to do this now?
Federal banking regulations require USAA to verify each member’s identity.
We verify the parent’s identity when they open the account. We wait until a minor turns 18 to verify their identity, since that’s what we consider legal age.
If we don’t receive proof of identification within 60 days, we’ll begin the process of closing the account.
How to upload documents
This video shows how you can safely submit them.
Video Duration: 1 minute 21 seconds
Documents you can use: Elapsed time 0 seconds [00:00]
Description of visual information: [Title card - How to Verify a Youth Account Holder’s Identity] End of description.
When a youth account holder turns 18, USAA must verify their identity within 60 days in order to comply with federal law and banking regulations.
Now that you have a joint account holder turning 18, we must confirm their identity.
Here are some examples of documents you may use for verification.
- A Social Security card
- A Government-issued ID
- Proof of physical address
Steps to upload documents: Elapsed time 27 seconds [00:27]
You can send USAA a photo of your document using the USAA Mobile App.
First, open the app and tap your initials in the upper right corner of your screen.
Select “Send Documents to USAA.”
Select “Upload Documents.”
When asked where you want to send your documents, select “Banking.”
Select “Attach file.”
You can take photos of your documents or upload them from your device. Description of visual information: [Simulation of phone app screens uploading photos of documents.] End of description. Once you've added all of your documents, select “Upload.”
We’ll review your documents in order to verify the account holder.
Thank you for being a loyal member with USAA. You can get started now using the USAA Mobile App or by clicking the “Upload Documents” button on this page.
End: Elapsed time 1 minute 21 seconds [01:21]
Identity verification FAQ
At first, we may restrict the account. With a restricted account, you may not be able to make purchases, payments, withdraw cash or conduct other similar transactions.
If we don’t receive the documents after 60 days, we’ll close the account and mail a check with the account balance to the address on file.
Whether they’re joining the military, going to college or entering the workforce, a joint account could make it easier for you to help manage their finances.
You’ll be able to continue monitoring their account and easily assist with bill pay or transfer money, if needed.
Learn how we help protect you and your accounts.
Read about fraud and how we protect your personal information.
