MyUSPTO.gov is the United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) online portal for managing trademark applications and related documents. To access certain features, such as filing trademarks electronically, users may need to create an account and complete identity verification through ID.me, a secure third-party service designed to prevent fraud and ensure authorized access. This article explains the verification process, its requirements, limitations for non-U.S. citizens, and how working with Markavo—a U.S.-licensed trademark attorney service—can simplify things by eliminating the need for clients to handle verification themselves.
What is ID.me Identity Verification?
ID.me is a trusted identity verification platform partnered with the USPTO to secure MyUSPTO.gov accounts, particularly for trademark filings. The process is a one-time requirement for unrepresented applicants, U.S.-licensed attorneys, and their sponsored support staff who need to access the Trademark Electronic Application System (TEAS) or other filing tools. It helps confirm the user's identity to reduce unauthorized or fraudulent submissions.
The Verification Process
To complete ID.me verification:
Create or log into an ID.me account.
Provide personal information, such as a Social Security Number (SSN) for U.S. users.
Upload a government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license, state ID, or passport).
Submit biometric data via a live selfie, which is matched to the ID photo using facial recognition technology.
Additional steps may include a soft credit check, phone number verification, or—if self-service fails—a video call with an ID.me Trusted Referee to present physical documents.
The entire process typically takes under 15 minutes if completed self-service. ID.me uses biometrics (e.g., facial geometry from the selfie) and ID details to detect fraud and ensure the person matches the claimed identity.
Background on Data Used by ID.me
ID.me verifies identities by cross-referencing data from multiple sources, including:
Details extracted from the submitted government-issued ID.
Mobile network operator records.
Public and government databases.
Credit bureau information via a soft inquiry (which does not affect credit scores).
While not explicitly for confirming U.S. citizenship, the reliance on U.S.-centric elements like SSN (issued primarily to citizens, permanent residents, or authorized workers) and credit reports effectively limits full self-service access to those with strong U.S. ties. This aligns with USPTO's security goals for eligible filers.
Requirements for Non-U.S. Citizens
Non-U.S. citizens or those domiciled outside the U.S. cannot complete ID.me verification to file trademarks directly on their own behalf. USPTO rules mandate that foreign-domiciled applicants must be represented by a U.S.-licensed attorney for all trademark submissions, including applications, responses, and maintenance documents. Attempting self-verification without U.S. ties will likely fail due to the data requirements, preventing account access for filing.
In such cases, the applicant must hire a U.S.-licensed attorney, who will use their own verified MyUSPTO.gov account to handle all filings.
Working with Markavo: Simplifying the Process
If you engage Markavo to serve as your U.S.-licensed attorney of record for a new trademark application or any other trademark-related document, you as the client do not need to create a MyUSPTO.gov account or undergo ID.me identity verification. Markavo handles all electronic filings, signatures, and interactions with the USPTO through their own verified account.
This is because represented trademark owners or applicants are exempt from the identity verification requirement—their attorney manages everything securely on their behalf. By working with Markavo, foreign applicants can avoid the hurdles of ID.me and focus on their trademark needs without personal account setup.