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These FAQs cover the new requirement for all students to verify their identity before their college application is delivered and processed by colleges. They address questions raised during the Technology Center’s August and September ID Verification for All office hours, and we will update this page as new questions come up.
Previously, identity verification was available as an optional step for many students. Beginning October 1, 2026, all students must verify their identity. This is part of a systemwide effort to protect students, strengthen admissions and financial aid processes, and reduce fraud.
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CCCApply/CCCStart ID Verification Workflow
This high-level workflow applies to both CCCApply and CCCStart standard for credit applications and highlights these key steps:
Under 18 applicants: Students under 18 might not be asked to verify their identity. However, if their application is flagged as fraudulent, it will not be delivered to their college unless released by college staff.
Fraud scoring: Every application gets a fraud score from the CCCApply Spam Filter or CCCStart fraud system, even if they haven't completed identity verification.
Suspension notifications: Unverified students can receive automatic notifications letting them know their application is on hold until they verify their identity.
CCCApply: Sends an automatic notification to unverified applicants as soon as they submit their application.
CCCStart: Colleges can send a notification to unverified applicants if staff set up this option in Outcomes.
Application delivery: Once a student verifies their identity, their application is automatically released for delivery to the college along with its fraud evaluation score.
Application Submitted Age Check Decision: Is student under 18? Path A: Student is Under 18 (Yes) Fraud evaluation Is the application fraudulent? If Yes, application is suspended If No, application is delivered to the college Path B: Student is 18 or Older (No) Student is asked to verify ID Decision: Did student verify? If Yes: Fraud evaluation Application is delivered to the college If No: Fraud evaluation Application is suspended For CCCApply, "verify to complete your application" notification is sent to student. For CCCStart, "verify to complete your application" notification is sent to student if CCCStart/Outcomes has been configured by the college.
Documentation
What documentation is available regarding identity verification?
All students may be prompted to verify. Unverified adult applicants to CCC colleges are prompted to verify after creating or signing into their OpenCCC student account. Minors may or may not be prompted to verify based on their affiliation with trusted partners and pathways (dual enrollment, etc.).
What does a student need to do to be able to verify their identity?
Create or log into their OpenCCC Account by clicking “Apply” or “Enroll” on their college admissions site or on cccstart.org. Select one of the digital verification methods: For DMV Wallet, students need the DMV Wallet app and one of the following pieces of ID: California ID card California Driver’s license For ID.me, students (including international students) need to set up an account and have one of the following pieces of ID: Driver’s License (any state) State ID (any state) Passport (any country) For CCCStart colleges, a third option for ID verification, Socure Verify, is available and can be assigned to students.
For students who are physically on campus, will they be able to use DMV Wallet as an in-person identity verification method?
The DMV Wallet mobile driver’s license credential can be used as part of the college's local verification process. However, in order for a student’s application data to be automatically released, the DMV verification must be associated with a student’s OpenCCC systemwide account. This can be done by: Asking the student to login to their OpenCCC account and verify their identity with the DMV Wallet when prompted. Showing their mobile driver’s license credential to staff, who can manually “staff verify” the student using the OpenCCC Admin role in the CCCApply Administrator system.
Can an OpenCCC account be verified even if the student has not submitted an application?
Yes, identity verification applies to the account, so it doesn't matter whether an application is in progress. Any applications submitted by a verified student account will automatically be delivered to colleges.
After a student verifies their identity, how long does it take to deliver the application?
Once the student is verified through online digital services (ID.me or DMV Wallet) or marked as “staff verified” locally, their submitted application(s) will be delivered to the college immediately.
Are there phone (iPhone, Android) or software requirements (browser, OS version) for the identity verification?
DMV Wallet verification requires a smartphone or tablet with the DMV Wallet app, and a valid California driver’s license or AB60 license. See the MDL FAQs for technical requirements. Smartphone requirements are listed ID.me requires a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a front facing camera. For all technical requirements, see Technical Requirements to verify your Identity.
Fraud Detection
After October 1, 2026, will unverified students still be evaluated for fraud, even though their application has not been delivered?
Yes, all applications are evaluated for potential fraud, regardless of whether the account that submitted it is verified or unverified. As of October 1, 2026, any applications suspended for fraud will be released if the applicant’s identity is verified. The fraud score for that application is still delivered to the college as part of the application record.
Are there any changes to the fraud detection process as a part of Identity Verification for All?
All fraud detection and Spam Filter processes remain the same; however, applications determined as not fraud will be suspended in the spam filter if the account associated with it is for a student 18 or older who has not verified their identity. These not fraud applications suspended in the spam filter will be grouped into a separate “pending not fraud” tab in the spam filter UI for ease of identification and review by college staff.
If an application is currently stuck in the Spam Filter, will it be released once a student is verified?
Yes, the application will be delivered as soon as identification verification is complete. The application will include a fraud score and fraud status so colleges can conduct additional local review for applications flagged as fraudulent. Note that the student must log in to their OpenCCC account and select one of the verification methods in order to connect their DMV Wallet or ID.me account to their OpenCCC account. Once that step has been completed, and the student is verified, then the application will be delivered.
If a student passes ID verification with a valid California driver's license or other but is later determined to be committing financial aid fraud (for example, by collecting aid without attending classes), is there a mechanism to flag that student so other colleges can be alerted to potential fraudulent behavior despite the successful ID verification?
Yes, college staff can mark the student’s application as “confirmed fraud” in the CCCApply spam filter utility or in the CCCStart fraud system. This action will be shared with other college staff associated with that student. You can also use the SuperGlue fraud reporting API to notify the system of fraudulent accounts. You can reach out to the College Experience Managers if your school would like to implement this feature. It will require some effort from your IT team.
How will the Fraud Statuses sent with CCCApply or CCCStart be affected by this change? Will we just see all fraud status 7 (ID Verified)?
Fraud Statuses and Fraud Scores will continue to be delivered with both CCCApply and CCCStart application data
Applications from applicants under 18 years of age will continue to be suspended in both CCCApply and CCCStart based on fraud status, and automatically released if ID verified
Applications from applicants 18 years of age and older will be suspended based on ID verification status only
Applications flagged as fraud can be delivered
Applications flagged as NOT fraud can be suspended
The following is a breakdown of the Fraud Statuses & their meanings that will be delivered with CCCApply and CCCStart application data after October 1, 2026
Fraud Status = 7 (ID Verified) is reserved for applications that are ID verified & NOT fraud
Fraud status = 6 (confirmed not fraud), not ID Verified
Fraud status = 4 (minor applicant flagged as not fraud)
Fraud status = 3 (suspected fraud but ID Verified)
Could be a false positive or a third-party ID Verification account takeover
Fraud status = 5 (confirmed fraud but ID Verified)
Could be a false positive or a third-party ID Verification account takeover
Do you have a reference describing the rules used to flag an application as fraud?
These rules are not shared publically as they would provide a tool for bad actors to circumvent the CCC fraud protections.
The page Fraud Data Collection in the Data Warehouse describes how to gain access to a reference document that gives more specific details about what rules are in place.
Should we be regularly reviewing applications suspended in the Spam Filter or just wait until someone asks about their suspended application?
Yes. Colleges should review applications suspended in the Spam Filter regularly.
Student Types
International Students
Since international students do not have an SSN or US government ID, will they be prompted to verify?
Students who submit an application through the International Application will be prompted to verify and are encouraged to use ID.me. College staff can also verify international students locally.
Are international students required to verify their identity?
Students who submit an application through the International Application will be prompted to verify and are encouraged to use . College staff can also verify international students locally.
Undocumented Students and Students without Government ID
Can an undocumented student who does not have a California Identification still verify their identity?
Undocumented students can verify their identity using ID.me with a non-US passport. For more information, see Verify with ID.me Using a Non-US Passport. If the student does not have a passport, authorized college staff can verify them locally.
How can we verify students who do not have a Driver's License or CA ID?
Workflows for these students are dependent upon age, cohort participation, whether their data is confirmable via trusted data partners, and more. ID.me and other third-party partners offer verification for those without DMV mDL or a US government-issued ID card. These options will be presented to the user or run in the background without prompts.
Authorized college staff can also complete local verifications for these students. Colleges must have a documented local process that is followed by authorized college staff.
Minors (Under 18)
Are minors expected to verify their identity?
Minors are not prompted to verify as of October 1, 2026, but this may change in a future update. Local colleges are still expected to verify minors through local processes or trusted pathway collaborations, such as dual enrollment registrations at local high schools. Applications from minors that are not flagged as fraudulent by CCCApply or CCCStart will be delivered to the colleges without ID verification. Applications from minors flagged as fraudulent will continue to be suspended in the CCCApply and CCCStart fraud utilities for review by college staff. ID.me and the California DMV mobile wallet will soon deliver ID Verification options for minors, so the Chancellor’s may decide to prompt minors to validate their identity using these tools in a future release.
Will minors receive email notifications reminding them to verify their identity?
Since minors are not prompted to verify their identity, they will not receive any reminders.
Will minors see any difference in the application system after ID Verification for All goes live on October 1, 2026?
At this time, the application process will remain the same for minors.
Even though minors will not be asked to verify, if we collect information for multi-account verification of minors, can we do it anyway?
Yes, it is recommended that college staff develop and document a process for verifying minor students’ identities. Once the college verifies these students through its local process, they can be “staff verified” with the OpenCCC Admin utility’s Manual Verification feature. To request access to this feature, submit a request to staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com and copy your Director/Dean/Registrar or higher-level manager, who must approve your access request. Once the student turns 18, they will be prompted to verify their identity when they log in to their OpenCCC account to apply to a California Community College.
What if a student applies to a college at age 17, then applies to a different college at age 18?
After the student turns 18, they will be prompted to verify their identity when they sign in to their OpenCCC student account to access CCCApply or CCCStart.
Students without Access to Computers or Mobile Devices
If a student does not have access to a mobile device, how can they verify their identity?
Students who do not have access to a mobile device, which is required to use the CA DMV Wallet with mobile driver’s license or ID card, can verify their identity through ID.me using a laptop or desktop computer, or they can be verified locally by college staff.
If a student does not have access to a computer OR mobile device, how can they verify their identity?
Students must be manually verified by college staff. Follow the college's local procedures to verify a student’s identity and then update their account as “staff verified” with the OpenCCC Admin utility’s Manual Verification feature
Application Types
Dual Enrollment
Are high school students required to verify their identity?
Dual enrollment students can be “staff verified” by authorized college staff using a documented local id verification process. For more details, see the Minors section.
Noncredit Applications
Will mandatory verification be required for noncredit applications?
Do noncredit students need an OpenCCC account?
Yes, CCCID is required for all CCC students, including noncredit, and it is recommended that they also verify their identity.
Paper Applications
For institutions that still process paper applications, such as noncredit divisions, when are we required to align local identity processes with online processes?
When college staff interact with students who submit a paper application, they can follow the college’s local ID verification processes and then assist the student in creating a OpenCCC account using the account creation feature in the CCCApply Central Administrator’s OpenAdmin utility. An account created this way automatically applies a “staff verified” ID Verification status to the student’s account. The staff verified status expires one year after the account was created.
Previously Submitted Applications
If an unverified student has submitted an application prior to the ID Verification for All go live date of October 1, 2026, will that student be required to verify their identity?
Applications submitted prior to Oct 1, 2026 will not be affected by the new ID verification requirement.
Verification States
Skipping Verification
If a minor skips or declines verification, will they be asked to verify later?
Minors will not yet be prompted to verify their identity with the digital systems integrated with the OpenCCC student account system, but may be prompted in a future release. Colleges are encouraged to develop a documented local verification process for minors, such as dual enrollment students, that uses a trusted pathway and collaboration with local high schools to “staff verify” these students.
Verification Expiration
How long does verification on an account last?
ID verifications expire one year from the date of their verification. However, the “expired” ID verification status is not sent to colleges associated with a student until that student signs into their OpenCCC account after the expiration date. At that point, the student will be prompted to re-verify their identity, and when they successfully verify, colleges automatically receive a verification status update via the SuperGlue Events table. Colleges not integrated with the SuperGlue Events table can request a daily or weekly report of ID verification changes for their students by submiting a request to: staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com. This ID verification process differs from Multi-Factor Authentication, which happens each time the student logs in to their OpenCCC account, regardless of whether they have had their identity verified. For more information, see Multi Factor Authentication in OpenCCC and CCCApply. A student only has to reverify their identity if they are going to submit a new application after their verification has expired.
Verification Changes and Verification Expiration
If a student is verified, can they become unverified?
Verification is completed at the account level. This means that the student will show as verified for all colleges they apply to. The account becomes unverified if the student changes identity-related information on the OpenCCC account. The account can also become unverified when the ID verification expires after one year. Staff can also manually unverify an account if they discover the student associated to it is fraudulent. Authorized staff can do this using the OpenCCC Admin feature in the CCCApply Administrator system. Any time an account is unverified, the student becomes unverified at all colleges. For more information, see Verification Status Workflows.
When a student completes their application, then returns to verify their identity, is the application automatically delivered to the college?
Yes, as soon as the application is complete and the student is verified, the application is delivered to the college. Note that this can include applications flagged as fraudulent by the OpenCCC AI Fraud Model or the CCCStart fraud evaluations. In this case, the fraud score and fraud status will still show that the application is suspected as fraud, alerting college staff should they wish to do additional follow up.
If one college verifies a student, can another college unverify that same student?
Yes, the verification is at the OpenCCC account level, so if a college sets the student’s identification verification status to unverified, that student will be unverified for all colleges.
How long will an unverified account stay in unverified status?
An account will remain in unverified status until one of the following happens: The student verifies their identity using ID.me or the CA DMV Wallet with mobile driver’s license. A college manually verifies their identity
Can I get the verification status data through my local staging table?
Yes. For more information, see Identity Verification Status in the Events Table.
Suspended Applications
Is there a way to see the list of applications that were not delivered due to the account being unverified?
Yes, the updated CCCApply spam filter UI will display a “pending” tab whenever one or more applications are suspended in the spam filter utility because the accounts associated with those are not verified. Also,creating a report is under consideration for a future release.
How will we be able to distinguish the applications held in the spam filter from SPAM vs pending ID verification?
The updated CCCApply spam filter UI will display a “pending” tab whenever one or more applications are suspended in the spam filter utility because the accounts associated with those are not verified. You can also click on the application and look at the attributes. In the example below, you can see that the account is unverified AND the status is marked as fraud. You can change the fraud status in the Updated Spam Filter Utility. Students can change the account verification status by verifying their identity, or a college administrator can change it using the Manual Verification tool. For more information, see the Updated Spam Filter Utility User Guide and the OpenCCC Administrator User Guide - Manual ID Verification.
How do I get access to the Updated Spam Filter?
Send a request to cems@ccctechcenter.org. Copy a director or higher-level manager, who will need to approve the request.
Is education level included as a sortable field in the Spam Filter?
Yes, the Updated Spam Filter Utility contains Enrollment Status and Education Level Status.
Will colleges have access to reports showing verification completion rates, verification method (ID.me, DMV Wallet, Staff Verified, etc.), and students currently awaiting verification so we can monitor implementation and identify bottlenecks?
If you would like reports specific to your college, please contact ESS with the details you would like to see in the report. The CCCTC can create a report for you and send it to you on a regular cadence (typically daily, weekly, or monthly).
For applications that are submitted but the account is never verified, is there a process for clearing out old applications?
Currently, applications do not expire. They will remain suspended in the Spam Filter until the student verifies their identity. The CCCTC is working on requirements to add functionality that identifies old applications in order to archive them.
If a student applies for Summer Term, but then by the time they verify their identity, the summer term is over. Will the application still be delivered?
The SSS team is working on functionality that ensures applications for past terms will not be delivered to the college. On October 1, 2026 if this functionality has not yet been implemented, it will be implemented soon after October 1. If this happens, watch for updates in the CCCTC System Alerts community for details.
Administrative Tools
Batch/Bulk Account Creation and Approval
How can I create multiple accounts at once and verify the identity of the students in those accounts?
Create the accounts using the Multi Account Creation tool. Staff created accounts will automatically have a verification status of staff verified. To obtain access to these tools submit a request to staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com and copy your Director, or higher level manager, who must approve your access request.
How will a student be notified that an OpenCCC account has been created for them?
After an account has been created, an email will go to the email address listed in the account to tell the user how to log in and change their password.
Manual Verification/Local Verification
How can I verify a student who cannot use ID.me or DMV Wallet to verify their identity?
Students can be manually verified by authorized staff with the Manual Verification feature of OpenCCC Administrator. To request access to this feature, submit a request to staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com and copy your Director or higher-level manager, who must approve your access request.
What are the recommended methods for manually verifying a student’s identity?
In person (preferred method) with “acceptable identification to an institutionally authorized individual at the school.” Video call only for those who can’t appear in person.
The school must keep a dated record of who reviewed your ID. In-person notary: the student presents their ID in person to a notary and submits a signed notary statement. Online notarization is “not an acceptable method.” Any third-party tool (such as the DMV Wallet, ID.me, Lightleap, or Socure) that is compliant with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Identity Assurance Level 2 (NIST IAL2). Only DMV Wallet and and ID.me are integrated with OpenCCC, so if you verify with another tool, you will need to use the OpenCCC Administrator tool to set the account to staff verified. Resources: Summary of FSA ID Verification requirements on FSA-Appeal FAFSA® Information to be Verified and Acceptable Documentation
Who can have access to the Manual Verification tool?
Any individual who has an account in your network and is approved by a Director or higher level manager can have access.
When a college manually verifies a student through the Manual Verification tool, how does the student know they are verified?
When the student logs in to CCCApply/OpenCCC, the student will no longer be prompted to verify. They will also be able to see their verification status by clicking Settings>OpenCCC Account. At the bottom of the page their verification status is displayed. In the image below, the student account status is unverified.
For manual verification, does a student need to go to their home college or can they go to any college?
Manual verifications are determined by best practices of the home college. If the home college determines that a different college can verify a student’s identity, then that student may use a different college.
Can I use a phone call as a method for manual verification?
As stated in the best practices section of the Toolkit, phone calls are not recommended as a reliable method for verification.
How can an undocumented student with no government ID be verified?
The college can manually verify the student and then update the student’s status using the Verification tool. Follow your local college recommendations for how to verify the identity of a student without a government ID.
Is there a change to the manual verification process?
No, use the same process as you have used in the past.
Can I see a report of all the manually staff verified accounts for my college?
All verifications generate an event that gets sent to the events staging table. A verification status change report is available (daily, weekly, monthly)that can be requested. Please email staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com if you are interested in these reports.
ID.me and DMV Wallet
When a student is prompted to verify with DMV Wallet, they are shown a QR code that does not work when they scan it with their camera. Why is this happening?
First, make sure the student has installed the CA DMV Wallet on their mobile device and added their CA mobile driver’s license (mDL) or ID card (or added their mDL to their mobile device’s wallet, see below for information on this options) . Instructions and a video on how to install and set up the CA DMV Wallet can be found here: An easier way to use the CA mDL is to add it to the student’s Apple, Google, or Samsung Wallet. With this method, students are not required to set up a MyDMV account, which is required by the CA DMV Wallet. Use the links below for step-by-step instructions on adding your California mDL to your mobile device’s Wallet app. If none of these options work, the CA DMV Wallet may be undergoing periodic maintenance, during which the QR Code scan does not work. Unfortunately, no maintenance message displays during these times
Where can students get support for ID.me and DMV Wallet?
ID.me: The page gives support options but requires the student to be logged in to ID.me. If the student cannot log in, they need to scroll to the bottom of the page where it says “Can’t sign in?” and click Start Chat. The California DMV Wallet is self-serve only and does not provide live support. There is comprehensive Q&A documentation on the DMV website here: MDL Q&A page.
CCCStart
Will verification requirements change when CCCStart is launched?
The current ID Verification process, where students are prompted to verify with IDme or DMV Wallet, will not change. CCCStart uses the same OpenCCC account syste that CCCApply uses. CCCStart’s fraud tools include one additional ID verification option that staff can use to request ID verification from their students. Please refer to your CCCStart documentation for details.
Will the help desk phone number be the same after CCCStart is launched?
Yes, there will not be any changes to the first point of contact when CCCStart is launched.
Who is Liaison?
Liaison is the vendor supporting the new CCCStart application. The CCCTC will continue to be the first point of contact for student support. If an issue is related to the CCCStart application, it will be escalated to the Liaison support team.
Will the ID verification requirement be enforced in our CCCStart UAT environment for submitting test apps?
Yes, in order to allow for a realistic test, the ID Verification prompt will display for colleges testing CCCStart. Selecting Verify Later will allow testers to skip the ID verification step and submit test apps for UAT.
Will ID verification updates through the SuperGlue Events table remain supported after the rollout of CCCStart?
Yes, these updates are generated from the OpenCCC student account system that supports CCCStart and CCCApply.
Notifications
Can I receive a report that shows the verification status of students at my college?
Yes, you can request a report to be sent to you daily, weekly, or monthly. To request the report, email staffsupportccctc@openccc.zendesk.com with your college name and desired frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly).
How will a student be notified that their application has not been delivered due to their unverified status?
Students will receive an automated email notifying them that their identity has been verified and their application delivered to their college(s). When the student logs in to CCCApply/OpenCCC, the student will no longer be prompted to verify. They will also be able to see their verification status by clicking Settings>OpenCCC Account. At the bottom of the page their verification status is displayed. In the image below, the student account status is unverified.
How will the student be notified that they need to verify their identity?
Students will receive an email immediately after submitting an application informing them that they need to verify their identity before their application will be delivered. They will also receive a prompt to remind them to verify every time they log in to OpenCCC.
Can I see what the student email notifications look like?
Yes, you can test this in your pilot environment and have the email notifications sent to your email address. The image below shows an example of what the email will look like.
Subject: Action Required: Verify your identity to complete your application to ${COLLEGE_NAME} Body: Hi ${FIRST_NAME}, Congratulations on applying to ${COLLEGE_NAME}! We are excited to welcome you. Before we can finish processing your application, we need to verify your identity. You can easily do this online or in person at the college. Option 1: Verify Online (Fastest) Sign in to your OpenCCC Account by clicking the Apply link on our college Admissions page. You can reach your college's application by selecting your college from the list at cccapply.org. Right after you sign in, you will be prompted to verify your identity using either CA DMV Wallet or ID.me. Option 2: Verify In-Person Visit the Admissions Office at ${COLLEGE_NAME} with an approved government-issued ID, such as a valid driver’s license, ID Card, or passport. Need Help? Check out our student support site for answers to common questions and step-by-step instructions on how to verify your identity with CA DMV Wallet or ID.me Verification. Thank you, and we look forward to helping you reach your college and career goals!
Topics Related to Verification
State Universities
Are UCs and CSUs adopting DMV Wallet as part of their application process?
The CCCTC has been in discussions with UC and CSU staff and they are working to align their upcoming changes like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to align to CCCs.
Accessibility
Does DMV Wallet or ID.me provide ADA support?
ID.me provides specific support via their Help Center: DMV has FAQs available:
Interface and Functionality Changes
If your college is looking for wording changes or functionality changes due to the nature of how your college operates, please send your request to ESS.
