How To Verify Identity On Wells Fargo

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You're looking to verify your identity with Wells Fargo, a crucial step for securing your financial accounts and ensuring smooth banking operations. Whether you're setting up a new account, accessing online services, or dealing with unusual activity, Wells Fargo prioritizes your security. Let's walk through the different ways you might need to verify your identity and how to do it effectively.

How to Verify Identity on Wells Fargo: A Comprehensive Guide

Verifying your identity with Wells Fargo is a multi-faceted process designed to protect your financial well-being. It can range from simple steps like entering a one-time code to more involved processes like providing identification documents. Understanding these steps will help you navigate the process with ease.

Step 1: Engage with Your Banking Needs – Why Do You Need to Verify?

Before diving into the "how-to," let's consider why you might be needing to verify your identity. Are you:

Setting up a new online banking account? This usually requires initial verification.
Logging in from a new device or location? Wells Fargo's security systems might prompt for additional verification.
Performing a sensitive transaction? Sending money to a new recipient or making a large transfer often triggers identity confirmation.
Experiencing unusual account activity? Wells Fargo might reach out to you to verify transactions or your identity if they detect something suspicious.
Locked out of your account? You'll need to verify your identity to regain access.

Knowing the context will help you anticipate the type of verification required.

Step 2: Online and Mobile Banking Verification: The Advanced Access System

Wells Fargo heavily relies on its "Advanced Access" system and 2-Step Verification (their version of Two-Factor Authentication or 2FA) to confirm your identity for online and mobile banking activities. This is the most common form of identity verification you'll encounter.

Sub-heading: Understanding Advanced Access and 2-Step Verification

Advanced Access is an extra layer of security. When you perform certain transactions or access sensitive information online, Wells Fargo may prompt you to request an access code. Similarly, with 2-Step Verification at Sign-On activated, you'll always be asked for a code when you log in.

Sub-heading: How to Receive Your Access Code

Wells Fargo offers several convenient ways to receive your access code:

Text Message (SMS): This is a very common method. The code will be sent to the mobile number on file. Make sure your mobile number is up to date with Wells Fargo! Wells Fargo sends these messages from numbers like 93557 and 93733 – it's a good idea to save these numbers to your contacts.
Push Notification to Wells Fargo Mobile® app: If you have the Wells Fargo Mobile app installed and push notifications enabled, you can receive the code directly in the app. This is particularly useful if you're traveling internationally and don't want to incur SMS roaming charges.
Email Message: The code can be sent to your registered email address.
Phone Call: Wells Fargo can call your registered phone number and provide the code verbally. Incoming calls with an Advanced Access code will come from 1-866-609-3037; save this number too!
RSA SecurID® Device: If you have an RSA SecurID device purchased through Wells Fargo, you can use the constantly changing code generated by this device.

Sub-heading: Steps to Verify with an Access Code

Initiate the action: This could be signing on, making a transfer, or updating information.
Look for the prompt: Wells Fargo will display a screen asking how you'd like to receive your access code.
Select your preferred method: Choose text, push notification, email, or phone call.
Receive the code: The code will arrive via your chosen method. Do not share this code with anyone, even if they claim to be from Wells Fargo, unless you initiated the request. Wells Fargo will only ask for this code when you call them or are at a branch, or when you are actively initiating an online transaction.
Enter the code: Carefully enter the code into the designated field on the Wells Fargo website or app.
Proceed: Once the code is verified, you can continue with your transaction or access your account.

Step 3: In-Person Verification at a Wells Fargo Branch

Sometimes, online verification isn't sufficient, or you might prefer to handle things in person. This is often the case when opening a new account, changing your name, or if there are significant security concerns.

Sub-heading: Essential Documents for In-Person Verification

When visiting a branch, you'll need to provide two acceptable forms of identification. These IDs must meet specific criteria:

Original Physical ID or Document: No digital copies or photocopies are accepted.
Not Expired: The IDs must be current.
Photo or Signature: At least one ID must contain your photograph or signature.
English Primary ID: Your primary ID must be printed in English.
Different Issuing Entities: Your primary and secondary IDs must be issued by different entities and have unique ID numbers.
Identical Name: Your name must be identical on both forms of ID.

Sub-heading: Examples of Acceptable Primary IDs

U.S. Driver's License
U.S. State-Issued ID Card
U.S. Military ID Card
U.S. Passport or Passport Card
Canadian Driver's License or ID Card (issued in English, Quebec-issued IDs are not accepted)
El Salvador Documento Único de Identidad (DUI) card
Border Crossing Card
Employment Authorization Card
Permanent Resident Card

Sub-heading: Examples of Acceptable Secondary IDs

Any ID acceptable as a primary ID
Original or Certified Copy of Birth Certificate
Employee ID
Signed Social Security Card
Student ID
ATM, Credit, or Debit Card (Wells Fargo ATM/debit/credit cards may not be accepted as both primary and secondary ID)
ID issued by a recognized business, educational institution, or government agency (domestic or foreign)

Sub-heading: Proof of Address (If Required)

If neither of your primary nor secondary IDs includes your current residential address, you'll need to provide separate proof of your physical U.S. address. P.O. Boxes or Private Mailboxes are not accepted as residential addresses. Examples include:

Utility bill issued within the last 60 days

Paystub issued within the last 60 days

Bank, credit card, or mortgage statement issued within the last 60 days

Prior year Federal or State Income Tax Return

Current lease agreement

Current vehicle registration

For students: Proof of enrollment for the current school year (e.g., tuition statement, acceptance letter, housing assignment letter).

Your name on the proof of address document should match your IDs.

Step 4: Phone Verification: Voice Verification and Customer Service

Wells Fargo offers Voice Verification, a convenient way to access your accounts over the phone by identifying you through your voice. Additionally, if you call customer service for assistance, they will likely go through a series of questions to verify your identity.

Sub-heading: Activating Voice Verification

To activate Voice Verification, call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557. Select option 0 and ask a banker how to get started. Once activated, your voice pattern will be used to quickly verify your identity on future calls.

Sub-heading: Verifying with a Customer Service Representative

When you call customer service, be prepared to answer questions about your account and personal information. This might include:

Your full name and address
Your Social Security Number or ITIN
Account numbers
Recent transactions
Information related to security questions you've set up

Be cautious of anyone who calls you asking for this information if you didn't initiate the call. Always verify the caller's legitimacy by hanging up and calling the official Wells Fargo number (typically found on the back of your card or on their official website).

Step 5: Biometric Verification: Face ID and Touch ID (Fingerprint)

For enhanced convenience and security on the Wells Fargo Mobile® app, you can enable biometric sign-on options like Face ID (facial recognition) or Touch ID/fingerprint recognition.

Sub-heading: Setting Up Biometric Sign-On

Launch the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
Tap "Set up Face ID" or "Set Up Touch ID" (or "Set up Biometric sign-on" on Android).
Enter your username and password and tap "Sign On."
Follow the on-screen prompts to register your face or fingerprint with the app.

Important Note: If you store multiple fingerprints on your device, including those of additional persons, those persons will also be able to access your Wells Fargo Mobile® app via fingerprint when it's enabled. If you have an identical twin, Wells Fargo recommends using username and password instead of facial recognition.

Step 6: Maintaining Your Security and Contact Information

A crucial part of identity verification is ensuring Wells Fargo has your correct and updated contact information. This allows them to reach you for identity confirmation when needed and to alert you to suspicious activity.

Sub-heading: Updating Contact Information

Sign on to Wells Fargo Online® or the Wells Fargo Mobile® app.
Access "Security & Profile" or "Update Contact Information" from the menu.
Review and update your email addresses, phone numbers, and mailing addresses.

Sub-heading: Setting Up Alerts

Wells Fargo offers various alerts that can notify you of account activity, helping you spot potential fraud quickly, which in turn can lead to identity verification requests. You can set up alerts for:

Purchases or withdrawals
Changes to your contact information
Username or password updates
Online access being blocked after failed sign-on attempts

You can receive these alerts via text, email, or push notification.

10 Related FAQ Questions (How to...)

Here are 10 frequently asked questions related to identity verification with Wells Fargo, with quick answers:

How to find out if my identity needs verification on Wells Fargo?
- Quick Answer: Wells Fargo will typically prompt you for verification during online transactions, sign-on from new devices, or if they detect suspicious activity. You may also be asked when opening a new account.
How to update my contact information with Wells Fargo for identity verification?
- Quick Answer: Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app, go to "Security & Profile" or "Update Contact Information," and make the necessary changes.
How to enable 2-Step Verification (2FA) for my Wells Fargo account?
- Quick Answer: Sign on to Wells Fargo Online or the mobile app, navigate to the security settings, and look for "2-Step Verification at Sign-On" to activate it.
How to get an Advanced Access code if I'm traveling internationally?
- Quick Answer: The most reliable method is typically a push notification to your Wells Fargo Mobile® app, as it doesn't rely on international SMS or call roaming. You can also call Wells Fargo toll-free from most countries.
How to regain access to my Wells Fargo account if I'm locked out due to identity verification issues?
- Quick Answer: Call Wells Fargo customer service at 1-800-869-3557. They will guide you through the process of verifying your identity to restore access.
How to verify my identity if I don't have a Social Security Number for a Wells Fargo account?
- Quick Answer: Wells Fargo accepts an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for opening accounts. For in-person verification, non-U.S. citizens without a U.S. ITIN must provide a government-issued ID with evidence of nationality or residence.
How to verify my identity over the phone with Wells Fargo customer service?
- Quick Answer: The representative will ask you security questions based on your account and personal information. Be prepared to provide details like your full name, address, account numbers, and recent transactions.
How to set up Face ID or Fingerprint sign-on for the Wells Fargo Mobile app?
- Quick Answer: Open the Wells Fargo Mobile app, sign in, and go to the security settings to enable Face ID or Touch ID/Fingerprint recognition.
How to check if my identity documents are acceptable for in-person verification at Wells Fargo?
- Quick Answer: Refer to Wells Fargo's official website or this guide for lists of acceptable primary and secondary IDs, and ensure they meet criteria like being original, unexpired, and having matching names.
How to report suspected identity theft related to my Wells Fargo account?
- Quick Answer: Immediately call Wells Fargo at 1-800-869-3557. They will help you secure your accounts and provide guidance on next steps, including possibly closing compromised accounts and opening new ones.

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