Identity Verification Process

Effective May 2026

To protect applicants and the university community from identity theft and fraudulent activity, UM-Dearborn may require select applicants to complete identity verification before receiving an admission decision or enrolling. Applicants may be selected for verification due to inconsistencies in their application information or other security indicators.

Applicants who are required to verify their identities may do so in person or via Zoom. Individuals who do not successfully verify their identities in a given timeframe will have their admission and financial aid offers rescinded. For students who have already registered for classes, this will include the cancellation of any enrollment for future terms.

The following documents are acceptable as proof of identity:

• U.S. driver’s license or state ID
• U.S. passport or passport card
• U.S. permanent resident card
• U.S. Department of Defense ID
• An acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation/Indian Tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards.
• A foreign government-issued passport

In all cases, an ID must be unexpired and must include a picture of the holder. The admissions office has the authority to determine the acceptability of a form of identification.

Prior to Zoom verification

• Call the Office of Graduate Studies at 313-583-6321 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please note that the university is closed on several major holidays and season days.
• Tell the representative you speak with that you are calling to request a Zoom identity verification.
• After speaking with a representative, you will be emailed a Zoom link at the email address listed on your application for admission.
• Log in to the Zoom room using the emailed link. 

Guidelines for Zoom verification

• Disable any virtual or blurred background
• Ensure that your entire face is visible
• Ensure proper lighting and a clean lens
• Hold up your ID so that both your ID and face are fully visible at the same time. When asked, show the back of your ID so that it is fully visible.
• Do not log out of the Zoom room until instructed.
• Please note that all Zoom meetings will be recorded.
• These instructions will be reiterated by the representative you meet with during the Zoom meeting.

Guidelines for in-person verification

• Email the Office of Graduate Studies to schedule an appointment in advance. Appointments are available Wednesdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please note that the university is closed on several major holidays and season days.
• Present an acceptable form of identification, as defined above.
• An admissions representative will take photographs of you with the front and back of your ID and your face fully visible. Photos will be used only for admissions-related identity verification, promptly transferred to a university-managed account, and deleted from the original device once the transfer is complete.

Identity Verification Review Process

After a student completes the identity verification process (either by Zoom or in person), the Office of Graduate Studies will determine whether identity has been successfully verified. The decision will be shared with the student via the email address listed on their application within three business days. If the student’s identity has been successfully verified, the Identity Verification hold will be removed from their student account. If the student’s identity is not successfully verified by the given deadline, the Office of Graduate Studies will revoke admission. If the student is enrolled, the Office of the Registrar will also be notified and the student will be disenrolled. The Office of Financial Aid will also be notified so that any aid offer can be withdrawn.