Login.gov Sign-In FAQs and Troubleshooting

What is Login.gov?

Login.gov is a service that offers secure and private online access to government programs, such as federal benefits, services and applications. With a Login.gov account, you can sign into multiple government websites with the same email address and password. 

Why is USA Performance using Login.gov?

Login.gov uses two-factor authentication and stronger passwords that meet new National Institute of Standards and Technology requirements for secure validation and verification. By using Login.gov, you will have an extra layer of security to help protect your USA Performance account against password compromises.

Do I need an account?

Login.gov is one of the two authentication methods you can use to access USA Performance. You will only be required to sign in with Login.gov if you are unable to use the smart card sign in option.

To create an account, please follow the steps below.

1. Navigate to Login.gov.
2. Enter an email address.
3. Create a new password.
4. Select your first method of authentication. Having another way to sign in keeps your account more secure than using only a password. You can choose between text messages, phone calls, an authentication application, a security key, backup codes or smart card.
5. Select a backup method of authentication. You need to select a backup method in case you don’t have access to your first choice (for example you don’t have access to your phone).
6. Once you create a Login.gov account, you’ll come back to USA Performance to link to your existing profile. You only need to create your account and link it once. Get step by step instructions on creating an account at Login.gov

If you already have a Login.gov account, you don’t need to create a second one. Use your Login.gov email address, password, plus one of the two-factor authentication methods you set up.

You may use any email address to create a Login.gov account. Login.gov suggests using a personal email address.

You cannot sign into Login.gov using your prior USA Performance username and password. If you haven’t already done so, you must create a new account with Login.gov.

You only need to create a Login.gov account once. Login.gov will direct you through each step to create your account.

To change the phone number where you get your security code, you need to update it in your Login.gov account. Reference Change the phone number associated with your account at Login.gov.

No. The phone number you have in your USA Performance account is separate from the phone number you have in your Login.gov account. Please contact your agency administrator to change your phone number if needed.

No. You only need to create a Login.gov account and link it to your USA Performance profile once. Once that’s done, you use the same Login.gov email address and password, plus one of the two-factor authentication methods you set up, every time you sign into USA Performance.

When you create a Login.gov account, you’ll be asked to enter a phone number where you can receive a security code. For international phone numbers, Login.gov can only send the security code by SMS (text message). If you want to use an international number it needs to be a mobile number. Reference International phone number support at Login.gov.

If you have issues using an international phone number, because of limited access or cell service, you can use an authentication application.

You can make changes to your account at Login.gov. Reference instructions to Manage your Account at Login.gov.

To change your email address, reference Change the email address associated with your account at Login.gov.