How will students enrolling in OHIO Online or degree-seeking at a regional campus complete the identity verification process?
Students will complete the ID verification process asynchronously through a platform called Stripe. This quick and user-friendly process can be accessed through your MyOHIO Student Center.
Is verifying my identity required?
Yes, please refer to Ohio University’s Verification of Student Identity policy for more information. Students who do not verify their identification will not be allowed to enroll in courses or receive financial aid until the verification is complete.
How often will I need to verify my identity?
Students are required to verify their identity at the beginning of their academic career at Ohio University or when Ohio University believes the student account has been compromised for any reason. Student identities are also verified in an ongoing way through methods such as proctored exams and other pedagogical and related processes.
Does Ohio University retain my biometric information as part of the ID verification process?
Yes, please refer to our privacy policy for information on how Ohio University collects, retains and safeguards biometric information.
What happens if I choose not to participate in the OHIO Student Identity Verification process?
Failure to complete the OHIO Student Identity Verification process will prevent access to Ohio University systems. If you previously had access to Ohio University systems, you will no longer be able to enroll in courses and financial aid will not be disbursed to your student account until the process is complete.
What if I encounter technical problems during the OHIO Student Identity Verification process?
Stripe has developed a Frequently Asked Questions page on their website for individuals navigating the process.
Do I need to be located in the United States while completing the OHIO Student Identity Verification process?
You can be located outside of the United States while using the Stripe platform to complete the student identity process.
I am not a U.S. Citizen; can I utilize Stripe to complete the OHIO Student Identity Verification process?
Yes. Stripe can complete the identity verification process for non-U.S. citizens.
What documents do I need to verify my identity?
You will need a government ID. Learn which forms of identification Stripe can validate.
How do I ensure that I can successfully complete the identity verification process?
To complete the OHIO Student Identity Verification process successfully, follow these guidelines:
- Use a valid government-issued photo ID
- ID must not be expired, redacted, altered or damaged.
- All edges of the ID must be visible.
- ID type must be supported by Stripe.
- Ensure image meets requirements
- Upload color images in .png or .jpg format.
- Use a mobile device camera for higher-quality photos.
- Ensure the image is clear, well-lit and free of glare or shadows.
- Do not block any part of your ID or your face. Remove sunglasses, masks or accessories.
- Note lighting and positioning tips
- Find a location with ambient lighting (avoid harsh overhead lights or bright backlighting).
- Lay your ID on a flat surface and hold your camera steady to avoid blurry photos.
A high-quality image dramatically increases your chance of successful verification.
Why am I seeing a message that says "An error has occurred" when I start the verification process?
This error can be caused by browser cookies or extensions interfering with the process. To troubleshoot, try using an incognito/private browsing window, which disables most extensions and ignores stored cookies.
Follow the appropriate instructions to enable private browsing:
- Apple Safari: Select the menu bar, then File > New Private Window.
- Google Chrome: Select the tools menu (three vertical dots) in the upper-right corner, then choose New Incognito Window.
- Mozilla Firefox: Select the menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper-right corner, then choose New Private Window.
- Microsoft Edge: Select the settings menu (three dots) in the upper-right corner, then choose New InPrivate Window.
I was unable to successfully complete the online OHIO Student Identity Verification process, what now?
Per Ohio University's Verification of Student Identity policy, students must verify their identity prior to initial enrollment. If you were unable to resolve a technical issue through Stripe's support or believe you have a unique circumstance, please contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ohio.edu or the Graduate College at graduate@ohio.edu.
I have already completed an identity verification process for my federal financial aid. Do I still need to complete the OHIO Student Identity Verification?
Yes. The OHIO Student Identity Verification process is still required. This process is separate from the federal Identity Verification required for some students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
I believe someone used my identity to apply to Ohio University. What should I do?
If you suspect your personal information was used fraudulently to apply to Ohio University, act immediately to protect your identity. Contact Undergraduate Admissions at admissions@ohio.edu or the Graduate College at graduate@ohio.edu to report the concern and initiate an investigation. You should also consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze through the major credit bureaus and review resources from the Identity Theft Resource Center for additional guidance.
Does completing the OHIO Student Identity Verification process through Stripe affect my credit score?
No, Stripe's identity verification process does not affect your credit score. Stripe verifies your identity but does not a complete a credit check.
Does the OHIO Student Identity Verification process involve a background check?
No, Stripe's identity verification process does not involve a traditional background check.