Overview:
This is an example of the email template sent by a previous partner agency announcing the switch to Login.gov from a previous sign in experience. Please keep in mind that if this email is sent out too early, there may be cases received at the Login.gov Contact Center asking about how to link accounts before the launch integration is complete. If you send an email like this, please send a copy to the Login.gov Contact Center so our agents are aware.
Email title:
<*Partner Agency Name*> is adding additional security to your <*name of application/portal*> account with Login.gov
Email body:
Beginning on and after <*insert date here*>, you will notice a new process for signing into <*name of application/portal*> to better protect your personal information. To log in, you will be prompted to create a new username and password with Login.gov. After that, whenever you log in to the <*name of application/portal*> site, you will use the Login.gov username and password, and an authentication method you’ve chosen during account creation.
This document describes what you will need to do and explains what these changes will mean for you.
What do I need to do on or after <*insert date here*>?
Create a Login.gov account if you don't already have one.
Creating a Login.gov account is a one-time task. After you create your Login.gov account and link it with <*name of application/portal*>, you will be able to sign into <*name of application/portal*> using your Login.gov account. To create a Login.gov account, you'll need to:
- Go to <*name of application/portal*> and click on the button that says "Sign in with LOGIN.GOV."
- Create a Login.gov account if you don’t already have one. If you already have a Login.gov account, you don't need to create a second one. Sign into your existing account and then skip to Link your <*name of application/portal*> Account with Login.gov Account below.
- Enter an email address. Your new username for signing into <*name of application/portal*> will be your email address.
- Confirm your email.
- Create a strong password.
- Select your method of two-factor authentication, which keeps your account more secure than using only a password. You can choose between text messages, phone calls, or one of the other options accepted by Login.gov.
- Select Agree and Continue to <*name of application/portal*> to link your account. You've created an account with Login.gov and can proceed to linking your <*name of application/portal*> account steps below.
Link your <*name of application/portal*> with Login.gov Account
To link your Login.gov account, you will:
- Enter your <**whatever you are requiring the user to do to link up their account**>.
- If you are an existing <*name of application/portal*> user, you will use your existing <*name of application/portal*> password.
- If you are a new <*name of application/portal*> user, you will use the <*whatever method*>.
- Click "Finish and sign in".
You should now be on the <*name of application/portal*> that you are familiar with. Double check your <*name of application/portal*> profile to make sure all your information is accurate.
Now that you have linked your <*name of application/portal*> and Login.gov accounts, you will need to use your Login.gov email address, password, and two-factor authentication every time you want to sign into <*name of application/portal*>.
If you have any questions, please see the FAQ below or email <*partner email address*>.
Sincerely
<*partner name*>
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is <*name of application/portal*> using Login.gov?
<*Partner Agency Name*> is making these changes to deploy enhanced security protections to protect your <*name of application/portal*> account. Login.gov is an extra layer of security created by the government that uses multi-factor authentication and stronger passwords to protect your account. Other government agencies already use Login.gov to provide secure access to their government services.
What is multi-factor authentication?
Multi-factor authentication (sometimes referred to as "two-factor authentication") adds an additional layer of security to your account by requiring another piece of information along with your username and password to log in.
Authentication factors come in different forms, and you will be able to choose the form of authentication that works best for you. Examples of options you may be familiar with include receiving a short code via a text message or a phone call. If you would prefer to use other forms of authentication, Login.gov provides various options.
The benefit of adding an additional layer of security is that, if your username and password were compromised by someone attempting to steal your identity, they would not be able to access your <*name of application/portal*> account without the second factor used to authenticate who you are.
What will happen to my <*name of application/portal*> account?
Nothing will happen to the information stored in your <*name of application/portal*> account. You'll still be able to accomplish everything you can do today. Once you set up a Login.gov account, you will continue to visit <*name of application/portal URL*>to access your account, but you will be prompted use your Login.gov email address, password, and your multifactor authentication token to sign in. The only change is that you will no longer use your old <*name of application/portal* credentials>to sign in.
What email address do I use to create a Login.gov account?
We recommend you use a personal email address that you control. We recommend you do not use an address that you may lose access to, such as a work email address or one tied to an organization with which you volunteer or an email address for a friend or family member whose account you may not be able to access without them, because if your circumstances change and you lose access to the email account you use for Login.gov, it could make it difficult to access <*name of application/portal*>.
Can I share a Login.gov account with another person?
No. Each person needs their own Login.gov account. If you've shared your <*name of application/portal*> account in the past, you can no longer do this with Login.gov.
<*Partner Agency Name*> recognizes that this is an inconvenience, but this is a security feature of Login.gov.
What happens if I have an issue with my Login.gov account?
Visit Login.gov at https://login.gov/contact. The Login.gov team can only help with questions about managing your Login.gov account.
Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your <*name of application/portal*> account, or questions about other technical problems on our site.