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Persona Identity Verification

Securely verify your identity when you need help resetting your university password

Persona is an online identity verification service that may be used when you contact the UIT Service Desk for help resetting your university password. It provides a guided and secure way to confirm that you are the account owner, reducing reliance on security questions that may be outdated, forgotten, or unavailable. Persona will begin as a limited pilot in December 2026 for Business Affairs staff who call the Service Desk to reset their passwords. Other callers may be invited to participate in this pilot, depending upon their circumstances. 

Features

  • Provides a guided, step-by-step identity verification process.
  • Reliably analyzes selfies and government ID documents to confirm user identities and prevent impersonation attempts.
  • Gives the Service Desk a more secure and consistent way to assist with password-reset requests.
  • Can be completed from a computer or compatible mobile device.
     

Designed for

  • Intended for adults with foreign or domestic government-issued identification.
  • This service will begin as a pilot for Business Affairs staff who call the UIT Service Desk to request a password reset, a multifactor authentication bypass code and other sensitive actions. Other callers may be invited to participate as well.
     

Requirements

Depending on the verification steps required, you may need:

  • Access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection.
  • A device with a working camera.
  • An accepted government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or passport.
    • In circumstances where Persona cannot work properly, you may be asked to present your Stanford ID or government-issued photo ID in a Zoom video conference with the Service Desk.

Persona will provide instructions and let you know what information is required. If you do not have the necessary identification or cannot use a compatible device, contact the the Service Desk at 650-725-4357 (5-HELP) for assistance.

Data security

  • Stanford University uses Persona only for approved identity verification purposes.
  • Persona collects information needed for verification and limited device/security data to detect fraud.
  • Only authorized personnel with a legitimate business need can access verification information.
  • Persona does not sell submitted identity verification information.
  • Persona follows Stanford’s Minimum Privacy Standards and retains personal data only when necessary. 
    • Successful verification data is deleted immediately. 
    • If identity verification fails, UIT may temporarily retain session metadata (network, location, document, and device data) to improve the service. Photos are not retained. Metadata is automatically deleted after seven days.

Rates

Free of charge.

Get help

For questions, contact the Service Desk at 650-725-4357 (5-HELP) for assistance.

Learn more

Persona documentation

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