Get Verified

Avoid Delays – Verify Your Identity!

Before Santa Monica College can process your application, you must verify your identity.

• Identity verification is required for all adult applicants before your application can be reviewed.

• If you skip verification, your application will be delayed until your identity is verified.

• New to California Community Colleges?

  • Create your account through CCCApply.

  • During account setup, you will be asked to verify your identity using ID.me or the California DMV Wallet.

  • You can choose "Verify Later," but your application will not be processed until you complete verification.

• If you verify your identity later through your CCCApply account:

  • Your application will automatically be sent to Santa Monica College.

  • You should receive an email update on your admission status within about 30 minutes after Admissions & Records processes it.

• Can't verify online?

  • Visit the Admissions & Records Office in person with a valid photo ID.

  • Staff can verify your identity so your application can be processed.

• If you need help, contact Admissions & Records for assistance.

CCCApply ID Verification 

Verify on CCCApply

• Go to your CCCApply account.
• Sign-in with your OpenCCC account.
• In the upper right corner, click the "Settings" tab, and then select "OpenCCC Account" 
• Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on “Verify with ID.me Now” or "Verify with CA DMV Wallet" and follow the instructions 
• Once you verify your account, your updated status will be release any pending applications for processing, and satisfy any verification requirements related to Financial Aid. 
• This option is only available to students who applied to SMC since February 2024. If you applied earlier, you must get verified in person at the Admissions and Records Office. 

Verify Your Identity with the California DMV Wallet

Use this option if you have a valid, unexpired California Driver's License or California ID card.

• This option is only available for California-issued IDs or driver's licenses.

• If you do not have a California ID or license, use the ID.me verification option instead.

• Download the California DMV Wallet app:

  • Apple App Store

  • Google Play Store

• Open the app and create your account.

• Follow the instructions to:

  • Scan the front and back of your California ID or driver's license.

  • Complete a quick face scan ("selfie") to verify your identity.

• Once your mobile ID is set up:

  • Sign in to your OpenCCC account, Click** Settings,** then** OpenCCC Account**

  • Select the California DMV Wallet verification option 

  • Open the DMV Wallet app and use the "Scan Website QR Code" feature to scan the QR code displayed on the verification page.

• After you scan the QR code, your identity verification is complete.

Verify Your Identity with ID.me

Use this option if you do not have a valid California Driver's License or California ID card, or if you prefer to verify through ID.me.

• Have your identification documents ready before you begin

  • Review the list of accepted primary and secondary identification documents.

• Sign in to your CCCApply account, click Settings, open the OpenCCC Account page, and select the ID.Me verification option at the bottom of the page 

• If you already have an ID.me account that has been verified, simply sign in using your existing account.

• If you are new to ID.me:

  • Create an ID.me account.

  • Follow the prompts to upload your identification documents.

  • Complete a quick face scan ("selfie") to verify your identity.

• Once your identity has been verified, you will automatically be returned to CCCApply to finish your application.

• If you have trouble completing the verification process, visit the ID.me Help Center for step-by-step instructions and support.

Helpful Resources

• Accepted Identification Documents: https://help.id.me/hc/en-us/articles/360017833054-Primary-and-secondary-identification-documents

• ID.me Help Center: https://help.id.me/hc/en-us

What Happen Next

• Applications that are being held pending verification will be delivered to Admissions & Records for review and processing, you should receive an email with your next steps within 30 minutes of completing the verification process. 
• If you need to verify your account for Financial Aid purposes, your Financial Aid Portal should update overnight to reflect the new status. 
• Students only need to verify once while a continuously enrolled student, get it done when you apply and never worry about it again! 

SMC-Specific Questions

Join the SMC Admissions or Financial Aid QLess queue during office hours.