When it is time to begin building your Housing Portfolio, one of the first steps is gathering documents that verify your identity. Because of updates to Oregon law in 2025, it is important to understand this clearly: a landlord can ask you to verify your identity, but if they do, they cannot require proof of U.S. citizenship or specific documentation.
Documents that verify your identity simply confirm who you are. You can use one document or several as long as they show:
- your name,
- date of birth, and
- your appearance.
There are many types of documents that can be used to verify identity.
- A driver’s license or state ID works, whether it is current or expired
- Any government or non-government ID that reasonably verifies your identity
- A passport, including a passport issued by another country, can also verify your identity
- A permanent resident card
- Immigrant or non-immigrant visa documentation
- Individual taxpayer identification number card
- A Social Security card, or proof of a Social Security number
- A certified copy of a birth certificate
When Uploading Documents for Rent Well
When uploading documents, make sure the images are clear and complete. Do not crop out important information. Double-check that your name and date of birth are visible. Once your documents are ready, log into your eCourse, click “Your Housing Portfolio,” and follow the upload steps. Your Education Specialist will review everything and provide feedback.
If you are missing certain documents, leave a comment inside your Housing Portfolio explaining what you currently have and what you are working to obtain. Your Education Specialist can help you create a plan to replace or secure identification if needed.