GovCIO Partners with CLEAR to Pilot a New Way for Veterans to Securely Access VA.gov

As VA.gov's modernization prime, GovCIO teamed with CLEAR to give Veterans more choice in how they sign in.

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday introduced a new pilot identity verification option to make it easier for Veterans to access their account on VA.gov. This pilot is one of the first steps of a larger VA modernization effort that GovCIO is leading to improve the online Veteran experience.

GovCIO, a leading provider of advanced technology solutions and services for the federal government, partnered with CLEAR, the secure identity company, to integrate CLEAR1, CLEAR's security identity platform, into VA.gov. CLEAR is now available as a new identity verification option for Veterans, family members, service members, and other users signing in to VA.gov.

Verifying with CLEAR on VA.gov is entirely optional and is no cost to Veterans. Veterans are not required to switch, and the current sign-in options on VA.gov remain available. CLEAR simply gives Veterans another choice for verifying their identity to get the benefits they've earned. Veterans who prefer in-person support, do not have a smartphone, or face connectivity challenges can enroll with CLEAR Ambassadors using CLEAR Pods at six participating pilot VA medical centers.

As the prime contractor, GovCIO led the technical integration of CLEAR into VA.gov's sign-in experience, working closely with CLEAR and VA teams to make sure the new option fits seamlessly alongside existing sign-in methods and meets the same security standards Veterans rely on.

"Partnering with CLEAR lets us add a fast, secure sign-in option that fits right alongside the tools Veterans already use. Every improvement like this makes it a little easier for Veterans to get to the benefits they've earned," said Kristin Gill, Sector President, Veteran and Enterprise Technology Services, GovCIO.

A simple, secure way to sign in — for those who choose it

Veterans who choose CLEAR complete a quick, one-time setup to verify their identity and access their VA.gov account in seconds. Veterans can get started in the way that works best for them: online, or in-person at six participating VA facilities, where a team member is on hand to help with verification.

Verifying with CLEAR is free and optional. Veterans may continue using another sign-in method if they prefer, and choosing not to enroll will not affect their ability to access VA benefits or services. Veterans' personal health information will remain with VA; CLEAR does not receive or access it through the identity verification process.

"Secure identity is the front door to care, and CLEAR is committed to make sure that works for every Veteran" said Brett Romanoff, EVP, CLEAR1. "We're honored to meet Veterans where they are, ensuring they have an easy and simple way to access the benefits they have earned and deserve."

Key benefits for Veterans

• Simple to set up, simple to use. Veterans who choose CLEAR can verify their identity online or in person — including in-person help at 6 participating pilot VA facilities: Washington, DC; Palo Alto, CA; Atlanta, GA; Orlando, FL; Brooklyn, NY; and San Juan, PR.
  
  
• One identity across a Veteran's care. The same CLEAR identity a Veteran sets up for VA.gov also works to sign in to Medicare.gov as well as top health systems, organizations and services— one less account for Veterans to manage across their health care.
  
  
• No cost to Veterans. The CLEAR account Veterans set up for VA.gov is free. Using CLEAR lanes at airport security requires a separate, paid CLEAR+ membership. CLEAR offers a discounted CLEAR+ membership for military members and government employees.
  
  
• It's optional. Veterans decide whether to use CLEAR. Other login options continue to work exactly as they always have, with no action required from Veterans who prefer to stick with them. Choosing not to enroll will not affect Veterans' ability to access VA benefits or services.
  
  
• Built to protect. All of VA.gov's sign-in options are designed to safeguard a Veteran's personal information while keeping them in control of their identity. CLEAR meets the same security standards as the other sign-in options available on VA.gov. CLEAR1 is Full Service certified by Kantara Initiative for NIST IAL2/AAL2 for its standard remote, self-service enrollment flow.

Getting started

The CLEAR pilot is available now as an optional identity verification choice on VA.gov. Veterans who prefer their current sign-in method don't need to do anything. Veterans who want to learn more or get started with CLEAR can visit VA.gov.

About GovCIO

GovCIO is a rapidly growing provider of advanced technology solutions and digital services for the federal government. Combining our extensive federal experience with the latest innovations in IT, our experts develop comprehensive solutions to meet the most pressing demands of today's government agencies. GovCIO is backed by Welsh, Carson, Anderson, and Stowe (WCAS), a leading U.S. private equity firm focused on two target industries: technology and healthcare. GovCIO is transforming government IT, empowering our federal customers to meet the challenges of today while building the government of tomorrow.

About CLEAR

The mission of CLEAR, the secure identity company, is to strengthen security and create frictionless experiences. With over 43 million Members and a growing network of partners across the world, CLEAR's secure identity platform is transforming the way people live, work, and travel. Whether you are traveling, at the stadium, or on your phone, CLEAR connects you to the things that make you, you—making everyday experiences easier, more secure, and friction-free. CLEAR is committed to privacy done right. Members are always in control of their own information, and we do not sell biometric or sensitive personal data. For more information, visit clearme.com.

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SOURCE GovCIO