How to Create a Login.gov Account For SAM

Creating a Login.gov account for SAM requires a personal email address, not a .gov domain. Users must verify their email immediately after submission, create a password of at least 12 characters with mixed character types, and set up at least one authentication method such as an authenticator app or SMS. The same email address must be used for both Login.gov and SAM.gov accounts to guarantee proper synchronization. The following steps detail the complete process with troubleshooting options.

Login.gov Account Creation and Email Verification

Establishing a Login.gov account begins with providing an appropriate email address that meets specific requirements. Personal email addresses are strongly recommended over work emails to guarantee continuous access to the account. Users should avoid .gov or institutional addresses, as federally affiliated systems may block these domains.

The email verification process starts immediately after submission. The system sends a confirmation message containing a “Confirm your email address” button that must be clicked to proceed. This verification step is mandatory and time-sensitive. Government contractors rely on this secure verification process to access essential SAM.gov services.

After clicking the confirmation link, users are redirected to the password creation page. The interface automatically focuses on the password field to streamline the process. Users will need to create a password that is at least 12 characters long with a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.

Throughout the account creation workflow, users must:

1. Submit a valid email address
2. Accept the Rules of Use via checkbox
3. Verify email by clicking the confirmation link
4. Create a secure password meeting all requirements

Setting Up Authentication Methods for Your Account

After creating a Login.gov account, users must configure at least one authentication method to guarantee account security.

Authentication method selection is critical, with several options available: face or touch access, authenticator apps, security keys, PIV/CAC cards, or SMS/phone call codes.

Experts recommend setting up multiple authentication methods to prevent account lockouts. For example, users can configure both an authenticator app and SMS verification as backup options.

Each method has specific setup requirements:

• Face or touch access works only on the device where it was configured
• Authenticator apps generate time-sensitive codes for each login
• Security keys provide advanced protection against phishing attempts
• PIV/CAC cards serve government employees specifically

When troubleshooting authentication issues, users should first attempt login using the same device and browser where the method was originally set up.

If access problems persist, having alternative authentication methods prevents the need for account recreation—a common consequence of lost credentials.

Proper authentication setup is essential for accessing SAM.gov registration services and maintaining eligibility for government contracts and grants.

Connecting Your Login.Gov Account With SAM.Gov

The connection between Login.gov and SAM.gov accounts forms an essential link for users who need to access federal contracting and grant opportunities. Proper account synchronization guarantees seamless user access to SAM.gov features, including entity registration and profile management. Federal assistance programs depend on accurate SAM registration to process applications efficiently.

Account synchronization between Login.gov and SAM.gov ensures uninterrupted access to federal contracting resources and entity management tools.

To connect the accounts, users should:

1. Use the same email address for both Login.gov and SAM.gov accounts
2. Access SAM.gov and select the sign-in option
3. Follow the redirect to Login.gov
4. Enter Login.gov credentials (email and password)
5. Complete the authentication method configured in Login.gov
6. Verify successful redirection back to SAM.gov

This connection maintains access to important SAM records, saved searches, and profile information. Using different email addresses between the systems will not affect SAM profiles but will prevent access to previously saved information. Remember that Login.gov is designed for secure sign-in only and does not impact your SAM account status or eligibility. Once connected, you will need to renew registration annually to maintain active status in the system.

For any issues during this connection process, the Federal Service Desk provides dedicated support for SAM-related questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Shared Email Address for Login.Gov and SAM.Gov?

Shared email addresses can be used for both Login.gov and SAM.gov, but users must guarantee proper account security.

Organizations using shared emails should establish clear access controls and verification procedures.

Login.gov allows multiple email addresses through the “connected accounts” feature, but SAM.gov requires matching emails between systems to maintain access to existing profiles.

Using different emails for each system will create separate SAM.gov profiles, potentially resulting in loss of records and disruption of service notifications.

How Long Does Login.Gov Account Creation Typically Take?

The account creation duration for Login.gov typically takes 10-15 minutes when all required information is readily available.

The verification process timeline includes several steps: email verification (1-3 minutes), password setup (2 minutes), and authentication method configuration (3-5 minutes).

Users who prepare their information beforehand experience shorter completion times.

System delays or authentication issues may occasionally extend this timeframe, but most users complete the entire process within a quarter-hour.

Can I Access SAM.Gov Without Completing All Login.Gov Verification Steps?

SAM.gov offers limited access without completing all login.gov account verification steps. Users can browse public information and contract opportunities with basic email verification.

However, full functionality, including bidding on contracts or managing entity registrations, requires complete identity verification. The tiered authentication system allows agencies to set verification requirements based on service risk level.

Users should note that certain government services mandate full verification regardless of initial access capabilities.

What Happens if My Authentication Device Is Lost or Stolen?

If a user’s authentication device is lost or stolen, they should immediately implement account recovery procedures.

The user can reset their password via email and use their backup codes for access.

Security measures include:

1. Using backup codes (each usable once)
2. Implementing alternative authentication methods previously set up
3. Regenerating new backup codes immediately

Without backup codes or alternative authentication methods, the account may require deletion and recreation, as Login.gov prioritizes security over convenience.

Can International Users Create Login.Gov Accounts for SAM.Gov Access?

International users face significant account limitations when creating Login.gov accounts for SAM.gov access.

While Login.gov doesn’t explicitly prohibit international users, the identity verification process requires U.S.-issued state IDs or driver’s licenses. Foreign identification documents are not accepted.

Additionally, in-person verification options are only available within the United States.

International users can technically create basic accounts but will encounter barriers when attempting the full verification required for SAM.gov functionality.