Level II Access Guidance

Following please find the latest guidance on users obtaining Level II access for eAuth Accounts for Non-Government (Partner) and Contractors working with NRCS (Affiliates).

1. Login to the USDA eAuthentication web site at www.eAuth.egov.usda.gov.

2. Complete and submit on-line profile for Level 2 Access, (create user ID & password).

3. A confirmation email will be sent back to the email address that was provided in the account.  (IMPORTANT: you must click on the activation link provided in the email within 7 days).
   
    After receipt of confirmation email and activating the link in the email:

4. The new user must visit a NRCS Local Registration Authority (LRA) at the nearest NRCS Service Center Office in person for Identity Proofing and activation of their Level 2 Account.  NRCS Service Center Offices can be found at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app.
   
   (IMPORTANT: First and Last Name in the account profile must be entered exactly as they appear on the photo ID that will be shown to the LRA.  Note: A USDA identification badge is not an acceptable form of ID).

5. The new user must visit the NRCS LRA in person.  The NRCS LRA will compare the first/last name and birth date to prove the identity of the new user using the Photo ID.  (Photo ID: state driver's license, state photo ID, US Passport, or Military ID).

6. New user's identity is provided and the LRA activates the account to Level 2.

7. The LRA then adds the NRCS_ALM_AFFILIATE Role to the new user's eAuth Account.

8. All new users will need their eAuth account bound to NRCS Affiliate database using the ID Link Manager for Affiliates at https://affiliatelinkmgr.sc.ego.usda.gov/SearchAD.aspx, (Note: Any NRCS employee can perform this task).

9. Once the new user's account is bound in the ID Link Manager for Affiliates they will receive an email confirmation from the Affiliates database.

 (Note: Additional eAuth Access Roles may be required to authorize the new user's access to certain applications.  These Access Roles will be applied and determined by the individual application sponsor/owner).

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

 What is Level 2 Access?

 An account with Level 2 Access provides access to all the portals and applications that are covered by an account with Level 2 Access, and also provides the ability to conduct official electronic business transactions with the USDA via the Internet. You must have a valid email address to register for an account with Level 2 Access. You create a customer profile, User ID, password that you will remember and respond to a confirmation email within seven (7) days. In addition, you must visit the nearest USDA Service Center in person and prove your identity with a current State Driver's License, State Photo ID, US Passport or US Military ID.

 *Once you create a User ID, it cannot be changed.

 *Your first and last names must be entered exactly as they appear on the government-issued photo ID you will be taking to the Service Center to prove your identity.

 *Create a password that you will remember. 

 *You must respond to the confirmation email before going to the Service Center, or the Service Center employee will not be able to activate your account.

 *Approximately one hour after your Level 2 Access has been activated by the USDA Service Center employee, you will have access to USDA applications and services that require an account with Level 2 Access. You will have the ability to conduct official electronic business transactions with the USDA via the internet.

 (**Special Note:  Federal employee eAuth access is through the new eAuthentication Fast-Track Employee Registration Process.  When a new federal employee signs up for an eAuth ID -- it is automatically a Level 2.)

Contact

Malcolm Reeves
State Administrative Officer
Phone: 443.482.2926
Email: malcolm.reeves@md.usda.gov