Quick answer
VA says CLEAR is an additional way to verify identity and sign in to VA.gov. The new in-person kiosks are located at VA medical centers in Atlanta; Brooklyn, New York; Orlando, Florida; Palo Alto, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C. Hampton VA Medical Center is not one of the pilot locations. The online option is available more broadly than the kiosks, and the agency has not announced when it might expand the pilot.
The story
VA says CLEAR is an additional way to verify identity and sign in to VA.gov. The new in-person kiosks are located at VA medical centers in Atlanta; Brooklyn, New York; Orlando, Florida; Palo Alto, California; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Washington, D.C. Hampton VA Medical Center is not one of the pilot locations. The online option is available more broadly than the kiosks, and the agency has not announced when it might expand the pilot. [1][2]
WHAT CHANGED
VA says the new sign-in choice can help veterans manage appointments, message health care providers, refill prescriptions, apply for disability compensation and track benefit claims online. At the six participating hospitals, VA staff can assist people who have difficulty creating an account from home. The pilot is not a new benefit, and access to VA services does not depend on choosing CLEAR. [1]
WHAT HAMPTON ROADS VETERANS CAN USE
The Hampton VA health care system includes a medical center in Hampton and clinics serving Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach. None appears on the six-site CLEAR kiosk list. Veterans in Coastal Virginia can still use VA.gov with Login.gov or ID.me, or choose CLEAR online. VA’s current sign-in guidance lists all three options. [1][2][5]
An older VA page describing the 2025 transition still says there are only two sign-in choices. That information predates the October 7 CLEAR launch. Readers comparing current options should consult VA’s updated sign-in page rather than assume the older transition page remains complete. [7][2]
IDENTITY VERIFICATION AND PRIVACY
The new online CLEAR process asks applicants to verify their identity using a phone and identification documents. VA’s instructions explain the required steps and consent notices. Veterans should review those requirements before choosing an account provider. They can compare the official guidance for CLEAR, Login.gov and ID.me. [3][4]
VA says CLEAR access is free and optional. Choosing a different sign-in method does not change eligibility for VA care or benefits. VA also provides assurances about the handling of veterans’ information. Those statements are the agency’s representations, not an independent technical assessment of the service. [1]
ALTERNATIVES TO THE SIX KIOSKS
VA’s guidance says Login.gov offers in-person identity verification at participating Postal Service locations. That is separate from CLEAR’s hospital kiosks. Veterans can continue using Login.gov or ID.me. VA also explains that deleting a sign-in account does not delete a veteran’s underlying VA records, although the deleted account will no longer work for sign-in. [4][6]
WHAT IS NOT YET KNOWN
VA has not announced a CLEAR kiosk at Hampton VA Medical Center, a date for local expansion or measured results from the new pilot. The agency says it may consider more sites after evaluating the program. A claim that the new kiosks have already shortened enrollment times for Hampton Roads veterans would go beyond the available evidence. [1]
THE BOTTOM LINE
The October 7 announcement describes two different developments: an online sign-in option available beyond the pilot cities, and in-person assistance restricted to six locations. Veterans in Coastal Virginia should not assume that their local VA hospital has a new kiosk. The updated VA.gov sign-in instructions are the best starting point for comparing available choices. [1][2]
Sources
- VA launches pilot program to speed Veterans’ access to services, care, benefits — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The October 7 announcement lists six pilot medical centers, an optional free account provider, agency privacy representations, and no Hampton Roads kiosk.
- Signing in to VA.gov — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The current VA sign-in guide recognizes CLEAR, Login.gov and ID.me.
- How to create a CLEAR account for VA — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Official identity-document, smartphone, Social Security number and biometric consent steps.
- Verifying your identity on VA.gov — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Identity requirements and Login.gov verification at participating USPS locations.
- About Hampton VA health care system — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Hampton medical center and clinics serving Chesapeake, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
- Can I delete my ID.me, Login.gov, or CLEAR account? — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Deleting a sign-in account does not delete underlying VA records.
- Prepare for sign-in changes — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Older 2025-transition guidance still describes two providers; it predates the October 7 CLEAR launch.