Establishing the identity of online users is a thorny issue for the electronic delivery of government services. A thorough identity proofing ensures the right person receives services, but can be burdensome to both the citizen and the state, while more user-friendly techniques to encourage cost-efficient online access can open programs up to fraud. To help solve this problem, the National Institute of Standards and Technology has awarded $2.4 million to Michigan and Pennsylvania to test innovative tools and techniques for identity proofing and to enable use of secure credentials across departmental boundaries. Michigan received $1.3 million to pilot an automated system for validating identity to replace in-person identity proofing for those applying for benefits through the state’s MI Bridges portal.