Transition happening on May 1, 2025

VIRGINIA - As part of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) efforts to ensure the security of customer information and IT systems, it is moving to more secure multifactor authentication methods to access systems that require logging into a USPTO.gov account. These mechanisms give USPTO’s customers a more secure way to verify their identity when accessing USPTO system accounts and provide increased protection against phishing attacks that can trick people into providing sensitive information, downloading malware, or being exposed to other forms of cybercrime, according to the official website of USPTO. 

USPTO is phasing out authentication methods that rely on Short Messaging Service (SMS) text messages and telephony (voice calls) as second factors by May 1, 2025.  

If you’re using SMS text messages or voice calls as a second factor, you must set up an alternate mechanism before May 1, 2025, to avoid impacts to your service. There are several multifactor authentication methods available, and you can find information and guidance to choose or update your method on the USPTO website. You must download, install, and configure your chosen method on your device.  

Please note: If you use email as a second factor to authenticate your account, that option remains available.  
For assistance or questions, please call the USPTO Contact Center at 800-786-9199 (toll free) or 571-272-1000 (local).