This page provides answers to commonly asked questions about logging in and registering for online account access.
Logging In
Q:
I’m having trouble logging in with my User ID and password. Why?
A:
When you log in, you must enter your User ID and password exactly as we have them on record for you. The User ID is not case-sensitive, but the password is. If you’re having trouble, make sure you’re typing the User ID and password correctly.
Q:
I tried logging in a number of times and now I’m locked out. What can I do?
A:
When you log in, you have three chances to enter the correct User ID and password. If you’re unsuccessful, you’re locked out of the application for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you can try again. If you’re still having trouble, call us at 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657.
Q:
I forgot my User ID. What should I do?
A:
If you forgot your User ID, select “Forgot User ID?” on the log in page and fill in the requested information. Or call us at 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657.
Q:
I forgot my password. What should I do?
A:
Select “Forgot Password?” on the log in page and fill in the requested information. Or call us at 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657.
Q:
I don’t have access to my MFA phone, authenticator app or email. What should I do?
A:
If you are unable to login because you don’t have access to your MFA phone, authenticator app or email, then please call us at 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657.
Registration – Getting started
Q:
When can I register for my account?
A:
You can register for your account after your employer has reported your information to us. This usually occurs around the time you receive your first paycheck. In Registration Step One, you will be prompted to read and accept our access agreement.
Q:
Why does DRS need my current mailing address?
A:
We will send a welcome letter to the mailing address we have on file. You will not be able to enter the security code for full account access until you receive the letter. Make sure your address is current with DRS before you register.
Q:
What else do I need to know to register?
A:
For your security, DRS uses multi-factor authentication to help protect your retirement account information. You will need access to a text capable mobile phone, voice phone and/or authentication application to register and access your account.
Registration Step Two – Verify your identity
Q:
What name should I use when I register?
A:
The first and last name you enter must match the name we have in our records. If you recently changed your name, you may want to try both your new name and your old name. If you‘re retired, this is your name as printed on your retirement check or your benefit statement.
Q:
Why do I need to provide the last four digits of my Social Security number?
A:
Your Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identifier that we use to locate your individual account record. To help maintain the privacy of this number, we only ask for the last four digits when you register.
Q:
What if I recently moved and have a new address?
A:
The only part of your address we need is your US ZIP Code or your foreign postal code if you live outside the United States. If you recently moved, you may want to try your new ZIP/postal code and your old ZIP/postal code. If you live in a foreign country that doesn’t have a postal code, you don’t need to enter anything in that field. However, it must match the address information held by us.
Q:
I entered all the required data, but I received an error. What should I do?
A:
One or more of the required fields didn’t match our records. Check the information you entered to make sure you typed everything correctly. You have up to five tries to match the information. You might also check with your employer to see if they provided DRS with your correct information. If you’re still having problems, please contact us at 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657 to ask for help or see Other Questions below to determine if you meet a scenario where you are unable to register.
Registration Step Three – Create your login profile
Q:
What can I use for my User ID?
A:
The User ID can be any combination of letters or numbers. It must be at least six characters and not more than 20 characters in length. It cannot contain spaces or special characters and it’s not case sensitive. If you choose a User ID that someone else is already using, you’ll be alerted and will need to choose another one.
Q:
Why do you need my email address?
A:
We use your email address to send notifications of changes made to your account.
Registration Step Four – Set up account security
Q:
What if I decide not to complete the registration?
A:
You can exit the registration process at any time by selecting the Cancel button. The information you entered will be deleted.
Registration Step Five – Review your profile information
Q:
Why do I need to verify my account with an email, MFA phone or authenticator code?
A:
For your security, DRS uses multi-factor authentication to help protect your retirement account information.
Q:
Do I need to enter a code for email, mobile or voice phone and authenticator application?
A:
Yes, you will need to enter a code for each authenticator you set up.
Q:
What final step is required to register my account?
A:
We’ll mail a welcome letter to the address we have on file. This letter includes a security code, which you’ll need before you can fully access your account. Delivery typically takes three to seven days, depending on postal service in your area. The first time you log in, you’ll be asked to enter the code. Once it’s confirmed, you won’t need to enter it again. For your security, this code is sent by mail only. Contact DRS if you don’t receive it within 14 days of registering.
Other Questions
Q:
Can I change my login information once I’ve registered?
A:
You can change information like your User ID, email address or password by using the links on the My Account page. You can still use the same User ID you originally established if your name or address changes (please remember to notify us of these changes).
Q:
I registered for access but now I don't want it anymore. Can I shut it off?
A:
You can shut off your access by calling 360-664-7000 (Olympia area) or 800-547-6657. If you change your mind later, you’ll need to call us to reactivate access to your account.
Q:
Does my password expire?
A:
Yes. Your password is valid for 13 months. When it expires, and you try to log in, you will be required to change it.
Q:
As a beneficiary can I register for account access?
A:
If you're currently receiving a survivor benefit, you can register for online account access. If you're a beneficiary not receiving a survivor benefit, you cannot register for online account access.
Q:
As a legal order payee, can I register for account access?
A:
No. You can only register for online account access if you are a Legal Order Split Payee.
Q:
How can I access my Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) or Plan 3 investment account if I cannot register for online account access?
By declining the access agreement, you will not be able to register for Online Account Access.
Cancel Registration
Please confirm that you want to cancel the registration process.
Session Timeout Warning
Your session will expire soon. Click 'Continue' to continue with what you are working on.
If you are registering for Online Account Access and your session times out, you will need to start the registration process over.