GOV.UK One Login
Everything individuals, businesses, and service teams need to know about the UK government’s new sign‑in and digital identity platform—GOV.UK One Login. Clear steps, comparisons, troubleshooting, privacy and security, rollout timeline, and future roadmap.
GOV.UK One Login: The Definitive 2025 Guide
The way people access government services in the UK is undergoing a transformation. For years, citizens and businesses have relied on fragmented systems such as the Government Gateway or GOV.UK Verify, each with its own login process and requirements. This often caused frustration, duplication of effort, and in some cases, exclusion for those unable to navigate digital hurdles.
Enter GOV.UK One Login — the UK government’s new flagship digital identity and sign-in service. The aim is simple: provide everyone with a single, secure, and straightforward way to sign in to all government services online. Instead of juggling multiple accounts, passwords, and verification steps, you’ll eventually need just one login to access everything from HMRC tax services to applying for a DBS check.
This guide is designed to be the most comprehensive resource on GOV.UK One Login available. Whether you are an individual who wants to understand how to use it, a business owner wondering how it affects your HMRC interactions, or a service manager exploring technical integration, you’ll find clear answers here.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Service Name | GOV.UK One Login |
| Purpose | Single secure account to access multiple UK government services |
| Replaces | Government Gateway and other outdated sign-in systems |
| Security | Two-factor authentication, modern encryption |
| Identity Verification | Passport, driving licence, or in-person checks where required |
| Availability | Rolling out gradually — more services added each year |
| Access Devices | Desktop, tablet, and mobile-friendly design |
1. The Background: Why One Login Was Needed
| Feature | GOV.UK One Login | Government Gateway | GOV.UK Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 2023 | 2001 | 2016 |
| Purpose | Single sign-in for multiple government services | Service-specific logins, mainly HMRC | Identity verification for certain online services |
| Security | Two-factor authentication, modern encryption | Basic password protection, optional 2FA | Depends on certified ID providers, variable security |
| Identity Verification | Passport, driving licence, or in-person check | Limited, mostly manual verification | Verified through certified private ID providers |
| Service Coverage | All migrating central government services | Specific to HMRC and some other services | Limited adoption; used mainly for identity verification |
| Status | Active, replacing older systems | Being phased out gradually | Phase-out in progress; replaced by One Login |
Government Gateway
The Government Gateway, launched back in 2001, was one of the first attempts to provide digital access to UK public services. It worked well enough at the time, but technology moved on. Password-based authentication alone was no longer sufficient for modern security threats, and the system struggled with usability and accessibility issues.
GOV.UK Verify
In 2016, GOV.UK Verify attempted to solve the identity problem. The idea was to allow people to prove their identity using certified private companies. However, Verify faced adoption issues, with limited numbers of people able to complete verification successfully. Many services never integrated with it, leaving users to rely on older systems.
The case for change
By the early 2020s, it was clear a new approach was needed. Millions of people were still creating multiple accounts across different government portals. Fraud prevention was patchy. Support costs were high. And digital inclusion remained a challenge.
GOV.UK One Login was created to solve these problems by delivering one trusted, accessible, and secure login experience that could scale across all central and eventually local government services.
| Feature | GOV.UK One Login | Government Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-in method | Single universal login across services | Separate login details for different services |
| Identity verification | Supports digital ID verification with documents & selfies | Limited identity checks, not standardised |
| Security | Two-factor authentication, stronger encryption | Basic password login, optional 2FA for some services |
| Future-proofing | Actively developed with new services added | Being phased out gradually |
2. How GOV.UK One Login Works
At its core, One Login is designed to be simple for users while providing sophisticated security and flexibility behind the scenes.
The two core functions
Sign in only – For services that just need to confirm who you are.
Sign in and identity verification – For services that require proof of identity, such as tax returns or criminal record checks.
The login process for users
Step 1: Create an account – Enter your email address, set a password, and confirm via a code sent to your email.
Step 2: Add a phone number – This enables two-factor authentication, adding an extra layer of protection.
Step 3: Use across services – Once created, your One Login can be used for any service that has adopted the system.
Identity verification methods
When identity proof is needed, One Login provides multiple options:
App-based document and biometric check: You scan a passport, driving licence, or national ID card using your phone camera or NFC chip reader. The app then asks for a quick video selfie to confirm likeness.
Post Office face-to-face verification: For those without smartphones or suitable ID documents, the Post Office provides an assisted verification service.
Alternative document routes: Additional options, such as birth certificates or knowledge-based checks, are being expanded to make the service more inclusive.
| Verification Method | What You’ll Need | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Passport Upload | Valid UK or international passport + selfie | Most users with a valid passport |
| Driving Licence | UK driving licence + selfie or video check | Users with driving licence but no passport |
| Face-to-Face Check | Book an appointment at a government partner location | Those without digital documents or unable to upload |
3. The User Experience
A single account across services
Once you have created a GOV.UK One Login, you can use it across different departments without registering again. For example, the same login can grant access to HMRC, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and the DVSA.
Your account dashboard
When you log in, you can manage your details through the “One Login Space.” From here, you can:
Change your email, password, or phone number
View which government services are linked to your account
Delete your login if you no longer wish to use it
Support and accessibility
To ensure inclusion, support is available through multiple channels:
24/7 chatbot for quick help
Web chat with support agents
Telephone helplines
Accessibility-ready design following GOV.UK’s digital service standards
4. Benefits of GOV.UK One Login
For individuals
Convenience: No more juggling different accounts and passwords.
Security: Two-factor authentication and biometric verification reduce fraud risk.
Accessibility: Face-to-face verification means no one is excluded for lacking digital access.
For businesses and agents
Streamlined HMRC access: Businesses filing taxes or payroll through HMRC will gradually migrate from Government Gateway to One Login.
Reduced admin: Staff can use the same login for multiple services.
For government
Cost savings: A single centralised system avoids duplication and reduces long-term IT costs.
Fraud prevention: Stronger identity checks help reduce fraudulent claims and misuse of services.
Consistency: Citizens get a standardised experience across different services.
5. Technical Integration for Services
For service owners and developers, GOV.UK One Login uses modern authentication protocols.
OpenID Connect
The service is based on OpenID Connect (OIDC), a widely used standard that allows secure identity federation. This ensures compatibility with many existing systems and frameworks.
Environments
Sandbox/integration: A safe testing environment with dummy users for development.
Production: The live environment for real users.
Steps for integration
Register with the One Login team to gain access.
Configure your service as an OIDC client.
Implement the sign-in flow using the provided endpoints.
Handle identity verification responses securely.
Link your service to the user’s One Login Space so they can see it after signing in.
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the GOV.UK One Login page | Go to the official gov.uk/one-login portal |
| 2 | Click “Create Account” | Begin the registration process |
| 3 | Enter your email address | You’ll be sent a verification code |
| 4 | Confirm your email | Enter the code received in your inbox |
| 5 | Create a password | Choose a strong password for security |
| 6 | Set up two-factor authentication | Use your phone number or an authenticator app |
| 7 | (Optional) Verify your identity | Upload a passport, driving licence, or complete an in-person check |
| 8 | Start using GOV.UK services | Log in with your new credentials for supported services |
Best practices
Use GOV.UK Design System components for a consistent look and feel.
Ensure accessibility standards are met.
Provide clear error handling and fallback options.
6. Rollout Timeline and Adoption
GOV.UK One Login is being introduced gradually.
2023 – Early rollout with initial services.
2024 – HMRC began inviting taxpayers to use One Login for Self Assessment.
2025 – Expansion continues, with a target of over 100 services using the system by the end of the year.
Beyond 2025 – Wider adoption across local government and integration with GOV.UK Wallet.
| Year / Phase | Government Services Migrating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 (Initial Rollout) | Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Student Finance | Early adopter services moved to test integration and usability |
| 2024 | Passport application tracking, HMRC beta services | Expansion to identity-heavy services, alongside Government Gateway |
| 2025 | Universal Credit access, Child Benefit, Tax Self Assessment pilot | Core welfare and tax services begin moving to One Login |
| 2026 (Projected) | Full HMRC services, Companies House integration | Government Gateway expected to be retired |
| Beyond 2026 | All remaining UK government online services | Long-term goal: one universal sign-in across all central government services |
7. Common Issues and Solutions
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix / Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Can’t sign in | Incorrect password or outdated Government Gateway login | Reset your password or register for GOV.UK One Login |
| Security code not received | Network issues or wrong phone/email on record | Check spam folder or update contact details in account settings |
| Identity check failed | Document photo unclear or expired ID used | Upload clearer scans/photos or use an alternative ID (passport, driving licence, etc.) |
| Account locked | Too many failed login attempts | Wait 2 hours before retrying or use the password reset option |
| Document upload fails | File too large or wrong format | Resize the file or save as JPG/PNG/PDF before re-uploading |
8. Privacy, Security, and Compliance
GOV.UK One Login has been designed with strong privacy and data protection measures.
Data minimisation: Only the necessary data is collected for sign-in or identity verification.
Retention policies: Login activity and verification data are only kept for as long as necessary for legal and security purposes.
User control: You can view and delete your login at any time.
Legal compliance: The system complies with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
Security standards: It meets government-approved cyber security standards and is subject to ongoing monitoring.
9. The Future: GOV.UK Wallet and Beyond
One Login is only the first step. The government is working on GOV.UK Wallet, a digital wallet linked to your One Login account. This will allow you to securely store and share digital documents such as licences, certificates, or permits.
The roadmap also includes:
Wider adoption across local authorities
Additional identity verification routes
Continuous improvement through monthly releases and user feedback
10. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to create a new account if I already have a Government Gateway ID?
Yes, eventually you will need to migrate to One Login, but this will be phased. You will be prompted when it’s time.
Can I delete my One Login?
Yes. You can delete your account at any time from your dashboard.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
You can use face-to-face verification at a Post Office branch.
Which services currently use One Login?
As of 2025, more than 50 services are live, including HMRC, the Disclosure and Barring Service, and the DVSA. The number will continue to grow.
Is my data safe?
Yes. Strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and strict privacy standards are in place.
11. Pros and Cons: GOV.UK One Login
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| One account works across multiple government services | Not all services are fully integrated yet |
| Modern, mobile-friendly design | Transition may cause temporary confusion for users used to Government Gateway |
| Stronger security with two-factor authentication | Extra security steps may feel inconvenient for some users |
| Supports identity verification for high-security services | Identity verification may be difficult for people without passports or driving licences |
| Designed to replace outdated systems (future-proof) | Full rollout expected to take several years |
Conclusion
GOV.UK One Login represents one of the most significant improvements to digital government in the UK. By replacing outdated systems with a single, secure, and accessible login, it promises a better experience for citizens and businesses while saving money and reducing fraud for the government.
Whether you are a user, a business, or a service provider, now is the time to prepare for the transition. One Login is not just a technical upgrade; it is the foundation for a new era of streamlined, trusted, and inclusive public services in the UK.