GOV.UK One Login
GOV.UK One Login: What It Is & How to Use It
GOV.UK One Login is the UK government's new single sign-in system for accessing online government services. Here's how it works, how to create an account and what it means for HMRC, Government Gateway and Companies House.
Different government services are moving to GOV.UK One Login at different times.
What is GOV.UK One Login?
GOV.UK One Login is the UK government's new single sign-in system for online government services. Instead of creating different sign-in details for different departments, GOV.UK One Login is being introduced so that you can eventually use one email address, password and security process across government services.
The rollout is happening gradually. Importantly, if you already use a Government Gateway account for HMRC, you should normally continue using it until HMRC tells you otherwise.
GOV.UK One Login explained
If you deal with HMRC, Companies House or other government departments online, you are increasingly likely to encounter GOV.UK One Login. It is part of a wider programme to simplify how people sign in to government services and prove their identity online.
The important point is that GOV.UK One Login has not simply switched off Government Gateway overnight. Different services are moving across at different times, which means some people currently use GOV.UK One Login while others should continue using their existing Government Gateway credentials.
If you already have HMRC online sign-in details, keep using the details you currently use unless HMRC asks you to change. If you are new to HMRC's digital services, you may now be directed to create a GOV.UK One Login.
GOV.UK One Login vs Government Gateway
GOV.UK One Login and Government Gateway are not the same thing. During the transition period, both systems continue to be relevant.
| Feature | GOV.UK One Login | Government Gateway |
|---|---|---|
| Username | Email address | Government Gateway user ID |
| Main purpose | Cross-government sign-in system | Established access system used extensively by HMRC |
| Status | Being rolled out across government | Still used by many existing HMRC customers during transition |
| Identity verification | Can be used to prove your identity when a service requires it | Identity checks vary depending on the HMRC service |
| Account type | Personal to an individual | Historically used for individuals, organisations and agents |
| Long-term direction | Designed to become the standard government sign-in | Expected to be replaced progressively as services migrate |
Can you use GOV.UK One Login for HMRC?
Yes. GOV.UK One Login is now being introduced as a way of accessing HMRC online services, but the migration is being carried out in stages.
Never used HMRC online before?
New individual customers without existing HMRC online sign-in details may be directed to create a GOV.UK One Login when registering for digital HMRC services.
Already have Government Gateway?
Continue using your existing HMRC sign-in details unless HMRC prompts you to move. Having a GOV.UK One Login for another government service does not automatically mean you should stop using Government Gateway for HMRC.
What can HMRC online services be used for?
Depending on your circumstances and the services attached to your account, HMRC online services can provide access to areas including:
- Self Assessment
- your Personal Tax Account
- PAYE information
- Corporation Tax
- VAT
- PAYE for employers
- Construction Industry Scheme services
- business tax services
How do I create a GOV.UK One Login?
You will normally create GOV.UK One Login when a government service you are using directs you to it. You should use the official GOV.UK service rather than links contained in unexpected emails or text messages.
Start from GOV.UK and select the relevant government service.
If the service uses GOV.UK One Login, you will be directed to the appropriate sign-in or account creation page.
Your email address becomes the username for your GOV.UK One Login.
GOV.UK will send a security code to check that you have access to the email address.
Follow the on-screen requirements to create a secure password.
You may be asked to configure multi-factor authentication using an available security method.
Some government services require an additional identity check. The exact process depends on the service and your circumstances.
Do I need to prove my identity?
Creating a GOV.UK One Login and proving your identity are related but separate processes. Not every government service needs the same level of identity verification.
When identity verification is required, you will be told what information or documents can be used. Depending on the route available to you, this may involve an accepted photo ID document and additional checks.
Signing in establishes access to your account. Proving your identity provides additional assurance that you are the person you claim to be. A particular service may require one or both.
GOV.UK One Login and Companies House
GOV.UK One Login is also becoming increasingly important for company directors and people who use Companies House online services.
From August 2026, GOV.UK One Login became the main sign-in option for Companies House's Find and update company information service. New users need GOV.UK One Login, while existing users can continue using their existing Companies House account details for the time being.
This is particularly relevant for companies where several directors, employees or advisers have historically shared online account details. Businesses should start thinking about individual access arrangements as Companies House services continue to migrate.
What does GOV.UK One Login mean for businesses and tax agents?
One of the most important areas to understand is that the migration of individual taxpayers, businesses and professional tax agents is not necessarily happening at exactly the same time.
HMRC is progressively expanding GOV.UK One Login. Existing individual customers are being prepared for migration, while HMRC is also considering how organisations and agents will transition.
Consequently, a company director could encounter GOV.UK One Login when using one government service while still needing existing credentials for another HMRC or business service.
Keep your existing Government Gateway and other government sign-in information secure. Follow the instructions presented by the specific GOV.UK service you are accessing rather than assuming that all services have already migrated.
Common GOV.UK One Login problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| I cannot sign in | Check that you are using the correct email address and password for GOV.UK One Login rather than your Government Gateway user ID. |
| I have GOV.UK One Login but HMRC asks for Government Gateway | This can be normal during the transition. Existing HMRC users may still need to use their Government Gateway credentials. |
| I cannot receive my security code | Check the email address or security method associated with the account and follow the recovery instructions shown by GOV.UK. |
| I cannot prove my identity | Check which identity verification routes are offered to you and follow the alternative options displayed by the service. |
| I already have Government Gateway | Do not create replacement HMRC credentials unnecessarily. Continue using your existing details until instructed otherwise. |
| My business shares login details | GOV.UK One Login is intended for individuals. Consider separate individual access arrangements where the relevant service permits them. |
Is GOV.UK One Login safe?
GOV.UK One Login has been designed as a secure cross-government sign-in system and uses additional authentication measures to help protect access to government services.
However, users still need to protect their own account. In particular, be cautious of phishing emails, text messages and websites pretending to be GOV.UK, HMRC or Companies House.
- Use a strong, unique password.
- Never share security codes with another person.
- Keep access to your email account secure.
- Do not share a personal GOV.UK One Login between employees.
- Start government services through GOV.UK if you are unsure whether a link is genuine.
- Be suspicious of unexpected messages asking for passwords or security codes.
GOV.UK One Login FAQs
What is GOV.UK One Login?
GOV.UK One Login is a government sign-in system designed to let people access multiple UK government services using one account. It uses an email address and password and can also support identity verification where a government service requires it.
Is GOV.UK One Login the same as Government Gateway?
No. They are separate sign-in systems. GOV.UK One Login is gradually being introduced across government and is intended to replace older sign-in systems over time. Government Gateway remains relevant to many existing HMRC users during the transition.
Does GOV.UK One Login replace Government Gateway?
Over time, GOV.UK One Login is intended to replace other government sign-in routes, including Government Gateway. The change is being phased rather than taking place for every user and every HMRC service at the same time.
Do I need GOV.UK One Login if I already have Government Gateway?
You should normally continue using your existing HMRC sign-in details until HMRC prompts you to do something different. Having GOV.UK One Login for another government service does not automatically replace your existing Government Gateway access.
Can I use GOV.UK One Login for HMRC?
Yes. HMRC is rolling GOV.UK One Login out to its digital services. New individual customers are among the first groups using it, while existing customers are being migrated progressively.
What is my GOV.UK One Login username?
Your GOV.UK One Login uses your email address. This differs from Government Gateway, which uses a separate user ID.
Can I have more than one GOV.UK One Login?
GOV.UK One Login is intended to provide an individual with a consistent account for accessing supported government services. It is generally better to use your existing account rather than creating unnecessary duplicate accounts.
Can a company share one GOV.UK One Login?
GOV.UK One Login is associated with an individual and should not generally be treated as a shared company login. This is particularly important as Companies House and other business-facing services move towards GOV.UK One Login.
Do I need a smartphone for GOV.UK One Login?
The requirements depend partly on what you are trying to do. Some identity verification routes may use a smartphone, but alternative routes may be offered. Follow the options displayed by the particular government service you are accessing.
Is GOV.UK One Login free?
There is no charge simply to create and use a GOV.UK One Login. Charges may separately apply to particular government services where those services normally have a fee.
Will accountants use GOV.UK One Login?
HMRC is working on the wider transition of organisations and tax agents. Accountants and businesses should therefore retain their existing HMRC credentials and agent access arrangements until HMRC provides instructions relevant to those services.
Should I delete my Government Gateway account?
No. If you currently use Government Gateway to access HMRC services, keep your credentials secure and continue using them where required until HMRC tells you that your access is changing.
Useful HMRC and Companies House guides
GOV.UK One Login is closely connected with several other areas of government account access. These guides may also help:
Need help with your company accounts or tax?
GOV.UK One Login changes how you access government services, but it does not change your responsibility to keep your tax affairs and company filings up to date. The Online Accountants provide fixed-price online accounting and tax services to businesses and individuals throughout the UK.
Last reviewed: September 2026. GOV.UK One Login and the migration of HMRC and Companies House services are developing areas. Government services may move to GOV.UK One Login at different times. Always follow the sign-in instructions shown by the official GOV.UK service you are using.