Where to find your Government Gateway user ID
In your personal tax account
- Go to the HMRC online services sign-in page on GOV.UK.
- Choose the option for a lost user ID or password and follow the steps: the service tells you how to recover or reset your details.
- You may need to confirm your identity.
In the HMRC app
- The HMRC app asks for the details you use to sign in to HMRC online services the first time.
- After that you can sign in with a 6-digit PIN, fingerprint or face recognition, so the app may still open even if you've forgotten your user ID.
What it looks like
A user ID of up to 12 characters, entered with a password on the HMRC online services sign-in page.
If you've lost it
- Start to sign in to HMRC online services and follow the lost user ID or password steps.
- If you're locked out after too many wrong attempts, wait: the account unlocks after 2 hours, and helpdesk advisers can't unlock it sooner.
- If you can't receive your access code, sign in with your user ID and password and select 'You can get help' when asked for the code.
- Still stuck? Ask HMRC's digital assistant, which can transfer you to a webchat with an adviser if one is available.
Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login?
There are two ways to sign in to HMRC online services: a Government Gateway user ID and password, or GOV.UK One Login with an email address and password. HMRC says to keep using the details you already have, so a Gateway user ID still works even if you've set up One Login for another government service.
If you've never used HMRC online services, select 'Create new sign in details' when you sign in. The service guides you to create Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login details.
Access codes and lockouts
After your user ID and password, HMRC sends an access code by text, voice call or authenticator app. If you change your phone number, you can change how you get the code from the same help option.
Too many wrong attempts lock the account. It unlocks after 2 hours, and helpdesk advisers can't unlock it early, so use the recovery steps rather than guessing.
Look out for scams
Your user ID and password open your tax records, so never share them. HMRC says it will never ask for personal or payment information by text message or through social media. Forward suspicious texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk, as HMRC's reporting guidance explains.
Beware of scam messages
HMRC says it never sends tax rebate notifications or asks for personal or payment details by text. If a message claiming to be from HMRC asks for them, don't reply: forward texts to 60599 and emails to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. HMRC's guidance on suspicious contact (opens GOV.UK).
Related
What else will you need?
- Where to find itHMRC app and tax accountThe HMRC app and your personal tax account on GOV.UK are where you find most personal tax references.
- Where to find itFind your UTRYour Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) is a 10-digit number HMRC gives you when you register for Self Assessment or set up a limited company.
- Where to find itGet a copy of your tax returnIf you filed your Self Assessment return through HMRC's online service, sign in to your HMRC online account to view returns you've made before.
- 64-864-8 agent authorisationForm 64-8 is the paper form you sign to let a paid agent, such as an accountant, deal with HMRC for you.
Rather we did it?
Countify can handle this for you, for a fixed fee agreed upfront.
Questions
Frequently asked questions.
How long is a Government Gateway user ID?
Up to 12 characters. You sign in with it and a password.
I have GOV.UK One Login. Do I still need my Gateway user ID?
If you already use HMRC online services with a Gateway user ID, HMRC says to keep using it, even if you have One Login details from another government service.
My account is locked. Can HMRC unlock it?
No. The account unlocks itself after 2 hours, and HMRC's helpdesk advisers can't unlock it early.
I've changed my phone number and can't get my access code. What now?
Sign in with your user ID and password and select 'You can get help' when asked for the code. You can then change how you receive codes; you may need to confirm your identity.
Checked against GOV.UK on · Reviewed by Kamran Ishaq FCCA, Founder & CEO, on .
Sources: HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account (opens in a new tab) (HM Revenue & Customs); Get help with signing in to HMRC online services (opens in a new tab) (HM Revenue & Customs); Download the HMRC app (opens in a new tab) (HM Revenue & Customs); Report suspicious HMRC emails, texts and phone calls (opens in a new tab) (HM Revenue & Customs).
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Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0 (opens in a new tab).