About your nidirect account
When you’re using digital services, you need to be sure that your privacy is being protected and your data is secure. Northern Ireland government departments that offer services online need to know it’s you (not someone pretending to be you), to make sure your information is safe.
When you register with nidirect you will create an account for online services.
To reduce the risk of fraud and to protect your personal information, some services will also need you to verify your identity by showing documentary evidence that connects you as a person to the online account you create.
To do this you need to take some documents including photo ID to one of the approved offices that can check your details.
Verification will only take a few minutes and will make sure that you have secure access to your government services.
Getting verified
Step one
Select the online service you need, for example 'submit a claim for compensation'. You will be asked either to 'Create an account' or to 'Log in' if you already have an account.
Step two
For some services that need extra security you will have to verify your identity by taking some documents and photo ID to one of the approved offices.
Your online information (name, address, and so on) will be checked against the evidence you bring with you.
If the person checking is content, they will verify your account.
You should only have to complete this physical check once for all services which require verification. You will not be asked to verify your identity again unless your personal information changes for example you change your name or address.
Step three
Once your details have been verified you can return to log in with the account details which you have already set up. You can then continue using the service.
Verification offices closed due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Due to the impact of coronavirus (COVID -19), and in line with current advice, to protect the health and safety of customers, partners and employees it is no longer possible to carry out identity verification for nidirect accounts.
This means that, although you can create a new account, you will not be able to have your information verified. You may not then be able to access some services.
Apologies for any incovenience.
Services you can use with an nidirect account
Justice
Agriculture
DAERA online services for animal health and welfare, countryside management and managing your business, grants and funding, and livestock farming.
Motoring
How to apply for an nidirect account
To get an nidirect account, you need to:
- start using one of the services listed
- you may also need to verify your identity at an identity assurance office
After you’ve set up an account, you can use it with any of the listed services.
You can’t create an account outside this process.
Contact details
If you have any queries about an nidirect account contact the Identity Assurance office.