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.
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 in person.
However, a temporary arrangement allows you to upload your documents.
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 uploading some documents and photo ID to an online verification site. You will be sent a link to the site when you create your nidirect account or make a change to it that requires reverification.
You will have to upload at least three documents in your name, one document from Group One and two from Group Two. These must include a 'selfie' and a photo of either your driving licence or passport.
For example, a current passport (any nationality) or a current driving licence from Group One and a marriage certificate and current TV licence from Group Two.
If this is not possible, then four documents from Group Two must be produced, one of which must be a photo ID.
The list of acceptable documents is:
Group One
- current passport - any nationality
- biometric residence permit (UK)
- current driving licence (UK, NI, ROI, Isle of Man, Channel Islands or any EU country)
- original birth certificate (UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands) - issued at time of birth
- original long form Irish birth certificate - issued at time of registration of birth
- original adoption certificate (UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands)
Group Two
- work permit or visa (UK) (UK residence permit)
- current UK driving licence
- certified copy of a birth or adoption certificate (UK, ROI, Isle of Man or Channel Islands) - full or short certificate acceptable
- marriage or civil partnership certificate (UK, Isle of Man or Channel Islands)
- current UK firearms licence
- HM Forces ID card (UK Only)
- current TV licence
- Electoral ID card (NI only)
- EU national ID card
- cards carrying PASS accreditation logo (UK and Channel Islands)
- Senior SmartPass issued by Translink (NI only)
- YLink Card issued by Translink (NI only)
- Letter from Head Teacher or Further Education College Principal
- Letter of sponsorship from future employer or voluntary organisation
- examination certificates (16 to 18 year olds only)
The following Group Two documents must be dated within the last three months:
- bank or building society statement (UK or EEA)
- credit card statement
- utility bill (UK or EEA) – not mobile phone
- benefit statement (UK only)
- addressed payslip
The following Group Two documents must be dated within the last 12 months:
- mortgage statement (UK or EEA)
- financial statement - ie savings account (UK)
- P45 or P60 statement (UK and Channel Islands)
- Land & Property Services rates demand (NI only)
You can find a list of EEA countries at this link:
Your online information (name, address, and so on) will be checked against the evidence you upload.
Your documents will be checked and, if they meet the requirements your account will be verified. This may take up to 48 hours, so check your account regularly until you have access to your required service.
You should only have to complete this 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.
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.