Identity assurance
If you use online government services you may need to create a nidirect account. Some of the services you use will require you to verify your identity.
To reduce the need to upload documents and improve the verification process, the nidirect account service is changing. In the coming days, you will notice changes to both the login and identity verification process.
Previously, when you either created or logged into a verified account, you had to enter your username and password followed by characters from your memorable word.
When the changes to login and verification processes take place there will be no need to create or remember a memorable word.
Changes to the login and verification process
This improved login process gives your account a higher level of security, keeping your information safe and secure.
You may also notice things look a little different if you already have an account. A few changes have been made to improve the service - for example the use of a service called ‘GOV.UK Notify’ to send all nidirect messages and SMS/text messages to you.
There is also an improved method by which you can verify your identity, using new software to capture images of your photo-ID and a selfie and perform checks on your personal information, for example, name, address and date of birth.
The new process will be much quicker and, most people will not need any other documentation. Verification of your account should take only a few minutes.
The login and verification process
The new login and verification process will work in the following :
- start by logging in with your username and password
- you will receive a unique security code to your registered email address, mobile phone or your chosen authenticator application – for example, Google authenticator
- the method in which you receive your unique code is up to you
- your preference can be changed at any time in the ‘Manage my Account’ section
After entering your unique security code, the login process will be finished.
More detailed guidance is available below.
Background information
In the past when you created or logged in to a verified account, you first had to enter your username and password, followed by characters from your memorable word. From 19 July 2021, you will no longer have to create or remember a memorable word.
Instead, you will start by logging in with your username and password. You will then be sent a unique security code to your registered email address, mobile phone number or authenticator app – for example Google authenticator. You choose which one you prefer to receive your security code. You can change your preference at any time through ‘Manage my Account.’
When you enter your security code the login process will be finished. This improved login process gives your account a higher level of security, keeping your information safe and secure.
You may also notice things look a little different if you already have an account. A few changes have been made to improve the service - for example the use of a service called ‘GOV.UK Notify’ to send all nidirect messages and SMS/ text messages to you.
nidirect doesn’t expect any issues after these changes have been implemented but if you have any problems creating an account or logging in, please contact the nidirect account support as follows.
- phone: 0300 200 7868 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
- email: nida@nidirect.gov.uk
New NIDA login process with Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
In the past when you created or logged in to a verified account, you first had to enter your username and password, followed by your memorable word. You will now no longer have to create or remember a memorable word.
Now you will start by logging in with your username and password, after which you will be sent a unique code to either your registered email address, mobile phone number or authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator).
You choose which option you prefer to receive your unique code and you can change this preference at any time through your account system preferences. When you enter your unique code the login process will be completed.
Use Manage your account function if you want to change how you receive your unique code, your email address or personal details.
How to login into your NIDA account
- Login to your NIDA account with your username and password. Your username is the email address you used to set up your account. If you have forgotten your password, follow instructions: Request a password reset
- Once you have logged in with your username and password, for added security, you will receive a unique code to either your registered email address, mobile phone number or authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator). You choose which one you prefer to receive your security code
- You can change your preference at any time through ‘Manage my Account’
- If you have used Email as your choice to receive your security code and it has not come through please check your junk or spam folders on your mailbox
- If after five minutes you have not received your security code, please select ‘Resend Security Code’
- If you still do not receive a security code through your preferred method you can then select ‘Did not receive a text message.’ A security code will be sent to the email address registered against your account
- Check that the code has not gone to your junk folder. If for whatever reason you still don’t received a security code, please contact nidirect account support via
- phone: 0300 200 7868
- email: nida@nidirect.gov.uk
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Once you have input the received security code you will be logged in and can continue to use the service requested
I’ve forgotten my password
- If you have forgotten your password the ‘I’ve forgotten my password’ link is available to request a password reset to be sent to the email address used when registering your account
- Once you enter your registered email address and press ‘Request Password Reset,’ you will receive an email from nidirect titled ‘Change of Password.’ Click on the link in this email and you will be able to reset your password
How to verify your nidirect account step by step
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.
To reduce the risk of fraud and to protect your personal information, some services will also need you to verify your identity.
This means you need to provide evidence that connects you as a person to the online account you create.
When accessing a service that needs a verified identity, you must use your smartphone or tablet to take an image of either your passport or driving licence, and a selfie.
Special software is used to capture the images and check against your personal information to make sure all details are correct.
To capture the images you must position your photo-ID within the frame displayed - likewise with your selfie. You should make sure you are in a well-lit, but not overly bright area. Also ensure that all the details on your photo ID are clear and all are within the frame. The screens you will see will give you clear instructions on how to proceed.
- Open your passport to the page that contains your photo
- Hold that page up to your device camera
- A scan of your passport will be automatically taken when the page fills the area inside the white box
- For the purposes of taking a selfie, make sure your face is clearly visible
- Adjust lighting if necessary to reduce shadows
- Your picture will be taken automatically when your face fills the area inside the white box
When all checks are done your account will be verified and you can continue to use the service you need. The new process will take a few minutes.
There may be times when it is not possible to use this method to get verified – for example if you do not have the proper documentation.
Only people who live in the UK and hold a valid passport or a UK/NI driving licence can get verified through this method.
More detailed guidance is available here.
Customer Guidance on nidirect Account Verification Process
When you create a new nidirect account, some services may need you to prove you are who you claim to be, this is called Identity Verification.
As part of the account creation process, you will be asked to provide evidence to support your real-world identity. This is security measure which protects your data from loss or theft and protects government services against fraudulent activity.
When you first set up your account you provide basic personal information:-
- your Name
- your address
- your Date of Birth
- an email address and, optionally, a mobile phone number for contact purposes
You will then be asked to provide a copy of photo ID – passport or driving licence – and a selfie. These images are checked against each other to confirm you are the person who owns the ID. Your personal information is compared to that contained on the Photo ID, and to confirm your name, address, etc are also correct.
If checks are successful, this process will take less than a minute to complete.
Some help to get you through the process
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Device
The device you use will define how easily you can complete this process. More modern (especially recent) smart phones and tablets, will have a higher success rate than older devices.
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Browser
If your browser is not up to date, you should install the most recent version – this will also greatly increase your chance of getting verified first time.
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Phones and Tablets
These tend to be more successful than laptops or desktops/webcams. You will be prompted to take a photo of your passport or driving licence using the camera on your phone. It is important you follow the guidance on screen:-
- place document on a plain dark background
- ensure image is clear and of good quality
- ensure all of the document is visible, particularly the edges
- ensure there is not glare or reflected light or shadow
When you are ready, click to take the photo.
When taking the selfie, make sure your camera is not still in use. If it is you will receive a SDK 120 error. Switch your camera off and then continue to take the selfie.
Again, you should follow on-screen guidance and ensure you take a clear, well-lit image.
4. Laptop/Desktop
It can be more difficult to capture an image of sufficient quality on a webcam. You should take a photo of the Passport or Licence using a quality camera (such as on a phone) and upload to your laptop/Desktop. The software will know that you are using a laptop and will direct you to upload a photo of your ID. When you click on Upload Photo, you should select the image from your laptop and this will be uploaded for the identity check.
You will be required to take a selfie also – guidance as above.
What if this doesn’t work?
Don’t worry, you can still get verified through a manual process. You will be directed to our site to upload the relevant documents. These will be checked manually and you will receive an email when verification is complete.
Please note, during times of high demand, this manual verification could take up to 48 hours.
Alternative method for verification
In such cases, you will be sent a link to an online service, where you can upload a choice of documents to support your nidirect account. You should make sure these documents are included in the following lists.
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 a driving licence or passport.
For example, a passport (any nationality) or driving licence from group one and a marriage certificate and TV licence from group two.
If this is not possible, then four documents from group two must be given - one of which must be a photo ID.
The list of acceptable documents is:
Group one documents
- passport - any nationality
- biometric residence permit (UK)
- 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 documents
- work permit or visa (UK) (UK residence permit)
- 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)
- UK firearms licence
- HM Forces ID card (UK Only)
- 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 – for example 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:
Managing your account
You can manage your existing nidirect account, including making changes, at this link:
nidirect account support
nidirect does not expect any technical issues after the changes to the login and verification take place. However, if you have trouble registering for an account contact nidirect account support using the following details.
phone : 0300 200 7868 (Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
email: nida@nidirect.gov.uk
website: nidirect account support