Identity assurance

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 listed below 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 offices listed below.  

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.   

Find your nearest identity assurance office 

You can bring your ID documents to any of the following places for verification. 

Acceptable forms of ID

If you need to provide ID to complete your verification, you will have to bring at least three documents in your name, one document from group one and two from group two (see below). These must include:

• a photo ID
• a document with your address on it (which must be the same address used to set up the account)

Any other documents you bring which include an address must have the same address.

For example, you can bring 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 you must bring four documents from Group Two, one of which must be a photo ID.

You can find a list of documents below.

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)
• examination certificates (16 to 18 year olds 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

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 - that is, 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 the link below:

• Countries in the EU and EEA

Services you can use with an nidirect account

Justice

• Apply for compensation for criminal damage or injury

Agriculture

DAERA online services for animal health and welfare, countryside management and managing your business, grants and funding, and livestock farming.

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.