Government Gateway User ID: What It Is and How to Get One
Government Gateway User ID: What It Is and How to Get One
Short answer: a Government Gateway user ID is the sign-in name HMRC gives you for its online services. It is up to 12 characters long and is used with a password. It is not your UTR. Since 9 February 2026 new HMRC customers sign in with GOV.UK One Login instead, but you still need a Government Gateway user ID to file a tax return through software.
User ID, UTR and One Login: what each one is
| Name | What it looks like | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Government Gateway user ID | Up to 12 characters, used with a password | Signing in to HMRC online services, and submitting returns through software |
| GOV.UK One Login | Your email address and a password | Signing in to HMRC online services. All new HMRC customers since 9 February 2026 |
| UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) | 10 digits | Identifying your Self Assessment record. It is not a sign-in |
How do you get a Government Gateway user ID?
If you already have one
Keep using it. Existing Government Gateway users can sign in as before, and use the same details in software such as DTax Filer, until HMRC asks them to move to One Login.
If you are new to HMRC online services
Go to HMRC online services on GOV.UK and choose to create new sign-in details. New customers are set up with GOV.UK One Login. You may be asked to prove your identity, usually with photo ID such as a passport or driving licence.
If you use One Login and want to file through software
GOV.UK says One Login users need a separate Government Gateway user ID and password to submit a return through commercial software:
- Sign in to your HMRC online account with GOV.UK One Login.
- Go to your sign-in details and choose to create a Government Gateway user ID and password.
- Check your email. HMRC sends you the new user ID.
- Use those details in your software when you submit your return.
These details only work for software. You keep signing in to GOV.UK with One Login. You need to be registered for Self Assessment first. There is more detail on our page about Government Gateway sign-in for Self Assessment software.
Where to find your user ID
- In the email HMRC sent when the user ID was created.
- In your own records or password manager, if you saved it when you signed up.
- If you can't find it, you can recover it when you try to sign in. HMRC's sign-in help explains how to recover a user ID or reset a password.
Sign-in problems
- Locked out: entering the wrong details too many times locks the account. It unlocks after 2 hours, and HMRC's helpdesk can't unlock it sooner.
- Access codes: HMRC sends a code by text message, voice call or authenticator app each time you sign in. If you've changed phone, sign in with your user ID and password and choose "You can get help" when asked for the code.
- Proving your identity: HMRC may ask for photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Adding Self Assessment to your account
A user ID on its own doesn't let you file. Self Assessment has to be added to the account, which needs your UTR and an activation code that HMRC posts to you. See how to add Self Assessment to your Government Gateway account.
Using your user ID to file a tax return
In DTax Filer you prepare your return and check the tax calculation first. You only enter your UTR, user ID and password at the end, when you choose Submit to HMRC.
See the plans and prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Government Gateway user ID 12 digits?
GOV.UK describes it as a user ID of up to 12 characters, used with a password. Many are 12 digits, but what matters is that you enter it exactly as HMRC gave it to you.
Is my Government Gateway user ID the same as my UTR?
No. The user ID is for signing in. The UTR is a 10-digit number that identifies your Self Assessment record. You need both to file through software.
I sign in with GOV.UK One Login. Do I still need a Government Gateway user ID?
Only if you file through commercial software. In that case you create a Government Gateway user ID and password for software from your sign-in details, and HMRC emails you the new user ID.
I've lost my Government Gateway user ID. What should I do?
Start to sign in on GOV.UK and follow the link to recover your sign-in details. You can recover the user ID or reset the password there.
How long does it take to get a UTR?
If you register for Self Assessment online, HMRC says the UTR usually appears in your online account within 72 hours. By post it usually takes around 15 days, and longer if you live abroad.