Government Gateway sign in: how to access HMRC services

Government Gateway is a sign-in system that lets users reach HMRC online services in the UK. ONLYWAY NEWS explains how Government Gateway differs from GOV.UK One Login, which services open after you sign in and what you need to create an account, using only official GOV.UK pages.

How many ways are there to sign in to HMRC services?

There are two. According to GOV.UK, there are 2 ways to sign in to HMRC online services: Government Gateway and GOV.UK One Login. Government Gateway uses a user ID of up to 12 characters and a password. GOV.UK One Login uses an email address and a password, and it is used for personal tax services in particular.

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Which services does signing in open up?

An HMRC online account gives access to the personal tax account, the business tax account and tax agent accounts. The GOV.UK page names specific services: Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, PAYE for employers, VAT and the Construction Industry Scheme. Some services have a separate sign-in: the excise, import and export services, the Childcare account and the Capital Gains Tax on UK property account.

Should you sign in with old or new details?

Existing users should keep using their current details. This could be a Government Gateway user ID — even if you have GOV.UK One Login details from another government service — or GOV.UK One Login details for personal tax services. New users should select the option to create new sign-in details when signing in, after which the service guides them through creating either Government Gateway or GOV.UK One Login details.

What do you need to create a Government Gateway account?

According to GOV.UK, to create an account you need your name, an email address, a password and a memorable word that Government Gateway calls a recovery word. During registration a confirmation code is sent to your email; if it does not arrive you can request a new code. These elements — the user ID, password and recovery word — matter: without them, GOV.UK notes, you cannot reset your Government Gateway password.

What is GOV.UK One Login, and will it replace Government Gateway?

GOV.UK One Login is described as a new way of signing in to government services, first published on 27 February 2024. GOV.UK states plainly that it will replace all other sign-in routes including Government Gateway. The change is staggered: it will not happen for everyone at the same time, and until you are prompted you can keep using HMRC online services as normal. A 13 November 2025 update clarifies that if you do not yet have access to GOV.UK One Login for HMRC services, you will need to sign in using Government Gateway.

Do you need to prove your identity?

Yes. When you are asked to create an account you may need to complete a new authorisation and identity verification process, so have identification such as a passport or driving licence ready. ONLYWAY NEWS advises checking the current steps on GOV.UK, because the HMRC sign-in screen is gradually changing and may offer three options: Government Gateway, GOV.UK One Login or creating new sign-in details.