HM Revenue and Customs has started routing new digital-service customers through GOV.UK One Login, allowing first-time registrants to create an account using an email address and password rather than a Government Gateway ID.
In a government update dated February 9, 2026, HMRC said the change applies to people signing up for HMRC digital services who do not already have a Government Gateway account. For those users, GOV.UK One Login becomes the sign-in method used at registration, replacing the older 10–12 digit Government Gateway identifier as the entry point.
Existing Government Gateway users are not being forced to migrate immediately. HMRC said people who already have Government Gateway credentials can continue to sign in as usual and will be contacted when it is time to switch. HMRC also noted that customers who already use GOV.UK One Login for other services still need to use Government Gateway for HMRC “for now.”
The guidance accompanying the update describes GOV.UK One Login as a way to sign in and prove identity for government services using an email address and password. Over time, the government says One Login is intended to replace other sign-in routes, including Government Gateway.
From a mobile identity perspective, the move is another step in positioning One Login as the front door for government authentication and identity proofing, and it extends that approach into a high-volume service area. The rollout for HMRC customers is described as gradual and monitored, rather than a single cutover date for everyone.
Sources: GOV.UK, GOV.UK Guidance
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By the Mobile ID World Editorial Team
