The Cabinet Office has teamed up with the Post Office to provide a face-to-face service for people to verify their identities as part of the One Login service.
It will be part of the digital identity service, which is now being rolled out to central government departments and agencies, and is aimed at supporting people who have difficulties using a digital platform for the process.
The service will enable people to go to a Post Office to prove their identity for One Login, using a photo ID document such as a passport, UK or EU driving licence, biometric residence permit or a European Economic Area national identity card.
A postmaster will scan the document and take a photograph of the person, then go through a checking process with the Post Office’s partner Yoti. The user will be notified by email.
The initiative reflects a recognition by the Government Digital Service (GDS), which is developing One Login as a single online account for government services, that some people will struggle to do everything for themselves through digital channels.
The Cabinet Office said that most people will be within 10 miles of a Post Office offering the new service.
Access for everyone
Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office Alex Burghart MP said: “While it is essential that government systems keep pace with technological change, we must ensure everyone can access them.
“Figuring out a new online system, and completing identity verification checks, can be daunting.
“That is why we are launching a new partnership with the Post Office to give more people the confidence to use GOV.UK One Login and access the vital services they need.”
Natalie Jones, director of digital identity at GDS, commented: “People across the UK already visit their local Post Office branch regularly, making them a trusted place to seek advice and support.
“This in-person support will make the process of moving to GOV.UK One Login easier and quicker for many people, simultaneously increasing uptake.
“This partnership is just one of a number of innovations One Login will be rolling out over the next 12 months to increase ease of access to digital services.”
GDS has indicated in responding to a comment to its relevant blogpost that it is working on other verification routes for people who do not have traditional identity documents such as a passport or driving licence.
The Cabinet Office has also added that GDS will also launch a service to provide support for the identity checks through phone and email.
