A Government Gateway User ID is one of the most important pieces of information you’ll need to keep safe after forming a company. Without it, you won’t be able to submit documents to HMRC.
If you created a Government Gateway account when you registered for Self Assessment, VAT, or any other HMRC service, your Government Gateway user ID will have been sent to you by email or posted to your registered office address.
Don’t worry if you don’t have a user ID yet or you’ve forgotten it; there are a few ways to retrieve it. We’ll explain all the options in the blog below.
Key takeaways
- Secure your Government Gateway user ID and password to protect your sensitive financial information from unauthorized access.
- Retrieve a lost user ID easily by checking your email or using HMRC’s online recovery options.
- Consider using a password management app to securely store and manage your Government Gateway login details.
What is a Government Gateway user ID?
A Government Gateway User ID is a 12-digit code that, when combined with your password, gives you access to various HMRC services. It looks something like this: 123123123123.
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Whether you’re a sole trader or run a limited company, you’ll have certain reporting obligations with HMRC. For example, you may need to file and pay your Corporation Tax bill or submit your Self Assessment tax return. All these tasks require a Government Gateway user ID, allowing you to share your information with HMRC quickly and securely.
How to retrieve a lost Government Gateway user ID
If you’ve lost or forgotten your login details, don’t panic. Here are a few ways to find it.
1. Search your emails
Start by searching your email inbox. Search all your folders using the words ‘Government Gateway user ID’. If this does not produce the required results, there are two other options.
2. Use HMRC’s ‘Problem signing in’ page
You can use HMRC’s ‘Problems signing in’ webpage to recover your Government Gateway user ID. Simply click ‘recover your user ID’, which will then ask you to provide your email address, where your user ID will be sent.
You can also reset your password here if you have forgotten it.
3. Call an HMRC Helpline
You can call an HMRC helpline to recover your user ID. The number you need to call will depend on which service you use with the Government Gateway account you’re trying to access.
- Self Assessment Helpline – uk=”0300 200 3600″, int=”+44 161 930 8445″
- PAYE for Employers Helpline – uk=”0300 200 3200″ int=”+44 151 268 0558″
- VAT Helpline – uk=”0300 200 3701″ int=”+44 292 050 1261″
- Corporation Tax Helpline – uk=”0300 200 3600″ int=”++44 161 930 8445″
- Charities Helpline – uk=”0300 123 1073″
- Construction Industry Scheme Helpline – uk=”0300 200 3210″ int=”+44 161 930 8445″
- Pension Schemes Helpline – uk=”0300 123 1079″ int=”+44 (0)300 123 1079″
Other taxes
If you require your Government Gateway user ID for any other taxes, you can search the list of HMRC contacts to find the relevant helpline number.
When you call HMRC, you will need to verify your identity. To do this, the agent may ask for your personal Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), National Insurance Number, date of birth, company UTR, your organisation’s employer PAYE reference, or your VAT Registration Number.
Forgotten your Government Gateway password?
If you know your user ID but have forgotten your password, you can reset your Government Gateway account password. You will need to provide your Government Gateway user ID and the email address you used to create the account.
Depending on which service the account is used for, you will also need to provide certain information to confirm your identity, including:
- Name and address
- Date of birth
- Personal Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
- National Insurance Number
- Most recent P60
- Valid UK passport
- Employer’s PAYE reference
- Accounts Office Reference
- VAT Registration Number
- Company UTR
When you have supplied the required information, HMRC will send you an email with a link to reset your password. The link expires after 30 minutes.
Locked out of your Government Gateway account?
If you enter the wrong Government Gateway user ID or password more than 10 times, you will be locked out of your account. If this happens, you will need to wait 2 hours before you can make further attempts to sign in.
After that time, your account will be unlocked, and you can try again. Unfortunately, HMRC advisors are unable to unlock your account.
Additional support from HMRC
If you need extra support because of a condition or special circumstances, you can get extra help and support from HMRC, including information in a different format or another language, access to textphone, and webcam appointments with tax advisors who will chat with you in British Sign Language (BSL).
Create a new Government Gateway account
If you want to create a new Government Gateway account for Self Assessment, or you need to register for any other HMRC taxes or services (e.g., VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax) after setting up a limited company, you should visit HMRC Online Services page.
Whilst the Government Gateway system was officially decommissioned in March 2019, with HMRC Online Services introduced as a replacement system for HMRC’s own digital services, most users continue to use their Government Gateway details to log in to their HMRC online accounts and file tax returns.
Many users are probably unaware of the changes that took place because their access and services have been unaffected. However, all other government services previously accessed via Government Gateway now use different systems, such as GOV.UK Verify. Self Assessment users can also sign up for the new Verify service instead of using Government Gateway.
Security advice
Keeping your Government Gateway user ID safe and secure is crucial. You’ll need it regularly to log into HMRC online services and file financial information about yourself and your business.
It’s best to keep your login details private and never share them with anyone – just as you would your bank PIN. If someone else were to get access to your Government Gateway account, they could not only view your confidential information, but also falsely file information to HMRC.
Having said that, it’s tricky to memorise a 12-digit number. You should never write it down on a piece of paper or in your phone’s notes app, as others could access these easily.
Instead, we recommend downloading a password management app like LastPass. It has a notes feature where you can write your Government Gateway login details and password-protect them.
Your Government Gateway password could also be complex, making it difficult for someone to guess. LastPass can generate strong passwords for you and automatically save them in the app. Then, when you want to log in, it will auto-fill your Government Gateway user ID and password.
Conclusion
It’s easy to misplace or forget your Government Gateway user ID, just like any other login details. If this is the case, simply follow the steps in this article to retrieve it.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please leave us a comment below. Don’t forget to explore the QCF blog for more helpful resources.
Join The Discussion
Comments (44)
HOW CAN I RECOVER MY HMRC UK GATEWAY ID
Thank you for your kind comment!
Recovering your HMRC Government Gateway ID is relatively straight forward.
Just go to the HMRC sign-in page, click ‘Forgot your sign in details?’, then select ‘Recover your user ID’. Enter the email you used when registering, and HMRC will send your ID to your inbox.
If you no longer have access to that email or run into issues, it’s best to contact HMRC directly at 0300 200 3310.
We hope this helps!
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
Need my government gateway user id
Dear Daren,
Thank you for your kind comment.
Please note that we do not create a HMRC Government Gateway account on behalf of our customers. You can simply create an account online to manage your company with HMRC by clicking here.
You may be asked for your UTR number in order to access your company details. Your Unique TAX Reference code is sent within 2-3 weeks after your company being registered. This is a standard procedure from HMRC and this will be sent to the company’s Registered office address.
Do let us know if you have any additional comments.
Kind regards,
The QCF team.
I cannot find my gateway i.d. I’m trying to access my online account for my self assessment. The website sends a text to my old phone number which i don’t have anymore. How can I update my mobile number? If I cant access my online account?
When I ring up I get an automated call i can never speak to a human to help me! I’m very stressed & hmrc aren’t helping me!
Help!
Dear Daniel,
I completely understand how stressful this situation must be, and I’m sorry you’re having such a tough time.
If you’ve lost access to your Government Gateway ID and no longer have your old mobile number to receive the security codes, you’ll need to recover access in a different way. Here are some steps you can try:
1. Go to the HMRC login page: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services
Click on ‘Problems signing in?’ underneath the login fields.
2. Follow the prompts for ‘I’ve forgotten my Government Gateway user ID’ or ‘I can’t access the codes sent to my mobile’.
3. If you can’t reset it online, HMRC may ask for identity verification — such as details from your passport, P60, or recent payslip — so have these documents ready if possible.
4. If the system still doesn’t help you regain access, the next step is to contact HMRC directly.
Unfortunately, their helplines can be automated but try calling during less busy times (early in the morning, just after 8am, or midweek tends to be best). The number to call for general self assessment enquiries is:
0300 200 3310 (Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm)
Unfortunately, we are unable to directly assist but if we can give any more advice, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
I am unable to sign in my government gateway. I have lost the GG id and password. I can’t access the email account they were originally sent to. So I’m stuck really. Any ideas?
Dear James,
We are sorry to hear you’re having trouble accessing your Government Gateway. If you’ve lost both your Government Gateway ID and the email address linked to it, the best course of action is to contact HMRC directly.
You can call the HMRC helpline and explain the situation. They’ll typically ask you to confirm your identity using personal details such as your National Insurance number, recent tax information, or other identifying data. Once they’ve verified your identity, they can help you recover or reset access or advise on setting up a new account if necessary.
Here’s the link to HMRC’s contact details: https://www.gov.uk/contact-hmrc
We hope that you can resolve this account issue.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
Thanks for the article! This government gateway user ID knowledge will be useful for my own small business accounting UK.
Dear David,
We appreciate your feedback!
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any ideas or questions.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
How can I retrieve my user ID? I have a UK passport, but live abroad, so cannot provide the info required by the website.
I have phoned the helpline, and various other numbers, but all have the same recorded messgae, which doesn’t help me.
Thank you
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you for your kind comment.
Unfortunately, as we do not offer any tax related services, we would not be experts in their system. Our only suggestion would be to contact their general helpline – 0300 200 3300
We apologise that we are unable to assist directly.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
I got married in July 2021 and my name has changed how do I change this on government gateway
Hi Susan.
Thank you for your kind comment.
Unfortunately, as we do not offer any tax related services, we would not be experts in their system. Our only suggestion would be to contact their general helpline – 0300 200 3300
We apologise that we are unable to assist directly.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team.
I really enjoyed reading your blog post about VAT. It was well-researched and presented in a way that was easy to understand.
Thank you for your kind words, Ashikur.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team
I really like reading an article that will make people think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!
Thanks for your kind words, Kimiko.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team
hello, Where can I find Government Gateway ID
Hi Nina,
Thanks for your message. Did you take a look at the blog article, as we have answered this question within it?
Kind regards,
The QCF Blog
Where can I find Government Gateway ID
Hi Nina
Thank you for your kind question.
There are a few ways you can find your Government Gateway ID.
1. First, try searching your email inbox and folders using the words ‘Government Gateway user ID’. If this does not produce the required results, there are two other options.
2. You can use HMRC’s ‘Problems signing in’ webpage (https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/problems-signing-in) to recover your Government Gateway user ID. You can also reset your password if you have forgotten that as well.
3. You can call an HMRC helpline to recover your user ID. The number you need to call will depend on which service you use with the Government Gateway account you’re trying to access.
Self Assessment Helpline
From the UK: 0300 200 3600
PAYE for Employers Helpline
From the UK: 0300 200 3200
VAT Helpline
From the UK: 0300 200 3701
Corporation Tax Helpline
From the UK: 0300 200 3600
Charities Helpline
From the UK: 0300 123 1073
Construction Industry Scheme Helpline
From the UK: 0300 200 3210
Pension Schemes Helpline
From the UK: 0300 123 1079
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
The QCF Team
Hi got a letter to say I’m owed tax back and to apply on line its asking for a government gateway id and password I don’t posses one so where fo I go from here ?
Thanks for the question.
If you take a look at the final section in the blog posts, it covers how to sign up for an account.
We hope that helps!
Kind regards,
The QCF Team
I need to get my government gateway ID so I can find my national insurance number, which I do not have, in order to make my driving provisional license.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
This blog post should help you locate your Government Gateway ID.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team
Good day! I try to finish making the account, but I do not have the 2 documents to verify my identity, I need the account for the 30 free hours childcare. What can I do, is there a phone number for me to call?
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Micu.
You will need to contact the HMRC online services contact number on +44 300 200 3600. They are open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm GMT.
I trust this information is of use to you.
Kind regards,
Nicholas
Hi.How I can do registration in government gateway if I am employee?
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Mima.
You should navigate to the HMRC Online Services page, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services, and choose the reason why you wish to login. This will enable you to register for HMRC Online Services and you will be provided with new login details (previously called Government Gateway ID details).
I trust this information is of use to you.
Regards,
Nicholas
Where will I find my gateway government id
Thanks for the question.
This blog post covers this topic: https://www.qualitycompanyformations.co.uk/blog/find-government-gateway-user-id/
Please let us know if we can assist any further.
Kind regards,
The QCF Team
I’ve never used online services so I don’t have a gateway ID. I’ve tried to apply for marriage allowance online but I need a gateway ID and password. Maybe it’d be simpler to write but to which address ? Is there an online form I can download ? Does this cater for backdating it for the past five years ?
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Lloyd.
In general terms, you only receive a Government Gateway ID number and password when you register for self assessment online (for the scenario you have described). You can register online here from this page: https://www.gov.uk/register-for-self-assessment
However, if you are solely applying for marriage allowance, you can do so from this online page: https://www.gov.uk/apply-marriage-allowance
You can backdate a marriage allowance for a period of four years.
I trust this information is of use.
Regards,
Nicholas
I don’t have my id or password can I create a new account
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Thomas.
If you have had a Government Gateway ID previously, you should attempt to be recover your details using this link: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/problems-signing-in
If you have never had a Government Gateway ID previously, you should register for HMRC Online Services via this link: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-register-hmrc-online-services/register
I trust this information is of use to you.
Regards,
Nicholas
What is a government gateway
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Rita.
Government Gateway is the online portal used by HMRC for use by the general public interacting with HMRC for certain things – such as self assessment and VAT registration.
I trust this information is of use to you.
Kind regards,
Nicholas
Ce este Government Gateway User ID Am facut si eu unul intamplator dar nu stiu pentru ce este daca se poate sa imi Explicati Va Rog
Google Translate to English: “What is Government Gateway User ID? I also made a random one but I don’t know what it is for if you can explain it to me. Please”
Thank you for your enquiry, Mihaela. Unfortunately we do not speak Romanian, however we can provide an answer in English.
A Government Gateway User ID is an ID generated by HMRC to allow you to access HMRC online services. It allows you to access things such as your VAT registration details for your company, etc.
I trust this information is of use to you.
Kind regards,
Nicholas
Got gateway ID think I need gateway number
Hi Bryan,
Thank you for your query. Please note that the only two pieces of information required to login to your Government Gateway account are your Government Gateway User ID and Government Gateway password. No such thing as a Government Gateway ID exists.
Kind regards,
Nicholas
Nicholas – I am a senior citizen and technically challenged. I want to claim a tax refund on line, but don’t know how to get my Government Gateway ID. I can produce the documents, but don’t know how to send on line.
Would I be better leaving well alone and await for HMRC to send the refund after 42 days?
Thank you for your kind enquiry, Freda.
Regarding how to obtain your Government Gateway ID, we would strongly recommend that you try to obtain assistance from somebody else to try to search your emails for your Government Gateway ID. This is the easiest way to find it. Alternatively, HMRC should be able to assist you if you call 0300 200 3310 between 8am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Due to Covid-19, we are aware that HMRC are experiencing operational delays in a number of departments; therefore, there is no guarantee that any refund will be sent to you after 42 days.
I hope the above is of help to you.
Kind regards,
Nicholas