The UK’s long‑standing digital access system, Government Gateway, is gradually being replaced by GOV.UK One Login as part of a major modernisation of public‑facing digital services. Launched in 2001, Government Gateway has been the primary way taxpayers, businesses and agents access HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online services, requiring a unique 10‑ to 12‑character user ID and password. However, the Government Digital Service and HMRC are shifting to a more streamlined and secure login mechanism that will eventually be the single sign‑in for all government digital services.
GOV.UK One Login is designed to simplify how people prove their identity and sign in to government services by replacing multiple separate authentication systems with a unified login using just an email address and password. Once fully implemented across government, users will be able to use one set of credentials to access all eligible services, from tax accounts to passport applications and voter registration.
Image: GOV UK
From 9 February 2026, HMRC began allowing new customers without an existing Government Gateway account to register directly using GOV.UK One Login. New individual users can now create an account with just an email address and password rather than a Government Gateway user ID, marking the first phase in HMRC’s gradual adoption of the new system. Existing HMRC customers with Government Gateway credentials do not need to take action at this stage; they will be contacted when it’s time to transition to One Login.
Although One Login is now available for new registrants, the transition for existing HMRC users is being staged carefully. HMRC’s own guidance states that customers do not need to do anything differently until they are prompted to switch, and any current GOV.UK One Login accounts created for other government services (such as pensions or Companies House) cannot yet be used to sign in to HMRC services.
The staged rollout reflects HMRC’s broader transformation roadmap, which will see the move from Government Gateway to One Login conducted in phases. New individual customers without existing digital credentials are among the first to adopt the new system, while existing individuals and agents are scheduled to transition later. HMRC and other departments are also exploring technical options to support organisations and agent accounts once the core system is fully established.
For many taxpayers and agents, the immediate experience of signing in will not change dramatically. The familiar Government Gateway sign‑in will continue to function, and existing HMRC accounts will remain active until the One Login transition is complete. The current rollout strategy is focused on minimising disruption, refining the One Login experience and addressing any user‑experience issues before a full‑scale replacement.
Security remains at the heart of this transition. GOV.UK One Login offers enhanced identity verification processes, providing robust protection for sensitive tax and personal data. By centralising authentication across government services, the system also aims to reduce complexity for users while maintaining the high levels of security required for tax and financial information.
In summary, the replacement of Government Gateway with GOV.UK One Login marks a significant shift in how HMRC customers access online services. While the old system remains in use for now, HMRC has already begun to onboard new users through One Login, and existing customers will eventually be prompted to make the switch. The new approach promises easier login, stronger security and a unified experience across government digital platforms, but users need not worry about immediate changes until they are notified by HMRC.