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Order smartcards and smartcard readers

How to order smartcard readers directly from the NHS.

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This order form is only for Registration Authorities

Important information for smartcard reader users

If you are an individual user within a secondary care organisation and you need a smartcard or reader, or you are having issues with your smartcard, you must contact your local Registration Authority manager. Do not request an Oberthur Portal account or complete the reader request form.

If you are an individual within a primary care organisation (such as a GP practice or a pharmacy) and you need a smartcard or reader, or you are having issues with your smartcard, you must contact your local Registration Authority manager. Do not request an Oberthur Portal account or complete the reader request form.

Find your Registration Authority.

Supported smartcard readers

The supported HID Global smartcard readers are:

  • HID Omnikey 3121
  • HID Omnikey 5321CR (Contactless)
  • HID Omnikey 5022 (Contactless)

How to order HID Omnikey 3121 smartcard readers

Complete this form to order HID Omnikey 3121 smartcard readers.

You will need to provide details of:

  • your current stock
  • the type of smartcard reader in use in your organisation
  • the business reason for the number of readers requested

Supplies are limited, and you will also need to provide a detailed reason for your order, such as:

  • deployments for new systems - the date of the deployment and the number of users
  • new starters - the expected start date, business role(s) and systems they will be accessing
  • business as usual - overall number of smartcard users you are managing and your expected monthly requirement

Also include the organisations intended to receive the readers, if you provide a Registration Authority service to other organisations.

Approval of your request could be delayed if you do not provide sufficient detail to support the reason for your order.

How to order other smartcard readers

The HID Omnikey 5321CR (Contactless) is now end-of-life and cannot be ordered.

NHS England do not supply the HID Omnikey 5022 (Contactless) - you can only buy these from Universal Smart Cards.

Last edited: 11 August 2026 3:22 pm