Apply for Care ID

Staff can be invited to use this service to submit their identity documents and have them verified by an NHS Digital ID checker. Once their identity has been verified, a profile will be created for them in Care Identity Service (CIS) and they will receive an authenticator, such as a smartcard, authenticator app, fob or device to enable them to access national systems and services. 

Apply for Care ID can be used by Registration Authority (RA) managers, agents and sponsors as an efficient alternative to face-to-face registrations.

1. Create an applicant’s invitation  

Staff with the role of RA manager, agent or sponsor complete an online form with the applicant’s: 

• name
• email address - NHS or other (email domain allow list on CIS for user verification). We also accept Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, Outlook, icloud and MSN
• mobile number

This creates an email that is sent to the applicant inviting them to begin the process of verifying their identity.  

2. Applicant enters their details online

The applicant provides some personal details, including their: 

• national insurance number
• date of birth 

The service will use these details to check if they already have a profile in the Care Identity Service (CIS) database.  

If the applicant’s details are found in the CIS database, they will be advised to contact the person that invited them as they do not need to continue to verify their identity through Apply for Care ID.

If their details are not found in the CIS database, the applicant will be sent a link to download the Verify Care ID app to their mobile phone. 

3. Upload ID

The applicant will use the app to capture and submit their identity documents and a passport-style photo of their face. 

4. ID is checked

Automated checks

The service performs an automated check that the photo identity documents are:  

• easy to read
• appropriate to use 

Manual checks

If the application passes the automated check, a central NHS Digital team of ID checkers decide whether to approve or reject the application.

5. Care Identity Service profile is created

A profile is immediately created in Care Identity Service when the application is approved. 

The Registration Authority will issue the authenticator.