Setting up an NHS account

When helping someone verify their identity for full NHS account access, explain they can use a valid (not expired):

• passport
• UK driving licence (full or provisional)
• european driving license (full)
• european national identity card
• UK residence card or UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
• UK application registration card (ARC)
• a valid UK entry clearance video a sticker
• CitizenCard

Guide them to open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). 

Search for NHS App and install it

Or direct them to the NHS account section on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-login/

Guide them to enter their email address and continue.

Help them to create a secure password.

Ensure they accept the NHS login terms and conditions.

A security code will be sent to their email. Help them to locate and enter this code.

Guide them to enter their mobile phone number.

A security code will be sent to their phone. Help them enter this code. 

Option A - Using photo ID with face scan (this must be done on a device with a camera)

Take a photo of their ID.

Complete an automated face scan to match with the photo ID when prompted.

Help them enter their date of birth.

Help them enter their NHS number OR name and postcode. 

Option B - Using photo ID with video verification

Take a photo of their ID.

Record a short video of the person saying 4 random numbers (or signing 4 numbers in British Sign Language). This can be done using the device’s camera, or you can instruct the person to take a video on another device and send it as an attachment using their email – then log in to their email on the computer and add the attached video to set up the account..

Help them enter their date of birth.

Help them enter their NHS number OR name and postcode.

When they have been verified, they will receive an email confirmation of this. If verification check has failed, they will receive a rejection email stating the reason they were not verified.

If someone doesn’t have suitable ID, they can still create an NHS account. They will need to contact their GP surgery to request an online account.

They should then be provided in a 'Patient Online Details’ document from their GP surgery. This is a letter, email or text message with the below 3 pieces of information:

• the ODS code of their GP practice (also known as an Organisation Code or Practice ID)
• an Account ID
• a linkage key or passphrase

When they have these details, arrange for them to come back and to bring the details with them, or arrange for them to follow the below instructions:

1. Download the NHS App or go to the NHS account www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/online-services/nhs-login/
2. Create an NHS login as described above (email, password, verification codes).
3. During the verification process, select How to prove who you are without photo ID.
4. Select Yes I use online services.
5. Select Yes  I have all 3 details.
6. Enter the ODS code, account ID, and linkage key or passphrase.
7. Enter their full name and date of birth.