Can I have more than one Gateway ID?

Yes, it's possible to have more than one Government Gateway ID, but it's not recommended. Having multiple IDs can cause confusion when accessing your tax records. If you do have more than one, you should contact HMRC to merge them.

Is my Government Gateway ID the same as my UTR?

No. Your Gateway ID is a 12-digit login number, while your UTR is a 10-digit tax reference used for Self Assessment. They serve different purposes.

What do I do if I forget my Gateway ID password?

You can reset your password through the HMRC sign-in page. You'll need your user ID and access to your registered email or mobile phone to receive a reset code.

Do I need a Government Gateway ID to file a tax return?

Yes, you'll need a Government Gateway ID to sign in to HMRC online services and file your Self Assessment tax return. Your UTR is used to identify your tax records, but the Gateway ID is your login.

Government Gateway ID — definition

A Government Gateway user ID is a 12-digit number you use, with a password, to sign in to HMRC online services and your Personal Tax Account. It is a login credential, not a tax reference: it is different from your UTR and National Insurance number.

Reviewed 18 August 2026 · Software guidance, not tax advice.

In one paragraph

Your Government Gateway user ID is a 12-digit number that, together with a password, lets you sign in to HMRC online services and your [Personal Tax Account]. It's simply a login credential – not a tax reference. It doesn't identify you to HMRC for tax purposes; it just proves you're allowed into the system.

Gateway ID vs UTR vs NI number

These three numbers do different jobs:

Government Gateway ID: 12 digits, used for logging in.
UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference): 10 digits, used for tax returns and payments. See our guide to UTR numbers.
National Insurance number: letters and digits, used for your tax and National Insurance record.

You'll need your Gateway ID to access your tax account, but you'll quote your UTR when dealing with Self Assessment.

Recovering a lost ID

If you've lost your Government Gateway ID, you can recover it through the HMRC sign-in page. Choose the 'sign in' option and follow the 'find your user ID' link. You'll need to answer some security questions or use the email address you registered with. Once you've confirmed your identity, HMRC will show you your ID again.

Related terms

[Personal Tax Account]
UTR number

Frequently asked questions

Can I have more than one Gateway ID?: Yes, it's possible to have more than one Government Gateway ID, but it's not recommended. Having multiple IDs can cause confusion when accessing your tax records. If you do have more than one, you should contact HMRC to merge them.
Is my Government Gateway ID the same as my UTR?: No. Your Gateway ID is a 12-digit login number, while your UTR is a 10-digit tax reference used for Self Assessment. They serve different purposes.
What do I do if I forget my Gateway ID password?: You can reset your password through the HMRC sign-in page. You'll need your user ID and access to your registered email or mobile phone to receive a reset code.
Do I need a Government Gateway ID to file a tax return?: Yes, you'll need a Government Gateway ID to sign in to HMRC online services and file your Self Assessment tax return. Your UTR is used to identify your tax records, but the Gateway ID is your login.