HMRC online services: sign in or set up an account

Skip contents

Get help with signing in to HMRC online services

You can get help with signing in to HMRC’s online services if you’re having problems.

Lost user ID or password

You can recover or reset your sign in details if you’ve lost them. You’ll be told how to do this when you try to sign in.

If you’re asked for an activation code

You may need to enter a 12-digit activation code the first time you use a HMRC service.

You’ll have been told if you need an activation code when you enrolled for the service. You’ll get your activation code by post within 10 days (21 days if you live abroad).

If you need a new activation code

If you cannot find your activation code or if your code has expired you can request a new one.

  1. Sign in to HMRC online services.

  2. Select ‘request a new activation code’ or enrol for the service again.

You’ll get your new code by post within 10 days (21 days if you live abroad).

If you’ve been locked out of your account

You will be locked out of your account if you enter the wrong sign in details too many times.

Your account will unlock after 2 hours. Helpdesk advisers cannot unlock your account.

Service availability and issues

Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with services.

Get help with other problems

You can ask HMRC’s digital assistant for help with using HMRC online services.

If the digital assistant cannot help, you can ask to be transferred to a webchat with an HMRC adviser, if they’re available.

You can also get help with: