Verifying your identity with ScotAccount

You can use ScotAccount to verify your identity. Some public services will need you to do this before you can use their services.

You must live in the UK to verify your identity online with ScotAccount.

If you have photo ID

The easiest way to verify your identity is by using a photo ID. ScotAccount accepts the following photo IDs:

• passport – this can be from any country
• UK photocard driving licence – full or provisional licence
• European driving licence – full licence only
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• European national identity card
• Young Scot National Entitlement Card

You’ll also need access to a phone, tablet or computer with a camera. ScotAccount will ask you to take photos of your photo ID and your face. They’ll then check that the photos match other information about you.

It should only take around 10 minutes to verify your identity online. If you need to stop the process and come back to complete it later, you can. ScotAccount will save the information you've entered. Once you've started the process of verifying your identity, you must complete it within 7 days.

If you do not have photo ID

If you do not have photo ID, you cannot currently verify your identity online. Once you’ve set up your ScotAccount, you’ll be able to return to the service you want to access. They’ll tell you what to do next to verify your identity.

If you live outside the UK

If you live outside the UK, you may be asked to set up a ScotAccount as part of accessing some services, like Disclosure Scotland. But you cannot verify your identity online – you’ll need to do it in another way. The service you’re using will tell you what you need to do.

How ScotAccount uses your information

ScotAccount uses a company called Experian to do identity checks. These checks will not affect your credit file or your credit rating.

ScotAccount uses Cifas for fraud prevention checks.

To find out more about how ScotAccount stores and uses your personal information, see the ScotAccount privacy notice.