GOV.UK ID Check

Name: GOV.UK ID Check
Rating: 4.79 (84523 reviews)
Author: Government Digital Service

Securely confirm your identity for select government services

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GOV.UK ID Check provides a secure and convenient way to verify your identity when accessing select UK government services through GOV.UK One Login. Using your Android phone (version 10 or higher), the app matches your face to a valid photo ID such as a UK photocard driving licence, UK or non-UK biometric passport, or various biometric residence permits. It supports expired residence permits up to 18 months past expiry.

The app works by capturing photos of your ID and scanning the biometric chip if present, followed by a facial scan. Your personal data is securely handled, not stored on your device, and deleted once verification is complete. After verification, you return to the government service website to view your identity check results, ensuring both convenience and privacy.

Privacy & Security Government Utilities

By:

Government Digital Service

Downloads:

3,308,318+ 49.18K

Rating:

4.79

(84,523) 1,025 new ratings

Version:

1.18.0 Last updated: 2025-03-05

Version code:

1733318810

Creation date:

2022-10-28

Permissions:

android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID
android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION
android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE
android.permission.CAMERA
android.permission.INTERNET
android.permission.NFC
android.permission.VIBRATE
android.permission.WAKE_LOCK
com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE
uk.gov.documentchecking.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION

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Size:

41.57M

Email:

ID*****@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk

URLs:

Full description:

See detailed description ⏷

Source:

Google Play Store

Updated:

a day ago

Ranking

# 28,648 ▲ 306

User reviews

User reviews of GOV.UK ID Check highlight significant issues with authentication and linking the app to government accounts, leading to repeated failures and frustration. Many report unclear or insufficient instructions, causing confusion in starting the process or using the app effectively. Facial recognition struggles, especially with ethnic minority users or those with beards, further complicate verification. On the positive side, when successful, the app provides a relatively quick and smooth verification experience, syncing well with computers and reducing manual data entry. However, the app's technical and usability problems hinder widespread user satisfaction.

Pros

Once working, the app offers a quick and smooth identity verification process, linking well with government services.
Clear and simple instructions when visible, making the app easy to use for those who get it to function.
Facial scan and passport scanning features reduce the need for typing extensive data manually.
Ability to sync between mobile app and computer for streamlined ID verification.
Effective biometric verification for certain users after multiple attempts.

Cons

App frequently fails to link or authenticate with the GOV.UK website, causing repeated restarts.
Poor or unclear instructions on app usage, especially regarding linking accounts, browser requirements, and process steps.
Face scan recognition issues, particularly for ethnic minorities and users with facial hair, causing multiple failed attempts.
Problems with camera noise control and intrusive sounds during photo capture.
Compatibility and functionality issues depending on browsers used (e.g., Firefox not supported) and device restrictions.
App glitches like session timeouts shortly after verification leading to starting over.
Lack of clear communication about starting the process on computer vs. phone, causing confusion and wasted attempts.

Recent reviews

Amazing in theory, abysmal in practice. I've been going around in circles just trying to link the app with my account! One week later and I'm unable to authenticate myself using my fancy new passport. The app simply gives up, much like the website. Please sort this out, as it would be amazing for everyone if it simply worked as designed!

Sanyamatma, 2025-01-27

Top many tries to get it to work. Finally worked when I switched to starting the process from my computer. It should say the restrictions, e.g. if it's better to start from the computer so people don't spend time trying to make it work from the mobile phone browser