We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Set cookie preferences

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

ScotAccount

Verifying your identity with ScotAccount

Last updated
13 Nov 2025

You can use ScotAccount to verify your identity. Some public services will need you to do this before you can use their services. The service will tell you how to sign in to or create a ScotAccount to start the process of verifying your identity. 

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
  • European national identity card
  • Young Scot National Entitlement Card (NEC)

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.

You'll need to take photos when ScotAccount asks you to. You cannot upload photos or documents you already have. 

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 a suitable photo ID, or if you cannot use a device with a camera, you may still be able to verify your identity online. You can try to do this by answering questions about your personal details or any bank accounts, mortgages, loans or credit cards you may have.

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.

Back to top