HMRC Gateway Code is a 12-digit activation code that is given within 10 days of enrolling for a new online service, or 21 days if you live abroad.

How do I activate my Government Gateway activation code?

1. Go to HMRC’s login page.
2. Click the GREEN sign in button.
3. Click “Create sign in details”
4. Enter your email address where asked.
5. You will now be emailed a confirmation code.
6. You will now be issued with a User ID for your government gateway account.

Problems signing in

You can get help with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) services if you have problems signing in.

Lost user ID or password

If you’ve forgotten the user ID or password you use to sign in, you can:

• recover your user ID
• reset your password
• recover your user ID and password

If you’ve lost your activation code

You’ll get a 12-digit activation code within 10 days of enrolling for a new online service, or 21 days if you live abroad. You do not get a code for the personal tax account.

If you lose your code within 28 days of enrolling, sign in to HMRC online services and ask for a new code.

If your code has expired

Sign in to HMRC online services and enrol for the service (for example Self Assessment) again.

It may take up to 10 days for your code to arrive, or 21 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 user ID or password 5 times.

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