Passkeys are being rolled out across GOV.UK One Login, providing over 23 million users with a faster and more secure method to access government services. This includes services such as renewing a driver’s licence or accessing childcare support.
Users can sign in securely using their fingerprint, Face ID, or PIN, eliminating the need to remember or type a password. Passkey logins are up to eight times faster than using a username, password, and two-step verification code.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock stated that passkeys aim to make government services simpler and safer, while offering stronger protection against fraudsters. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends passkeys as a more secure alternative to passwords, noting they cannot be intercepted, reused, or stolen.
Jonathon Ellison, NCSC Director for National Resilience, highlighted that passkeys offer a highly phishing-resistant alternative to passwords. The biometric or PIN information used for a passkey remains on the user’s device and is not stored or seen by GOV.UK One Login.
Passkeys are optional, allowing users to continue signing in with a password if they prefer.