How to Set Up MyGovID: Ireland's Digital Identity for Over-60s

If you have tried to access an Irish government service online recently, checking your pension, renewing a driving licence, or viewing your tax records, you have probably been asked to log in with MyGovID. For many people over 60, that is where the process stops. Nobody explained what MyGovID is, why you need it, or how to get one. This guide does exactly that. 💚

Once it is set up, MyGovID becomes the key to dozens of government services from your phone or computer, with no queuing and no paperwork.

1. What is MyGovID and why do you need it?

MyGovID is Ireland's official digital identity. It is a secure login provided by the government that lets you access services from the Department of Social Protection, Revenue, the HSE, and many others, all from one account.

Think of it as a verified digital version of showing your passport at a counter. The government knows it is you, so you can see your own records, make changes, and apply for things online without having to appear in person.

There are two levels: a Basic account, which takes minutes to set up, and a Verified account, which is more powerful and requires one additional step.

Simple action: Go to mygovid.ie and read what services are available. You will likely find several you already use.

2. The difference between Basic and Verified MyGovID

A Basic MyGovID only requires an email address and a phone number. It gives you access to some services, but not all.

A Verified MyGovID confirms your identity against government records. It gives you full access, including Revenue's MyAccount, welfare services on welfare.ie, and your HSE health records. Most people will want the Verified level.

To get Verified, you need either a Public Services Card (PSC) or an Irish passport. You also need a PPS number.

If you already have a Public Services Card (the card you were issued when you registered for social welfare or the State Pension), you are most of the way there.

Simple action: Check whether you have a Public Services Card in your wallet. If you do, you can complete the Verified level in about ten minutes.

3. How to create your MyGovID account

Go to mygovid.ie and click "Register".

You will be asked to:

• Enter your email address and create a password
• Verify your email by clicking a link sent to your inbox
• Enter your mobile phone number. You will receive a text code each time you log in

That gives you a Basic account.

To upgrade to Verified, click "Verify your identity" after logging in. You will need your:

• PPS number
• Date of birth
• Public Services Card number (the one on the front of your card) or Irish passport number

The system checks these against government records. If everything matches, your account is verified within minutes.

Example: A 68-year-old in Cork used her Public Services Card to verify her MyGovID in eight minutes. She then logged into MyAccount on Revenue to check her tax credits, something she had always needed an accountant or phone call to do before.

💡 Tip: If you do not have a Public Services Card, you can get one by visiting your local Intreo office or Social Welfare office. Bring photo ID and your PPS number. The card is free and issued on the day in most offices. Find your nearest office at Gov.ie.

4. Logging in for the first time

Once your account is set up, every login works the same way:

1. Go to the service you want to use (e.g. myaccount.revenue.ie or welfare.ie)

2. Click "Log in with MyGovID"

3. Enter your email and password

4. Enter the six-digit code sent to your phone

That two-step process (password + phone code) is called two-factor authentication. It keeps your account secure even if someone else knows your password.

Simple action: After verifying your account, log in to myaccount.revenue.ie to see your tax credits and income details. Many people find something worth updating.

5. What you can do with a Verified MyGovID

Once verified, a few of the most useful things you can do:

• Revenue MyAccount: view your tax credits, submit a tax return, claim health expenses, check your pension income tax details
• welfare.ie: check your State Pension payments, update bank details, view your social insurance record
• HSE services: book certain health appointments, access your vaccination records, view eReferrals
• MyDrivingLicence: renew your driving licence online
• An Post: track parcels and manage deliveries
• Local authority services: pay rates, apply for housing support, and more depending on your county

The full list is at mygovid.ie/en/services.

💡 Tip: If you ever forget your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page. You will get a reset link by email. If you lose access to your phone number, contact the MyGovID helpline at 0818 928 518 and they can help you recover access.

Setting up MyGovID takes about ten minutes and saves hours over time. Once you have done it, the Irish government's online services are open to you, with no queuing, no forms, and no need to ask someone else to do it for you. 💛

If you are ready to get started, go to mygovid.ie and click Register. For more guides like this, browse Una's full guide library or sign up to our newsletter for practical updates every week.