Lost user ID or password
If you’ve forgotten the user ID or password you use to sign in, you can:
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 10 times.
Your account will unlock after 2 hours. Helpdesk advisers cannot unlock your account.
Check service availability and issues
Online services may be slow during busy times. Check if there are any problems with services.