An updated version of gov.uk allows people to apply for a new driving license, passport or to file a tax return via the Internet in a simpler way. It offers users to register securely using one login that securely stores their personal information.

Following months of closed testing with a few thousand citizens, the “Gov.UK Verify” version was finally launched for general users in the middle of October, expanding across more services, including tax credit renewals and CAP farm information.

The developers of the system claim that it is unique. Other countries that have introduced advanced online government services, like Estonia of Russia, rely on state identity cards, but the United Kingdom has rejected this option. It took the team behind the service 3 years to create the system, which involves checking a user’s identity against details from several sources, including credit reference agencies, utility bills, driving licenses and mobile provider bills.

The most interesting thing is that it doesn’t retain that data, and the credit checking companies don’t know what service is being used. They keep only your mobile or landline number to send verification codes for subsequent logins. When you log in, you will be asked to provide a user ID and password, and verify your identity by entering a code received to your mobile.

The users of the service have to be over 19, residing in the United Kingdom, and been resident for over a year. Apparently, this system means that a faked passport would not be enough to fool it: a very full false ID will be needed. Finally, the government system won’t pass on your private information, but would instead verify that you are who you claim to be. This has much in common with how Twitter and Facebook verify users’ identity to log in to third party websites, without sharing their users’ information.