Post Office have announced a partnership with digital identity company Yoti which will allow customers to create a reusable ID on their phone using personal and biometric data.

Yoti said the tie up would allow the company to expand its presence in the identity services market and roll-out a suite of new products.

The service will also include in-branch services for consumers without smartphones, according to Post Office.

The partnership will enable companies to use Post Office and Yoti identity verification services for fraud detection, as well as e-signatures and customer authentication services including biometric face matching and liveness detection.

Post Office said it continues to embrace new technology and the expansion into the identity services market – which they said is worth between £2 and £4 billion per annum and is growing at 5 per cent a year - forms part of its efforts to remain relevant in the digital age.

The announcement said the Post Office digital identity app will launch in Spring, and that customers will have choice about what information they share.
Post Office added that the app will mean users will not need to carry a driver’s licence or passport to prove their identity, and they will be able to use the app for online and in person transactions including bank account applications, job applications, mortgage applications, proof of age, picking up parcels and travel.

As part of the partnership, 750 Post Offices will initially offer the new in-branch services, which will enable those people without a smartphone, secure internet access, or photo ID to complete their identity verification at a Post Office.

In addition, those who prefer face-to-face transactions will be able to have their identity verified by a Postmaster in-branch.

“Post Office is embracing new technologies and this partnership will enhance our reputation as the trusted go-to destination for identity solutions,” said Nick Read, chief executive at Post Office. “Whether it’s proving your identity on a smartphone or face-to-face with a Postmaster, we will make transactions faster and simpler than ever before.”

“I am delighted that Post Office and Yoti are joining forces to expand our identity services.”

He added: “We have an ambitious strategy to deliver a unique offer to the market that integrates digital and physical identity verification at scale benefitting both individuals and businesses.”

Robin Tombs, chief executive at Yoti, said: “I’m proud to announce Yoti’s partnership with the Post Office, together we’ll make it simpler and safer to prove who you are and know who you’re dealing with, anywhere in the UK."

“Seven years ago, Yoti set out to fix the broken identity system. Trust is critical in the emerging digital ID space and our plan has always been to partner with the Post Office, which I believe is one of the most trusted brands in the UK.”

“We have already invested over £85m creating a world-leading ID platform that removes the friction from outdated ID processes, puts individuals in control of their identity, preserves privacy and helps reduce identity fraud.”

Share Story: