What is FranceConnect exactly?

FranceConnect is a French government service that lets you log into over 1,400 public services with a single set of credentials. In the UK, GOV.UK One Login serves a similar purpose, and in Germany, BundID provides comparable functionality. Instead of creating a different account for each government website, you use existing credentials to log in everywhere.

Is government single sign-on secure?

Yes, these systems are developed and managed by government agencies. Your login credentials are never shared with third-party sites, and the connection is encrypted. There is no additional risk compared to logging in directly.

Do I need to create a new account?

No, that is the main advantage. You use an account you already have — your tax credentials, health insurance login, or verified postal identity.

Which services are accessible?

In France, over 1,400 public services accept FranceConnect, including tax, health insurance, pension, benefits and passport services. In the UK, GOV.UK One Login provides access to an increasing number of government services. In Germany, BundID connects to federal and state services.

What if I cannot log in?

First check your credentials work on the original site (tax or health insurance). If they work there but not via the single sign-on, clear your browser cache. As a last resort, contact the support service.

Government Digital ID Explained Simply for Seniors

Government single sign-on services let you access hundreds of public services online with credentials you already have. No more dozens of different passwords for tax, health, benefits or pension sites. This guide explains everything simply, step by step.

Transparency note: This article is purely informational and contains no commercial links.

Note for UK readers: This article was originally written about FranceConnect, the French government’s single sign-on service. In the UK, GOV.UK One Login serves a similar purpose, allowing you to access government services with one account. The principles described here apply across these systems.

Note for German readers: In Germany, BundID provides similar functionality, and is described in the German version of this article.

Doing administrative tasks online has become common across Europe. But for seniors, the multiplication of accounts and passwords is often a major barrier. Government single sign-on was created to simplify exactly this difficulty.

What is it?

The principle in one sentence

It is a login button provided by the government that lets you access many public sites using credentials you already have (your tax login, health insurance login, or postal identity).

A simple analogy

Imagine you have a key that opens your front door. Government single sign-on is like that same key also opening the door to the town hall, the health service, the benefits office and your pension provider. One key for everything.

Who manages it?

These services are developed by government digital agencies. They are public services, free and official. FranceConnect has been used by over 42 million French citizens since its launch in 2016 (DINUM figures, December 2025).

What can you use it for?

The most-used services for seniors

Tax services

File your tax return, view tax notices, pay property tax, report changes

Health insurance

Check reimbursements, download certificates, register your GP

Pension

Check pension amount, download payment certificates, report changes

Benefits

Check entitlements, run simulations, download certificates

Identity documents

Renew passport or ID card, update vehicle registration

How to log in: step-by-step tutorial

Step 1: Spot the button

On government websites, look for the single sign-on button on the login page. In France, it says “S’identifier avec FranceConnect” (blue button). In the UK, look for “Sign in with GOV.UK One Login”.

Step 2: Click the button

A window opens with a list of identity providers — the accounts you can use to log in.

Step 3: Choose your provider

Choose the account whose credentials you know best. For most seniors, this will be their tax or health insurance credentials.

Step 4: Enter your credentials

You are redirected to the site you chose. Enter your usual credentials.

An screen asks you to authorise sharing basic information (name, date of birth, email) with the site you want to access. Click Authorise or Continue.

Step 6: You are logged in

You are automatically redirected to the original site, logged in and ready to do your task. The whole operation takes less than a minute.

Enhanced security version

For the most sensitive tasks (medical records, financial data, voting proxies), an enhanced version may be required. This typically requires a verified digital identity, often set up in person at a post office or using a government identity app.

Security in detail

Your credentials are never shared

When you use single sign-on, your credentials stay with the identity provider. The site you are logging into never receives your password — only a confirmation that you are who you claim to be.

How to protect yourself from phishing

Always check the URL starts with https:// and contains the official domain
Never click a link in an email asking you to log in via single sign-on — go directly to the site
The service will never email you asking for your password
When in doubt, contact the official support number

Common problems and solutions

”I can’t find my tax credentials”

Your tax reference number appears on your tax notices. For a forgotten password, go directly to the tax website and click Forgotten password.

”The button doesn’t appear”

Check JavaScript is enabled in your browser (it is by default)
Try another browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari)
Clear your browser cache
Check your browser is up to date

Getting help near you

In France, over 2,750 France Services offices provide free in-person help with digital administration. In the UK, local libraries and Citizens Advice centres offer similar digital support. In Germany, look for Digitallotsen or local Buergerbueros.

Quick guide: summary in 5 steps

Go to the government website you need
Click the single sign-on button
Choose your identity provider (tax, health insurance, etc.)
Enter your usual credentials
Authorise sharing and you are logged in

The first time takes a bit longer as you need to find your credentials. From the second use, it becomes quick and natural.

Editorial note

Sources consulted: DINUM (French digital agency) data December 2025, ARCEP digital barometer 2025, Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr 2024 report, La Poste digital identity figures 2025.

Limitations: Government website interfaces change regularly. Steps correspond to March 2026 versions. The number of compatible services evolves constantly.

Verification date: 26 March 2026

Conflicts of interest: None. This article contains no commercial links.

Questions fréquentes

: FranceConnect is a French government service that lets you log into over 1,400 public services with a single set of credentials. In the UK, GOV.UK One Login serves a similar purpose, and in Germany, BundID provides comparable functionality. Instead of creating a different account for each government website, you use existing credentials to log in everywhere.
: Yes, these systems are developed and managed by government agencies. Your login credentials are never shared with third-party sites, and the connection is encrypted. There is no additional risk compared to logging in directly.
: No, that is the main advantage. You use an account you already have — your tax credentials, health insurance login, or verified postal identity.
: In France, over 1,400 public services accept FranceConnect, including tax, health insurance, pension, benefits and passport services. In the UK, GOV.UK One Login provides access to an increasing number of government services. In Germany, BundID connects to federal and state services.
: First check your credentials work on the original site (tax or health insurance). If they work there but not via the single sign-on, clear your browser cache. As a last resort, contact the support service.