The Post Office has launched EasyID, a new free-to-download app that lets customers use their phone to prove their identity when collecting parcels and letters.
The result of a partnership with digital identity company Yoti, EasyID is intended to complement existing face-to-face verification using documents like a passport or driving licence, and is available for both Android and Apple devices.
The app can already be used for completing online transactions that require proof of identity and can be used across the UK at:
- 10,500 Post Offices for mail collection.
- 5,000 Post Offices that offer National Lottery ticket purchases or for claiming prizes under £500.
- 13,000 Payzone outlets within convenience stores as a proof of identity or a proof of age for example when buying a national lottery ticket or age-restricted items such as cigarettes.
- 12,000 retailers across the UK that already accept ID provided by Yoti.
After downloading the app, customers verify their identity using documents such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card, and facial recognition software. This creates a secure digital ID on their mobile device, including their photo and date of birth, which is protected by their biometrics and a PIN, and can be presented in Post Offices and shops.
Post Office boss Nick Read said the app brought a range of particular advantages for Postmasters: “As well as making the collection process faster, it will encourage people to choose delivery to Post Offices and help drive footfall. In addition, the app can be used for proof of age in Post Offices and shops, to buy age-restricted items including lottery tickets and medicines.”
