New app replaces customer ID at Post Offices

Customers can now collect parcels and letters from Post Offices using an app on their phone to show their ID, instead of having to bring a document such as a passport or driving licence with them.

The Post Office EasyID app from Yoti is designed complement existing face-to-face verification using documents.

Among other benefits, Yoti says the app will make life easier for the millions of people who buy items online. It is also handy for those who miss a home mail delivery and choose to get it delivered to a local Post Office instead.

The free to download Post Office EasyID app can already be used for completing online transactions that require proof of identity 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 – and 12,000 retailers across the UK that already accept ID provided by Yoti.

“Our free-to-use Post Office EasyID app is all about making life a little bit easier for the millions of people who use our branches to collect their parcels and other mail,” said Nick Read, chief executive at the Post Office. “Having the app means you don’t need to show a physical copy of your driving licence or passport to prove your identity, meaning a quicker and safer experience in a branch.

“The app allows customers to build their own secure digital identity on their smartphone, enabling them to easily control and prove who they are to whichever business they want to interact with. We see this as an exciting opportunity for customers and postmasters alike and expect the app to become a standard way of verifying ID for many businesses nationwide.”

Unlocking the digital economy

Customers download the app from Android Play or the Apple App Store. They then verify their identity using documents such as a passport, driving licence or national ID card, and facial recognition software – like that used by automated airport barriers. 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.

Introducing the new Post Office EasyID app is the latest development in the Post Office’s strategy to embrace new technology and deliver improvements that help Postmasters operate more efficiently.

“As well as making the collection process faster, it will encourage people to choose delivery to Post Offices and help drive footfall,” said Read. “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.”

Robin Tombs, Co-Founder and CEO of Yoti cited the UK government’s statement that ‘a digital identity you can use easily and universally will be the cornerstone of future economies, unlock the digital economy, improve access to services, safeguard privacy and combat fraud.’ He said: “EasyID demonstrates that Post Office and Yoti are driving innovation that will benefit consumers, business and its own Postmasters alike.

“Together we will transform the way that people prove their identity in the UK. We’ll remove friction from ID processes online and on the high street and tackle the growing threat of identity fraud.”

99.7 percent of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.