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Access for Local Smartcard Unlockers –
Update from 3rd October 2023
Please see the information below we have been asked to
circulate on behalf of The Health Informatics Service.
On 3rd October 2023, Local Smartcard Unlockers will be able to perform their full unlocker role in Care Identity Management:
 
  • Search for and view user profiles.
  • Unlock a smartcard.
  • Renew a smartcard, if the card is within its certificate renewal period.
 
After 3rd October 2023, Unlockers should stop using the Care Identity Service application and start using Care Identity Management instead.

 
Self-service Smartcard Unlock

The new self-service smartcard unlock application is now available to all smartcard holders: https://digital.nhs.uk/unlock.
 
Smartcard holders can automatically use the new application if they have a valid email address on their Care Identity profile (please see the guide here on how they can add their own e-mail address). This means:
 
  • There's no need to register.
  • There are no security questions to remember.
  • Nobody needs to take their card to a Registration Authority to have it unlocked.
  • Everyone can access the application using a regular internet connection.
 
When a user locks their card, the existing link on NHS Identity Agent will redirect to the new service. For full details of the new application, read our guidance on the new self-service smartcard unlock.
 

If anyone wishes to reset their passcode, the new format is 6-8 numbers only.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 
Kind regards,

Melanie Hill, Registration Authority Manager
The Health Informatics Service