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UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: Portal Login Guidance

Updated 13 November 2025

1. Glossary

Helpdesk	UKSV Helpdesk Web Portal or Contact UKSV
NSV	National Security Vetting
NSVS	National Security Vetting Solution
PIN	Personal Identification Number - additional information can be found in the PIN section of this guide
Sponsor	An authorised individual who is responsible for initiating an application for National Security Vetting
Applicant	An individual who is applying for National Security Vetting
Vetting Clearance Holder	An individual who holds DV, SC, Level 1B or CTC security clearance
UKSV	United Kingdom Security Vetting

2. The NSVS Portal

National Security Vetting Solution (NSVS) is the current platform for the UK’s security vetting capability. The NSVS Internet Portal enables National Security Vetting applications and other forms to be initiated, completed and submitted by secure electronic means.

For guidance on completing a vetting clearance application, please refer to this link.

3. Account Activation

This section explains:

• How to activate your User Account
• The confirmation you will receive when your User Account has been activated
• What to do if you lock yourself out of your User Account

3.1 How to activate your User Account

3.1.1 Step 1

Once your Sponsor has set-up your NSVS User Account, you will receive an account activation email from UKSV. Follow the instructions in the email and click on the relevant link – this will take you to the ‘Account Activation’ screen.

The first link in the activation email is for the initial activation of your User Account. The second is to be used for all subsequent access to the NSVS Portal.

Important points to remember

We recommend that:

• you save the second link to your Browser favourites.
• you use Microsoft or Google Chrome browsers to access the portal. Other browsers may not work correctly.

3.1.2 Step 2

To set up your user account, add the information requested on the Account Activation screen using exactly the same details that you provided to your Sponsor.

You are also required to read the Security Operating Procedures. Once you have done this, please tick the box to confirm you have read and agree to abide by these procedures.

3.1.3 Action to take if you lock your user account

If you input any of the information incorrectly more than five times, your User Account will lock. To resolve this you will need to contact your Sponsor in the first instance.

Once you have completed and submitted the information correctly the ‘Activate your user account’ screen will appear.

3.1.4 Step 3

You are required to activate your User Account.

This screen also includes your assigned encryption PIN (Personal Identification Number).

Please note that:

• You will not be able to access this information again. Make a note of the 6-figure PIN and keep it safe. 
• When creating a username, use wording that makes it obvious which portal account it is for. For example, you may be required to create multiple usernames for different forms like the annual Security Appraisal Form.

Enter the required information e.g. usernames, password, using the on-screen guidance.

Click the ‘Activate’ button and you will see a message confirming that your account has been activated.

4. Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)

This section explains:

• The purpose of the encryption PIN

• Where to find your PIN

• The consequences of resetting your PIN

4.1 The purpose of the encryption PIN

A PIN is a unique 6-figure number used to encrypt personal data on the NSVS portal. It is a security item and should not be shared with anyone. The purpose of the encryption PIN is to provide an extra layer of security to NSVS in addition to the Username and Password requirement. You will need your PIN every time you access your NSV application.

4.2 Where to find your PIN

PINs are generated by NSVS - you cannot create your own. You will be notified of your 6- figure PIN on the ‘Activate your user account’ screen. This is the only time you will be shown this information, so it is important to take a note of it. For further guidance see the Account Activation section.

4.3 Resetting your PIN

The ‘My Account’ section provides guidance on how to reset your PIN. There are consequences to re-setting your PIN (see Section 4.4), so it is not recommended that you take this action unless it is essential.

4.4 Consequences of resetting your PIN

Re-setting your PIN will lock all un-submitted personal data in your NSV application and other forms. This means you will have to complete it again. This is because the information you enter is encrypted and can only be accessed using the original PIN.

5. ‘My Account’

This section explains how to:

• Change your password
• Access your account if you have forgotten your username
• Access your account if you have forgotten your password
• Request a new PIN
• Withdraw your application

‘My Account’ can be found from the navigation tabs at the top of the Home screen.

5.1 Change your password

The ‘Change Password’ link on the Home Screen enables you to change your password. Click on the link and follow the instructions. Changing your password will result in any un-submitted personal data in your NSV application and other forms being locked.

5.2 Action to take if you have forgotten your username

When you click on the ‘Forgotten your Username?’ link you will be asked to provide your forename, surname and the email address you used to create your User Account. Press ‘Submit’ and an email containing your username will be sent to you.

If you have not received an email within 24 hours:

• check your junk or spam folders.
• check that you have provided the same email address you used when initially creating your account.

5.3 Action to take if you have forgotten your password

When you click on the ‘Forgotten your Password?’ link you will be asked to provide your username (you may want to consider clicking on the ‘Forgotten your Username?’ link first to check you are using the correct one). Press ‘Submit’ and an email containing further information will be sent to you. 

If you have not received an email within 24 hours:

• check your junk or spam folders.
• check that you have provided the same email address you used when initially creating your account.

5.4 Forgotten your PIN

You can use the ‘Forgotten PIN’ link on this screen to re-set your PIN. Resetting your PIN will result in all the unsubmitted personal data on your NSV application and other forms being locked. Please read the PIN section for more information.

5.5 Withdraw Application

Although the vetting process is voluntary, withdrawing your application may impact your ability to work in your current or future role. Please speak to your Sponsor before selecting this option.