TL;DR: A Peppol ID is a unique digital address (ISO 6523 standard) that allows the Peppol network to route your invoices to the correct recipient. You obtain one through a certified Access Point provider.

Table of Contents

1. What exactly is a Peppol Endpoint ID?
2. Peppol ID vs. VAT Number.
3. How to register for a Peppol ID in the UK.
4. Common setup mistakes.
5. Sharing your ID with partners.

What exactly is a Peppol Endpoint ID?

Think of a Peppol ID as the "email address" for your business's accounting system. Technically, it follows the ISO 6523-actorid-UPI format, which looks like a string of numbers (e.g., 0088:1234567890123). This identifier is registered in a global directory (the SMP), allowing any other Peppol user in the world to find and send an invoice to your business.

Peppol ID vs. VAT Number

While your VAT number identifies you for tax purposes, the Peppol ID identifies your technical endpoint. You cannot use a VAT number as a Peppol ID; you must have both for a compliant electronic invoice.

How to register for a Peppol ID in the UK

You cannot "create" a Peppol ID yourself. You must sign up with a certified Peppol Access Point (AP). The AP provider will:

1. Verify your business identity (KYC).
2. Assign you a unique identifier based on global standards.
3. Register your ID in the Service Metadata Publisher (SMP) so you are "discoverable".

Common setup mistakes

The most frequent error is attempting to manually enter identifiers into accounting software without validating them against the SMP. If the ID is malformed or unregistered, the network will reject your invoice instantly.

Sharing your ID with partners

Once you have your ID, you should include it in your business onboarding documents. Your customers will need this ID to ensure their invoices reach your system automatically rather than ending up in a generic email inbox.

FAQs

Do I need a separate ID for every business entity? Yes. Each legal entity with its own VAT registration typically requires its own unique Peppol ID.

Can I change my Peppol ID later? Generally, no. These are designed to be permanent. Changes usually only occur during legal restructuring of the business.

Is the Peppol ID public information? Yes, the ID and the associated Access Point are listed in the public SMP directory to facilitate global trade.