Has anyone else run into this problem when replacing a deleted eSIM?

I accidentally deleted my eSIM and tried to request a replacement. The normal verification is a one-time code sent by SMS - except, of course, I can't receive the SMS because the eSIM I'm trying to replace has been deleted. 🤦

I contacted support through chat (which is so buggy) and provided the PIN from my iD Mobile account/app. Apparently that isn't enough.

The alternatives I was given were to provide a passport or driving licence PLUS a selfie through a third-party identity-verification service, or physically go to a Currys store.

I completely understand the need to prevent SIM-swap fraud, but this seems disproportionate and unnecessarily restrictive.

Not everyone has a passport or driving licence, and I'm not particularly comfortable handing sensitive identity documents and a selfie to a third party simply because I can't receive an SMS. Why can't iD offer alternative verification through the authenticated app/account, the account PIN, registered email, or a combination of account information?

And “go to Currys” isn't exactly a convenient alternative for a digital mobile service.

The frustrating part is the circular logic: to replace the eSIM that lets me receive texts, I need to receive a text on the eSIM I no longer have.

Has anyone found another way of getting a replacement eSIM without submitting passport/driving-licence documents or visiting Currys? And iD Mobile, could you explain what the process is for customers who don't have either form of ID?