How to Verify Your Identity with Companies House
Step-by-step guide to verifying your identity and obtaining your Companies House personal code. Required for directors and PSCs from 2025.
What You'll Need
- Valid UK passport or driving licence
- Smartphone with camera (for online verification)
- GOV.UK One Login account (or create one)
- Your Companies House company number
Step-by-Step Guide
Check if you need to verify
All company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity before filing confirmation statements from Spring 2025.
- •This is a new requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act
- •Existing directors must verify - not just new appointments
- •PSCs have separate deadlines from directors
Choose your verification method
You can verify online through GOV.UK One Login, through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), or in person at a Post Office.
- •GOV.UK One Login is free and usually fastest
- •ACSPs include accountants, solicitors, and formation agents
- •Post Office verification available if online isn't suitable
Gather your identity documents
You'll need valid photo ID (UK passport or driving licence) and proof of address. International IDs may be accepted through an ACSP.
- •UK passport or photocard driving licence for online verification
- •Proof of address may be needed for some methods
- •Documents must be valid and not expired
Complete online verification (GOV.UK One Login)
Create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login account. Follow the identity verification prompts including photo ID scan and selfie.
- •Use the 'Verify your identity for Companies House' service
- •You'll need a smartphone for photo capture
- •Process usually completes in minutes
Receive your personal code
Once verified, you'll receive your unique personal code. This code is linked to your verified identity.
- •Keep your personal code secure
- •You'll need this code for every confirmation statement
- •Code is personal - don't share it with others
Use your code when filing
Include your personal code when filing confirmation statements. The filing will be rejected if valid codes aren't provided for all directors.
- •All directors' codes must be included
- •PSC codes have their own submission requirements
- •WebFiling email must match your Companies House account
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not verifying before your confirmation statement is due
Using expired identity documents
Mismatching email addresses between accounts
Assuming existing directors don't need to verify
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs to verify their identity with Companies House?
All company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and anyone filing on behalf of a company must verify their identity. This is a new requirement being rolled out from 2025 to improve transparency and prevent fraud on the UK company register.
What documents do I need to verify my identity?
You will need a valid UK passport or UK driving licence for the online verification process. If you do not have these, you can verify through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) who can accept a wider range of identity documents.
Is there a deadline to verify my identity with Companies House?
Companies House is phasing in identity verification requirements. New directors and PSCs will need to verify first, with existing officers given a transition period. Check the Companies House website for the latest timeline, as specific deadlines are being announced in stages.
What happens if I do not verify my identity?
Failure to verify your identity when required will mean you cannot file documents with Companies House or be appointed as a new director. Existing directors who fail to verify within the transition period may face restrictions on filing and potential penalties.
Can I verify my identity online or do I need to go somewhere?
Most people can verify entirely online through the Companies House identity verification service using a UK passport or driving licence. If you cannot verify online, you can use an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) who will verify your identity in person or remotely.
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