Companies House Identity Verification Requirements: UK Law Guide 2025

Key Takeaways

1. Companies House identity verification is now mandatory for all company directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and anyone submitting filings—making compliance essential for UK businesses.
2. Verification requires approved documents like a valid photo ID. You can verify online, in person, or via an authorised company service provider (ACSP) such as an accountant.
3. Missing verification deadlines can lead to penalties, company delays, or even director disqualification—so act before the transition period ends.
4. Non-UK residents and those without photo ID have alternative options to meet identity verification requirements.
5. Using an ACSP, such as your accountant, can streamline the process and help you avoid errors and delays.
6. Accurate identity verification helps prevent fraud and keeps your company compliant under the latest UK law changes.
7. Incorrect or incomplete submissions risk legal disputes, rejected filings, or financial loss—attention to detail is critical.
8. Go-Legal AI is rated Excellent on Trustpilot, with over 170 five-star reviews for its streamlined compliance tools and support.

What Do the New Companies House Identity Verification Requirements Mean for Your Business?

The new Companies House identity verification requirements introduce a significant change for anyone involved in running or advising a UK company. If you are a director, PSC, secretary, or someone who files documents on a company’s behalf, you now have a statutory obligation to prove your identity to Companies House before key appointments or filings can be accepted.

These rules, arising from the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, aim to make UK companies more transparent and clamp down on fraud. Whether you’re registering a new company, maintaining an existing one, or serving as an agent (like an accountant or adviser), these changes will affect how you interact with Companies House from November 2025 onwards.

What Are the New Companies House Identity Verification Requirements for UK Businesses?

Starting November 2025, Companies House identity verification becomes a legal requirement across most business roles. The new law demands that individuals named on the UK public register—including directors, PSCs, secretaries, and those making filings—complete a verification process to prove they are real, verified people.

Verification can be completed digitally via Companies House’ portal, through a registered ACSP (such as your accountant or a company formation agent), or at selected UK physical locations.

Who Needs to Complete Companies House Identity Verification?

The new Companies House rules capture a wide group of people connected to a UK company or LLP:

• All company directors, regardless of company activity or status.
• Persons with significant control (PSCs)—anyone holding 25%+ shares, voting rights, or equivalent influence.
• Company secretaries, if your company has appointed one.
• Members of LLPs and corporate officers acting for companies/LLPs.
• “Presenters” or agents (such as external accountants or advisers who file documents).
• Insolvency practitioners, administrators, and certain corporate service providers.

Importantly, the rules don’t just apply to new companies or appointments. If you currently sit on the register as a director, PSC, or secretary—even for a dormant or dissolving company—you must complete identity verification within the official transition period.

What Documents Are Accepted for Companies House Identity Verification?

Companies House requires up-to-date, photo-based identification that matches your register details exactly. Accepted documents include:

• A valid passport (UK or most eligible foreign governments)
• UK photo driving licence (full or provisional)
• Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
• Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
• Frontier Worker Permit (FWP)
• Certain EEA/Swiss national ID cards, where accepted

If you cannot provide photo ID, Companies House may accept alternative documentation—usually your National Insurance number, confirmation from a UK-regulated bank or building society, and evidence of a UK address.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Complete Your Companies House Identity Verification

To successfully verify your identity with Companies House, follow these practical steps:

1. Collect your photo ID—Make sure you have a current passport, UK photo driving licence, or other accepted ID.
2. Check your details—Cross-check the spelling of your name, birthdate, and registered address against Companies House records.
3. Access the portal—Log in to Companies House’ digital verification system, see your ACSP, or book an in-person Post Office appointment.
4. Upload your documents—Scan or photograph your ID, and if prompted, complete a “liveness” check via photo or video.
5. Wait for approval—Most verifications receive a confirmation and unique personal code within 15 minutes. Some may take longer.
6. Update your company record—Use your new verification code to confirm your verified status for any directorship or relevant company role.
7. Save your evidence—Download and retain the verification statement as proof.
8. If using an ACSP—They provide your code and handle notifications to Companies House after performing the required checks.

What Are the Companies House Identity Verification Deadlines and Consequences for Non-Compliance?

Identity verification deadlines are rigid and tightly enforced:

• New appointments (directors, PSCs, etc.): Must verify before any new appointment or filing from 18 November 2025 onwards.
• Existing directors and PSCs: Must verify within the official transition window—expected to last 12 months from November 2025.
• Filers, presenters, and agents: Deadlines are likely to fall within the same period or shortly after.

Consequences of missing these deadlines:

• Unverified officers can’t be appointed: Filings will be blocked until verification is completed.
• Freezes on company filings: Inability to file annual returns, confirmation statements, or make key company changes.
• Financial penalties: Repeat failures can lead to fines between £50–£1,000 per missed filing or deadline.
• Escalating enforcement: Persistent breaches may trigger criminal prosecution or director disqualification, affecting your professional standing and business reputation.
• Serious commercial impact: Contracts, banking, and supplier onboarding may be blocked if your company falls out of good standing.

What Verification Options Exist for Non-UK Residents and Special Cases?

Companies House accommodates those without standard UK documents, as well as non-UK resident business owners. Alternative verification routes include:

• Using an eligible foreign passport or government ID card.
• Relying on a UK Biometric Residence document (if you have UK permissions).
• Appointing an ACSP (like a specialist accountant or company agent) to perform verification remotely.
• Arranging document checks at a UK Post Office, or requesting a special process (such as video verification) if travelling is not possible.
• Submitting a combination of supporting documents (bank statements, NI number, authorised translations) if you have no photo ID.

Using an Accountant, ACSP, or Solicitor for Companies House Verification: What You Need to Know

A growing number of directors and founders are choosing to verify through ACSPs or trusted professionals, particularly where:

• The business has non-UK residents on the board.
• Company officers are busy or unfamiliar with legal filings.
• Sensitive documents must be handled securely and confidentially.

How it works:

• Your ACSP (accountant, legal consultant, or company service provider) checks your identity documents, confirms accuracy, and handles the digital verification submission.
• The ACSP is regulated by law and must follow strict anti-fraud standards as set by Companies House.
• On completion, the ACSP provides your personal verification code and guides you through linking it to your officer role.

Companies House Identity Verification Checklist: Key Steps and Common Mistakes

Stay on track and avoid common errors with this essential checklist:

How Go-Legal AI Simplifies Companies House Identity Verification

Go-Legal AI enables business owners, directors, and advisers to comply quickly and confidently with Companies House’ new identity verification rules:

• Step-by-step workflows guide you through gathering documents, checking details, and submitting evidence.
• Real-time data validation uses AI to spot mismatches before you file, reducing the chance of rejection.
• Automated reminders and transition deadlines—never risk a missed date with role-based alerts for every officer or PSC.
• Integrated ACSP and adviser ratings—find the right specialist for your company structure and location.
• Comprehensive compliance dashboard—track status for all your roles and get instant proof of verification when needed.

Getting verification right from the start keeps your business operations seamless and prevents costly administrative delays. Try our platform to access up-to-date support, instant data checks, and easy-forward compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an ACSP and do I need one for Companies House identity verification?

An ACSP, or authorised company service provider, is a regulated professional adviser (accountant, company formation agent, or legal consultancy) permitted to check your ID and submit verification to Companies House for you. ACSPs simplify the process, particularly if you encounter issues with online verification. You don’t have to use one, but many business owners find it helpful.

Can I verify my identity for Companies House if I live outside the UK?

Yes. Non-UK residents can use international passports, ACSP support, and—if needed—translated documents or verified address evidence. The exact process depends on your documents and country of residence.

How long does Companies House identity verification take to approve?

Digital verifications take around 15 minutes when documents are correct. If you go through an ACSP or present in person, allow several working days for processing.

What if my verification is rejected or delayed by Companies House?

Double-check all names, addresses, and document details. Correction and re-submission can solve most issues. Persistent difficulties may mean using a registered ACSP or contacting Companies House by phone for manual resolution. Our troubleshooting team can also help diagnose and fix delays.

What happens if I don’t have a passport or UK driving licence?

Alternative evidence is possible: a BRP, FWP, or a combination of a National Insurance number, UK bank confirmation, and a verified UK address. You may also appoint an ACSP to guide you through the process and acceptable evidence for your situation.

Can I appoint more than one ACSP to handle identity checks?

Generally, one ACSP can submit verification per officer at a time. Switching providers is allowed if you change requirements or seek different expertise.

Will my business filings be rejected if a PSC fails identity verification?

Yes. A single unverified PSC or director is enough for Companies House to block major filings—temporarily freezing your company’s operations and risking late-filing penalties or contract delays.

Is there a fee for using Companies House verification services or ACSPs?

Direct Companies House digital verification is free. ACSPs charge professional fees, which typically range from £25–£150 per person according to complexity or speed required.

How do I update my details after completing Companies House ID verification?

Update your information by filing the relevant Companies House forms. If you change your name, address, or significant information, you may need to re-verify. Keep all records up to date to avoid compliance issues.

Are there special rules for dormant or dissolved companies regarding identity checks?

Yes. If you’re still listed as an officer or PSC—even for a dormant or dissolving company—you must complete verification as set out in the new Companies House rules.

Simplify Your Companies House Identity Verification Today

The ramifications of missing identity verification for Companies House are serious: blocked filings, regulatory fines, and delayed business operations. Proactive, accurate compliance is now non-negotiable—especially as Companies House ramps up active enforcement across all registered company roles.

Using our AI-powered workflow, you’ll receive tailored checklists, real-time document validation, and deadline alerts—saving you hours of administrative effort and shielding your business from risk. Whether you’re a founder, director, or third-party adviser, our tools give you clarity, confidence, and seamless compliance at every step.

Take control of your Companies House identity verification now—so you can build and grow your company without legal hassle or interruption.