Companies House Director Identity Verification: Quick Guide

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Last Updated on December 22, 2025 by Joy Kyalo

The introduction of identity verification requires company directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and members of a limited liability partnership (LLP). Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Bill 2022, existing and new company officers must be verified within the set timelines to avoid incurring penalties or even possible strike-off of the company.

Now that Companies House has verified the mandatory date of identity verification, November 18, 2025, all new company directors, PSCs, LLP members, and those filing company documents on behalf of the company must verify their identity.

While this may seem like a straightforward process, without understanding what is required, companies may not be approved, leading to non-compliance. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Companies House director identity verification.

Key Takeaways

Identity verification becomes mandatory for directors, PSCs, and LLP members from 18 November 2025.
Verification can be completed via Companies House or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Failure to verify may lead to penalties, criminal offences, or company strike-off.
A unique verification code must be kept safe, as it’s required to link your role at Companies House.

Post Contents

Who needs to verify their identity with Companies House?

Let us understand who needs to verify their identity with Companies House, as not every company member is required to do so. For transparency purposes, Companies House requires the owner of the company and those with ultimate control and responsibility to verify their identity. This ensures that no anonymous company is incorporated without Companies House’s knowledge.

Identity verification makes it easier for Companies House to ensure every entrepreneur who incorporates a company in the UK is who they claim to be. This prevents criminal activities and deters directors with the aim to conduct economic crime.

Those required to verify their identity include;

Directors (new or existing)
New or existing people with significant control (PSCs)
Secretary (if applicable)
Members of an LLP ((including general partner and individual managing officers of general partners who are legal entities)
People who file documents on behalf of the company
Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

What are the timelines of identity verification?

Identity verification was introduced in phases. The phases include:

March 18, 2025 – The registration of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs). These are third-party companies that file on behalf of companies. They can include an accountant, a UK company formation agent, a solicitor, professional trustees, and software providers, among others.

For ACSP registration, the company must provide company information, including the Anti-Money Laundering supervisory body membership number. The individual making the application must also verify their identity.

April 8, 2025 – Voluntary registration for companies and individuals. This phase was to ensure both the company and individuals become familiar with the system.

November 18, 2025 – Mandatory phase for new companies being incorporated, new appointments of company directors or PSCs, and companies that must file confirmation statements past the mandatory phase. The company incorporation application will be rejected for those who do not verify their identity.

Spring 2026 – All existing company directors, PSCs, and LLP members must have verified their identity. ACSPs and verified company officers are the only ones who will be permitted to file documents on behalf of the company.

How to complete Companies House director identity verification

You can complete Companies House identity verification in two ways;

Through Companies House
Through an ACSP

Option 1: Through Companies House

If you choose to verify directly with Companies House, you will need to use the GOV.UK One Login service, which is free of charge. To verify identity with Companies House, you will need:

A biometric passport (any nationality), or
A UK photocard driving licence

This process will ask you some questions to help determine the best way to verify your identity online. Depending on your answers, it will guide you to use the GOV.UK mobile app or a web browser. If you don’t have the required types of ID but live in the U.S., you might be able to verify using bank or credit union details as an alternative.

The “Verify your identity for Companies House” service will clarify if you can use this option and whether you can complete the verification at a participating post office, especially if you’re having trouble taking the necessary scans of your face and identification documents.

It is important to note that once the verification process is successful, the individual or company will receive a unique code. This code must be retained, as it will be required to link your role at Companies House once the legislation is in force. The code is not sent by email.

Option 2: Through ACSP (BusinAssist)

BusinAssist is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) that can help companies and individuals verify their identity and file documents on their behalf. The process can be initiated by filling out the details of the individual who wants their identity to be verified. The information includes;

Name
Residential address
Country
Postcode
Contact number
Email
Company name
Company number

The Email ID will be used by Companies House to receive the Companies House personal code.

Once payment is made, we may require;

Photo ID
Proof of Address
2 selfies to complete ID verification.

Further information will be sent to your email.

After verification is completed, Companies House will issue a unique verification code by email, which should be retained for future reference.

Whichever route you select, the general rule is that you will only need to verify your identity once with Companies House (although this does not replace any verification that BusinAssist may be required to undertake in accordance with our internal due diligence requirements).

Pro Tip: Smart Verification Tip

Start the verification process early to avoid delays, your unique Companies House verification code is essential for future filings, so store it securely. If your ID doesn’t meet the online requirements, use the ACSP route for a smoother and more guided experience.

What happens if I don’t verify?

Once the legislation is fully in force and if you do not complete identity verification, the consequences include:

You will not be able to act as a director or PSC
The company and each of the officers will be committing a criminal offence/be liable for civil penalties issued directly by Companies House.
A publicly visible “unverified” flag may be added to the Companies House register in relation to which can cause reputational damage as it illustrates the company is not compliant.
The company may not be able to make its required statutory filings (which means further consequences such as fines and being struck off are also a risk).

FAQs

Q: What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) at Companies House?
Ans: An ACSP is a third-party company or service, like an accountant, company formation agent, or even a solicitor, who can help individuals verify their identity and file company documents with Companies House.

Q: Can I use a non-UK passport for Companies House identity verification?
Ans: You can use a non-UK passport to verify your identity with Companies House; however, it must be valid and have a biometric chip.

Q: Is it possible to verify my identity at the Post Office for Companies House?
Ans: Yes, it is possible to verify your identity at selected Post Office branches for Companies House.

Q: Can a company formation agent handle my identity verification with Companies House?
Ans: Yes, a company formation agent can handle your identity verification with Companies House if they are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).

Q: I live overseas, how can I complete Companies House identity verification?
Ans: You can complete Companies House identity verification overseas through three main methods: online via GOV.UK One Login, by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), or, if you are in the UK at the time, in person at a Post Office.

Q: How does Companies House identity verification help prevent economic crime?
Ans: Companies House ensures it prevents economic crime through identity verification by ensuring only legitimate individuals register the company. Individuals with company control and responsibility, directors and PSCs, will find it hard to use fake or anonymous identities to incorporate a company.

Q: Which forms of photo ID are accepted for Companies House identity checks?
Ans: Acceptable photo ID for Companies House identity verification checks includes a biometric passport, a UK biometric residence permit or card, a UK photo driving license (full or provisional), and a UK Frontier work permit.

Q: What are the identity verification rules for corporate directors at Companies House?
Ans: Both new and existing corporate directors must verify their identity with Companies House. Those not verified will not be able to file company documents with Companies House.

Q: How will using an ACSP help protect against fraud and economic crime?
Ans: Using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) protects against fraud and economic crime by verifying the identities of those behind a company, which strengthens the integrity of the Companies Register. ACSPs conduct identity checks and file information on behalf of clients, ensuring that data is submitted from an authorized source and reducing the use of false identities or shell companies.

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Joy Kyalo

Joy is a content writer at BusinAssist with 6+ years of experience in content marketing and social media strategy. She specialises in company formation and virtual operations, guiding entrepreneurs through global markets with clarity, drawing on her marketing and PR background. Business Assist with BusinAssist – your business success partner.

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A Complete Guide to Companies House Director Identity Verification