Companies House Identity Verification Standards Checklist 2026

Last Updated on September 3, 2026 by Joy Kyalo

Companies House identity verification is becoming an important part of running a UK company. Directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), and authorised agents may need to verify their identity before completing certain activities with Companies House. In this blog, we will cover all the Companies House standards that UK business owners must fulfil in 2026.

Quick Answer

Companies House identity verification is a new compliance requirement for UK businesses that helps confirm that directors, PSCs and other relevant individuals are genuine. The process involves collecting personal details, checking valid identity documents, confirming the document belongs to the person, keeping verification records for 7 years and reporting the result to Companies House. The latest 2026 guidance also clarifies the use of eVisas, cancelled or replaced documents and insurance policies. Businesses should complete the required checks correctly to avoid delays and potential compliance issues.

The aim is simple: to make sure the person behind a company is genuine and help reduce fraudulent company records.

What Is Companies House Identity Verification?

Identity verification means checking that a person’s identity documents are genuine and belong to them. Companies House has introduced a specific standard for these checks. Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), such as accountants and professional company agents, must follow this standard when verifying clients.

The process involves six basic steps.

1. Collect the Right Information

The verifier needs details such as:

• Full name and previous names
• Date of birth
• Home address
• Address history for the last 12 months
• Email address

2. Check Identity Documents

The person must provide acceptable identity documents, such as a passport, driving licence, biometric ID or approved immigration document. You can also use suitable identity verification technology for digital verification.

3. Make Sure the Document Is Genuine

You must check the document for signs of tampering, cancellation, or replacement. For manual checks, the person carrying out the verification should also know how to identify potentially false documents.

4. Confirm the Identity

The verifier needs to make sure the document actually belongs to the person. This can involve checking their name, date of birth, photograph, address and other supporting evidence.

5. Keep the Records

Verification records must generally be kept for 7 years. This includes copies of documents, evidence of the checks and records of failed verification attempts.

6. Confirm the Result

Once the checks are complete, the verifier decides whether the person’s identity meets the Companies House standard. If you meet the requirements, you can report the verification to Companies House.

What Changed in the 2026 Update?

Companies House updated its identity verification guidance on 19 June 2026.

The update clarified that:

• Cancelled or replaced documents cannot be used.
• eVisas can be used as photo ID when using identity verification technology.
• Insurance policies have been added to the acceptable supporting documents for certain manual checks.

These changes may look minor, but they can affect how businesses and professional agents complete identity checks.

Why Does Identity Verification Matter?

Identity verification is becoming a normal part of UK company compliance. Directors and PSCs need to understand when they must verify their identity, while professional agents must make sure their verification process follows the Companies House standard. Getting the process wrong can lead to delays and unnecessary compliance issues.

Not sure whether your company or its directors need to complete identity verification? Getting the right guidance early can make the process much easier. BusinAssist can help with Companies House compliance, identity verification, confirmation statements and other UK company services.

Final Takeaway

Companies House identity verification is more than simply submitting an ID document. The process requires the right information, proper document checks, identity confirmation and secure record keeping.

As Companies House continues to strengthen its verification system, staying prepared can help UK businesses avoid unnecessary compliance problems.

Need help with your UK company compliance? Contact BusinAssist today and get professional assistance with your Companies House requirements.

Official source: Companies House — How to meet the identity verification standard

FAQs for Comapanies House Identity Verification Standards Checklist 2026:

1. What is Companies House identity verification?

Companies House uses identity verification to confirm that a person is genuinely who they claim to be.. It involves checking personal information and approved identity documents.

2. Who needs to complete Companies House identity verification?

Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) may need to verify their identity with Companies House. Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) must follow the required standards when verifying clients’ identities.

3. What documents can be used for identity verification?

Depending on the verification method, accepted documents can include passports, driving licences, biometric identity documents and approved immigration documents such as eVisas.

4. How long should Companies House verification records be kept?

You generally need to keep verification records for 7 years.. This can include copies of identity documents, evidence of checks and unsuccessful verification attempts.

5. Can a cancelled or replaced ID document be used?

No. Under the updated 2026 guidance, you cannot use cancelled or replaced identity documents for the verification process.