Companies House identity verification: directors and PSCs

Who needs to verify?

New company directors must meet the identity verification requirements as part of incorporation or appointment. PSCs have their own requirements and time windows for supplying verification information. A person who is both a director and a PSC should not assume completing the director step completes the PSC step.

Existing directors are in a transition period tied to the company’s next confirmation statement within the 12 months following 18 November 2025. Existing PSC deadlines depend on their circumstances and may be linked to the confirmation statement or their birth month. Check the Companies House service for the individual deadline rather than using a single date for everyone.

How verification works

You can verify through the official Companies House process using GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) that offers the service. Direct verification with Companies House is free; an agent may charge for its service. The route available can depend on identity documents and your situation.

Follow the official instructions for the documents and checks needed. Do not send identity documents to an unexpected email sender claiming to be Companies House. A formation provider should explain how its verification process works and whether it is carrying out the check itself as an authorised agent.

Understand the personal code

After verification, you receive a Companies House personal code. It relates to you as an individual, not to a single company. It is different from the company authentication code used to authorise filings and different from the company registration number.

Keep the personal code secure. Share it only with someone legitimately handling a filing that needs it, using an appropriate channel. A multi-director application needs the required information for each director; one founder’s code cannot verify the whole board.

Verification and linking a role are separate

Proving your identity is one step; providing the code and relevant verification statement for a role is another. A director with multiple appointments may need to connect the code to each appointment. PSC information must be submitted through the relevant process within its own window.

Use the official “when you need to verify” guidance for your situation, particularly during the existing-company transition. If details or records do not match, resolve that before the filing deadline rather than assuming an agent can bypass the requirement.

Plan the application around real deadlines

Start the checks early if you have several directors, overseas documents or a deadline for a contract. Incorporation approval and a business account provider’s customer checks are separate processes. A successful Companies House verification does not guarantee a banking application will be accepted.

The rules are being implemented in stages. As reviewed in October 2026, broader presenter measures are scheduled no earlier than November 2027. Do not confuse that later programme with current director and PSC requirements.

Worth knowing: Ask “has the identity been verified?” and “has the code been linked to this role?” as two separate questions.

Separate the identity check from connecting each company role

The official verification service uses GOV.UK One Login and is free. An authorised agent can verify on your behalf and may charge. Companies House says an agent must be registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider and supervised by a UK anti-money-laundering body. Ask an existing accountant whether they are authorised rather than assuming all accountants can perform this service.

Successful verification produces a personal code belonging to the individual, not to the company. The next step is providing it through the correct filing so the verified identity is linked to the relevant role. A director of three companies needs to consider all three appointments; owning shares as a PSC introduces a separate role-linking requirement.

For a newly incorporated company, arrange director verification before filing the application. For PSCs, the official guidance sets a 14-day period for providing the personal code, with dates depending on when the PSC was registered and whether the person is also a director. Existing-role transition deadlines are not a single universal anniversary. Check the official “when to verify” service for the actual role.

Avoid code confusion and unsupported assumptions about future filing rules

A company authentication code authorises certain company filings; a Companies House personal code identifies a verified person; a tax UTR identifies a taxpayer. They are not interchangeable. Share a personal code only with trusted people who need it to file, and store it securely rather than in a public project document.

If a name or date of birth is wrong in an existing company record, investigate the official correction route before trying to force the code into a mismatched record. If an overseas director cannot use one verification route, review the available identity-document options or an authorised agent. Never email or post identity documents to an address claiming to be Companies House unless the official service specifically directs you to an appropriate process.

Companies House’s current verification guidance says requirements for people who file and several corporate roles will be introduced later. Do not treat a proposed reform or a presenter identifier as proof that every filer is already subject to the same live rule. Recheck the official rollout guidance close to the filing date.

Direct vs. Agent-Managed Verification: A Decision Framework

When forming a company or appointing a new officer, you face a key decision: handle identity verification directly through the Companies House portal or use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), such as a formation agent or accountant. The direct route is cost-effective for straightforward cases, typically involving UK residents with standard photo ID like a passport or driving licence. The digital process is designed to be self-service, guiding the user through document scanning and a 'liveness' check. However, this path offers minimal support; if a check fails or you encounter a technical issue, you are largely on your own to resolve it. This makes it most suitable for individuals who are confident with digital processes and whose personal details precisely match their identity documents without any variations.

Conversely, using an ACSP provides a layer of expert management and support. Agents are familiar with the nuances of the verification system and can troubleshoot common problems before they cause delays. They are essential for more complex cases, such as for non-UK residents, individuals without standard digital ID, or those with a history of verification failures. While this route involves a fee, it can be a sound investment to prevent costly delays in incorporation or officer appointments. The agent can advise on the correct documentation, ensure it meets certification standards for non-digital routes, and liaise with Companies House on your behalf, turning a potentially frustrating process into a managed, professional service that protects your project timeline from avoidable administrative hurdles.

Worth knowing: Choose direct verification for simple, low-risk cases, but opt for an agent-managed process to ensure speed and success when dealing with any complexity or non-standard circumstances.

Verification for Non-UK Residents and Individuals Without Digital ID

The standard identity verification route is a digital process optimised for UK residents with common forms of photo identification. However, Companies House provides an alternative for those who cannot use this system, such as non-UK residents, individuals without a smartphone, or those lacking a valid digital-friendly ID. This alternative is a more rigorous, paper-based process that must be managed by an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). It is not possible for an individual to complete this enhanced verification by sending documents directly to Companies House themselves. This requirement positions ACSPs as essential gatekeepers for non-standard appointments, ensuring that a higher level of due diligence is applied where automated checks are not possible, maintaining the integrity of the register.

Successfully navigating the paper-based route hinges on meticulous preparation of documents. The ACSP will require certified copies of identity documents, and these must be certified by an approved professional, such as a UK-based solicitor or notary public. The certifier must confirm in writing on the copy that it is a true likeness of the individual and a true copy of the original. Typically, you will need to provide a certified copy of a valid passport or national identity card, along with a recent proof of address. Because this process involves manual handling and review by both the ACSP and Companies House, the timeline is significantly longer than the near-instant digital route. It is critical to factor in several weeks, not minutes, for this verification to be completed before an incorporation or appointment can be finalised.

1. 1

   First, you must engage an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), as they are required to manage and submit all non-digital verification applications.

2. 2

   Next, gather high-quality copies of your identity documents and have them certified by an approved professional, ensuring the certification wording meets UK standards.

3. 3

   Securely send these certified documents to your ACSP, who will perform their own due diligence checks before preparing the formal application.

4. 4

   The ACSP then submits the complete verification application pack to the specialist team at Companies House for manual review and processing.

5. 5

   Finally, await confirmation of successful verification via your ACSP, which can then proceed with filing the company incorporation or officer appointment.

Worth knowing: For non-standard verification, engaging an ACSP is mandatory and you must plan for a much longer timeline due to the manual nature of the paper-based document checks.

Common Verification Failures and How to Resolve Them

A failed identity verification can be a significant source of frustration and delay. The most common cause is a mismatch between the data entered into the system and the information present on the identity documents. Discrepancies in names are a frequent culprit; for example, entering 'Jim' instead of 'James', omitting a middle name, or using a married name that is not yet reflected on a passport will likely cause an automated rejection. Similarly, address details can cause issues if they do not align with the records used by the third-party checking service. Before starting the process, carefully review your passport, driving licence, and recent utility bills or bank statements to ensure the full name, date of birth, and address you provide are absolutely consistent across all records.

Beyond data mismatches, technical issues are another common reason for failure. A poor-quality photo or scan of your ID document, with glare, shadows, or cropped edges, can make it unreadable for the system. Likewise, the 'liveness' check, which often requires you to perform actions in front of a camera, can fail due to poor lighting or an unstable internet connection. If a check fails, do not immediately retry. First, diagnose the likely cause. Double-check all data you entered for typos. Find a location with better lighting and a plain background to retake photos. If you believe your data is correct but the system fails you repeatedly, you may have a 'thin credit file' or other data issue, making the ACSP-managed paper route your most viable alternative.

• Name Mismatches: Ensure the full name entered, including all middle names and using the exact spelling, precisely matches the name on the identity document provided.
• Address Discrepancies: The address used for verification must be current and consistent with official records that the checking system can access, such as the electoral roll or credit reference agency data.
• Expired Documents: The system will automatically reject any identity document that is past its expiry date. Always use a current passport or driving licence.
• Poor Quality Document Images: Submit photos or scans that are high-resolution, in full colour, and capture the entire document page without any glare, blur, or obstructions.
• Thin Data Footprint: Individuals new to the UK or with a limited credit or address history may not be found on the databases used for automated checks, leading to failure.

Worth knowing: To prevent verification failures, meticulously check that the data you enter is an exact match to your official documents and ensure all images submitted are of high quality.

The Quantifiable Cost of Verification Delays

Identity verification is not merely an administrative checkbox; it is a critical step that gates your ability to legally establish and operate your business. A delay caused by a verification failure is therefore not just an inconvenience but a direct financial liability. Until your company is incorporated, you cannot open a business bank account, sign legally binding contracts with clients or suppliers, or secure commercial funding. For a new business ready to launch, a delay of even one or two weeks can translate into significant lost revenue. Furthermore, you cannot register for essential services like VAT, which means you cannot reclaim VAT on your setup costs, or PAYE, which prevents you from legally employing staff. The true cost of a verification delay is the opportunity cost of a stalled business.

Consider an illustrative scenario: a freelance consultant is incorporating a limited company to take on a new project worth £2,000 per week. They also need to purchase £5,000 of new equipment and hire an assistant on a £35,000 salary. A three-week delay in incorporation due to a recurring verification error could result in £6,000 of lost project revenue. They are also unable to reclaim the £1,000 in VAT on their equipment. Furthermore, they cannot access the Employment Allowance of £10,500, which reduces employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), a key benefit for small employers. The cost of delay quickly escalates from the nominal filing fee to thousands of pounds in lost income and missed tax efficiencies, demonstrating the high value of getting verification right the first time.

Worth knowing: Delays in identity verification can create significant and compounding financial losses far exceeding filing fees, making proactive planning essential; the illustrative chart assumes £2,000/week in lost revenue and one employee on a £40k salary (Employer NIC at 15% on earnings above £5,000 per year).

Post-Incorporation: Verification's Role in Ongoing Compliance

Identity verification is not a one-time hurdle at incorporation but a foundational element of a director's or PSC's ongoing relationship with Companies House. Once an individual is verified, a permanent link is created between their confirmed identity and their role at one or more companies. This digital connection is designed to increase transparency and accountability, making it harder for fraudulent actors to be appointed. This verified status will become integral to future filings. For instance, when filing the annual confirmation statement, the company will be required to confirm that all appointed officers who are subject to the verification requirement have indeed been verified. This transforms verification from a single event into a continuous state of compliance that must be maintained throughout the company's life.

The most significant impact on day-to-day administration is on officer changes. Since 18 November 2025, it has been impossible to appoint a new director or register a new PSC without them first completing identity verification. This fundamentally changes the workflow for such appointments. Previously, a form could be filed and the appointment was effective immediately. Now, the appointment process must include a preliminary step for the proposed individual to become verified. Only once Companies House has confirmed their verified status can the appointment form be successfully submitted. This means companies must plan director and PSC changes further in advance, building in time for the individual to complete their verification before the intended start date, otherwise the appointment will be rejected.

Worth knowing: Identity verification is now a mandatory prerequisite for key officer appointments and a continuous compliance check within the annual confirmation statement, embedding it into the company's entire lifecycle.

Verification, Data Privacy, and Your Digital Footprint

The requirement to verify your identity naturally raises questions about data privacy and security. The process involves collecting and processing highly sensitive personal information, including your full name, date of birth, address, details from your passport or driving licence, and potentially biometric data from a 'liveness' check. The legal basis for this processing is established by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which mandates Companies House to verify the identities of directors and PSCs to improve corporate transparency and combat economic crime. The data is used for the specific purpose of confirming your identity and is protected under UK GDPR principles, which include data minimisation, purpose limitation, and storage limitation, meaning it should not be held for longer than necessary.

Your data is shared with two main parties: Companies House and the accredited third-party Identity Service Provider (IDSP) that conducts the actual check. Both organisations are legally required to have robust security measures in place to prevent data breaches. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) oversees compliance with data protection law in the UK. On a related note, your company itself has a duty to protect the personal data it handles and must register with the ICO, paying an annual data protection fee. As of 2026, this fee is typically £52 for micro-organisations or £78 for SMEs, rising to £3,763 for large organisations. While verification is mandatory, individuals at a high risk of harm or intimidation can apply to have their residential address suppressed from the public register for added security.

• Data Usage: Information collected is used exclusively for identity verification purposes as required by UK company law.
• Data Sharing: Your data is shared securely with Companies House and the accredited third-party provider performing the check.
• Legal Protection: The entire process is governed by the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, ensuring your rights are protected.
• Individual Rights: You retain the right to access your personal data (via a Subject Access Request) and request the correction of any inaccuracies.
• Security Measures: Both Companies House and its partners must implement stringent technical and organisational security to safeguard your information against unauthorised access or loss.

Worth knowing: While verification involves sensitive data, the process is strictly regulated by UK data protection laws to ensure your information is secure and used only for its intended legal purpose.

Transition for Existing Companies: Verifying Pre-2025 Directors

The mandatory identity verification rule that began on 18 November 2025 initially applied only to new director and PSC appointments. However, the legislation requires all company directors and PSCs to eventually be verified, including those who were appointed before this date. To manage this, Companies House is implementing a transition period. Existing companies will not be required to have all their officers verify their identities overnight. Instead, it is expected that Companies House will contact companies to inform them of their deadline to comply. This process will likely be linked to each company's existing filing schedule, with the requirement to verify all officers being triggered around the time their annual confirmation statement is due.

For an existing director or PSC, failing to complete identity verification within the given transition period will have significant consequences. Their status on the public register will be annotated to show they are unverified, acting as a clear red flag to clients, suppliers, and lenders. Continued non-compliance will be a breach of the Companies Act, which could lead to civil penalties for the individual and the company. Ultimately, an unverified director will be unable to legally act for the company and may face disqualification, while an unverified PSC places the company in breach of its statutory duties. It is therefore critical for all existing companies to treat verification as a mandatory, albeit phased, compliance task and ensure all their officers are prepared to complete the process when notified.

Worth knowing: All directors and PSCs, regardless of appointment date, must eventually complete identity verification; existing companies should prepare to manage this process for their officers upon notification from Companies House.

Common questions

Official sources & further reading

This guide draws on the official guidance below. Rules, fees and individual circumstances can change; check the relevant source before acting.

• Companies House: Verify your identity
• Companies House: When you need to verify
• Companies House: Transition plan

General UK information, primarily for private companies limited by shares. This is not personalised legal, tax or financial advice. An accountant or solicitor can help apply the rules to your situation.