Companies House Identity Verification: Your Options as a Director
Companies House has introduced new identity verification requirements for all UK company directors as part of government reforms to improve corporate transparency. As your accountants, we want to explain what this means for you and the two main ways you can complete your verification.
What is Identity Verification?
Every director of a UK company must now verify their identity with Companies House. This involves proving you are who you say you are by providing identity documents and personal information. Once verified, you receive a unique Companies House personal code that’s needed for future company filings.
The verification process is designed to prevent fraud and ensure the accuracy of information on the Companies House register.
Your Two Options for Verification
You have two main ways to complete your identity verification, and both provide the same level of assurance to Companies House.
Option 1: Verify Through Us (Your accountants)
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), we can verify your identity on your behalf. This involves:
- Meeting with us (in person or remotely) to check your documents
- Providing photographic ID (passport, driving licence, or national identity card)
- Providing proof of address (utility bill, council tax statement, or bank statement)
- Our trained staff reviewing your documents and confirming your identity
- Us reporting your successful verification to Companies House
Benefits: Personal service from people who know your business, flexibility with document types, professional guidance through the process, and we handle the reporting to Companies House for you.
Option 2: Verify Yourself Online
You can complete verification directly through the GOV.UK website using their automated system:
- Upload photos of your identity documents using a smartphone or computer
- Take a selfie that matches against your document photo
- Provide personal details including address history
- Receive instant results if the automated checks are successful
Benefits: Available 24/7, instant results when successful, completely free, and gives you direct control over the process.
What Documents Do You Need?
For verification through us: We can accept a wider range of documents including passports, driving licences, national identity cards, plus proof of address such as utility bills, council tax statements, or bank statements.
For online verification: You’ll need a valid passport, UK driving licence, or EU national identity card. The automated system is more restrictive about which documents it can process.
When Do You Need to Be Verified?
Currently, identity verification is not mandatory, but it will become a requirement from autumn 2025. However, there are good reasons to complete it now:
- Avoid delays when you need to make company filings later
- Get ahead of the rush when it becomes mandatory
- Ensure your verification is in place before we need it for your company’s annual requirements
From spring 2026, we’ll need all directors to be verified before we can submit most filings on your behalf.
How This Affects Your Company Filings
If we handle your filings: We’ll need your Companies House personal code to submit documents on your behalf. This is part of our role as an ACSP and ensures all filings meet the new verification requirements.
If you file documents yourself: You’ll need to complete your own identity verification online before you can submit any filings directly to Companies House.
Most of our clients prefer us to handle their filings, which means we typically verify identities as part of our service.
What Information We Need
Whether you verify through us or online, you’ll need to provide:
- Full name as it appears on your identity documents
- Date of birth and nationality
- Current and previous addresses
- Valid identity documents
- Recent proof of address
We keep all verification records secure and maintain them for seven years as required by Companies House.
Getting Started
To verify through us: Contact our office to arrange an appointment. We can handle the verification during your next meeting or arrange a specific session for this purpose.
To verify online: Visit gov.uk and search for “verify your identity for Companies House” to access the online service.
Our recommendation: If you’re comfortable with technology and have the required documents, the online service is quick and free. If you prefer personal assistance or have any unusual circumstances, we’re here to help you through the process.
Questions or Concerns?
The identity verification process is straightforward, but we understand it represents a change from previous requirements. Whether you choose to verify through us or handle it yourself online, we’re here to provide guidance and support.
Contact us if you have questions about which option might work best for your circumstances, or if you need help understanding how this affects your company’s compliance requirements.
This article provides general guidance on Companies House identity verification requirements. Please contact us for advice specific to your circumstances or if you need assistance with the verification process.
