Companies House ID Verification
As a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP), 1st Choice Incorporations can assist you with the mandatory identity verification now required by Companies House.
What is Companies House identity verification?
Companies House have introduced identity verification for all directors and PSCs of new and existing companies, with a 12-month transitional period for existing officers to verify their identity. This requirement has been voluntary from 8 April 2025 and mandatory from 18 November 2025. The process requires an individual to either verify their identity themselves or via a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Why do I need to verify?
Mandatory identity verification has been introduced under the Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 in an attempt to help reduce fraudulent information on the Companies House register.
When do I need to verify?
All directors and PSCs for new companies will need to verify their identity ahead of incorporation, starting from 18 November 2025. There will be a 12-month transition period for existing directors and PSCs to verify their identity with specific deadlines given.
Directors
Confirmation of a director’s unique personal code will be required upon filing the company confirmation statement from 18 November 2025. This means if your confirmation statement is due 1 January 2026, company directors will need to have verified their identity by this date to be able to file the confirmation statement.
If a director is also a PSC, they will also need to confirm their personal ID code using the online system specific to PSCs here. The usual two-week period from the statement date will apply. For example, if the company’s CS01 statement date is 31 December 2025, the CS01 will need to be filed by 14 January 2026, and the code will also need to be submitted using the link above by this date.
PSCs, who are not directors, will need to confirm their verified identity using the same online system, however they are required to do so within 14 days of the start of the month in which they were born. For example, if your birthday is 20 January, you will need to verify your identity using your personal verification code by 14 January 2026.
How can I verify?
There are several ways in which you can verify your own identity with Companies House. You can verify using the GOV.UK One Login app, by answering security questions, or at a post office. Alternatively, you can use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, such as 1st Choice Incorporations.
Can 1st Choice Incorporations assist me with identity verification, and what information is required?
As a registered ACSP, 1st Choice Incorporations can assist you with verifying your identity with Companies House.
We require the following from you to assist with verifying your identity;
- Full name, date of birth and residential address
- Proof of identity
- Proof of residential address, and address history for the past 12 months if you have moved address in this time
- Email address to use as part of the verification
If you would like any assistance with verifying your identity with Companies House, or you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Frequently Asked Questions!
Is there a comprehensive list of registered ACSPs?
Yes, Companies House has published a full list of Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs), available to view here.
What happens if I do not verify my identity?
If you fail to comply with the identity verification requirements, you will be non-compliant, and you could be committing an offence. You could face a fine of up to £5000, director disqualification or your company being struck off. You will also be unable to file any documents with Companies House, such as your company confirmation statement.
What happens if I do not have a photographic form of ID?
As all of the verification methods involve checking and verifying the photographic proof of ID document, if you do not have a current photographic ID, you will be required to obtain one in order to verify your identity. These documents can include;
- Biometric passport from any country
- UK/EU photocard driving licence
- UK biometric residence permit
- UK biometric residence card
- UK Frontier Worker permit
- National Identity photocard from an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
How long do I have to verify my identity?
Directors and PSCs will have a 12-month transitional period to confirm their identities, starting from 18 November 2025. The date on which you will need to verify will depend on your filing dates, the closer to the start date of 18 November 2025, the earlier you will need to verify your identity. To confirm your verification deadlines, review your company’s profile on the Companies House online register.
Do all officers of the company need to verify their identity?
Currently only directors, LLP members and PSCs are required to verify their identity. Verification will also be introduced at a later date for:
- People who file at Companies House
- Limited partnerships
- Corporate directors of companies
- Corporate members of LLPs
- Officers of corporate PSCs