Quick Overview

Companies House identity verification is a requirement introduced under UK company law reforms to confirm the identity of company directors and people with significant control (PSCs), aimed at reducing fraud and improving the accuracy of the public register.

Who This Guide Is For

This guide is for directors and PSCs of a UK company who need to understand whether, and how, identity verification applies to them.

Who May Need to Verify

  • Directors of new and existing UK companies
  • People with significant control (PSCs) over a company
  • Anyone filing certain documents with Companies House on a company's behalf

What Documents May Be Required

This commonly includes a form of government-issued photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, along with a way of confirming that the document belongs to the person presenting it — for example, a live selfie or short liveness check.

How Verification Generally Works

Identity can generally be verified either directly through the Companies House service, or through an authorised corporate service provider (ACSP) who verifies identity on a person's behalf and confirms this to Companies House.

Important Considerations

Exact requirements and transition timelines have been phased in under recent reforms, so it's worth confirming the current position for your situation rather than relying on earlier guidance.

This guide provides general information only and is not personalised legal advice.