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Companies House director identity verification explained

Companies House director identity verification is now a routine part of setting up and running a company in the UK. Directors must prove who they are so Companies House can reduce fraud, protect investors and keep the public register reliable.

This article explains how Companies House director identity verification works, what ACSP identity checks involve, how the process links to confirmation statements and PSCs, and practical steps directors and their agents should take to avoid delays.

Why Companies House director identity verification matters

Companies House introduced tougher checks as part of wider Companies House reforms to improve transparency and tackle economic crime. Verifying a director's identity helps stop bogus appointments and makes it harder to use UK companies for illegal activity.

The verification process also supports other filing duties directors have, such as keeping the register of people with significant control up to date and filing the annual confirmation statement. For guidance on filing your confirmation statement, see the GOV.UK page: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/filing-your-companys-confirmation-statement

What the verification covers and who performs the checks

The online verification service used by Companies House asks directors to confirm identity using a secure process. The checks are usually carried out by accredited identity check providers known in government guidance as ACSP identity checks.

  • ACSP identity checks are carried out by companies accredited to verify identity for Companies House.
  • The service compares the director's information with records held by identity data sources and may include document checks and digital checks.
  • If you are a PSC, there is a separate verification route and guidance at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification

The GOV.UK guidance on verifying your identity for Companies House explains the service and the steps you will follow: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

Step-by-step: how a director verifies their identity

The exact screens you see depend on the verification provider, but the typical process looks like this.

  • Start the process through Companies House when prompted, for example when registering a company, adding a director, or responding to a verification request.
  • You will be asked for personal details such as full name, date of birth and residential address.
  • The service may ask you to confirm your email and mobile number for a one-time passcode.
  • You may be asked to upload a photo of an identity document or take a live selfie to match the document. Follow the on-screen guidance for acceptable document types.
  • The ACSP will complete their checks and provide a verification outcome. Successful verification allows the relevant Companies House action to proceed.

If you want Companies House guidance on the online service, use: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house

What documents or information might you need to hand

Companies House and ACSPs will tell you exactly what is required during the check. Common items you should be prepared to provide include the following.

  • A valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence.
  • Your current residential address and proof if asked.
  • A mobile phone and email address for receiving one-time passcodes.
  • Details of your role in the company and any Companies House personal code if you have one.

Do not upload or email documents outside the official verification flow unless explicitly requested by a verified service — avoid sharing sensitive documents by unsecured methods.

When and where you will be asked to verify

Companies House may ask for identity verification at a number of points in a company lifecycle.

  • When incorporating a new company online.
  • When a person is added as a director or company secretary.
  • When a person is registered or updated as a person with significant control (PSC).
  • When Companies House has reason to verify an existing officer to prevent fraud.

For PSC verification specifically, see the GOV.UK guidance on providing PSC verification: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/provide-psc-verification

Overseas directors and special situations

Directors who live outside the UK can still be required to verify identity. The verification service supports overseas identity documents in many cases, but the available options can vary by provider.

  • Overseas passport holders will often be able to use their passport for checks.
  • If the online service cannot verify an overseas director, Companies House may ask for alternative documents or for a paper process.
  • If a director has limited online access or cannot complete a digital check, contact Companies House or speak to your accountant for alternatives.

Always start with the GOV.UK service page so you follow the current process: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

What happens if verification fails

A failed check does not by itself prove wrongdoing. It is a signal that the provider could not confirm identity from the available data.

  • If an ACSP identity check fails, the service will usually tell you why and suggest next steps.
  • You may be asked to provide clearer documentation, try a different document, or use a different verification route.
  • Failure to verify when requested can delay filings and may stop Companies House from accepting certain changes to the company register.

If you cannot resolve a verification failure, get help from an accountant or contact Companies House for instructions on alternative evidence.

Agents, company secretaries and filing on behalf of directors

Many directors use agents or accountants to help file documents at Companies House. Agents can help but they cannot bypass an individual director's verification requirement.

  • Where a director must verify, they will normally be asked to complete their own identity check.
  • Agents may be able to verify their own identity and confirm they acted on the director's instruction, but this does not replace the director check where Companies House requires it.
  • If your agent advises alternative pathways, ensure they reference official Companies House guidance and keep records of consent and instruction.

If you need filing help, our team at Figures can assist — book a discovery call: /

Practical checklist for directors before starting the verification

Use this checklist to reduce delays during Companies House director identity verification.

  • Check your passport or driving licence is valid and not expired.
  • Ensure your current residential address is up to date and matches any proof you may need to provide.
  • Have an email and mobile phone available for one-time codes.
  • Use a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera if a live selfie or document photo is required.
  • Inform any agent or accountant you use so they can coordinate and avoid duplicate requests.

How verification links to confirmation statements and the public register

Verification supports the accuracy of the public register. When you file your confirmation statement, the list of directors and PSCs on the company record should be accurate and backed by identity checks where required.

Filing your confirmation statement online is the routine opportunity to ensure director and PSC details are correct: https://www.gov.uk/file-your-confirmation-statement-with-companies-house

Links with Companies House reforms and broader compliance

Companies House reforms over recent years have raised the emphasis on identity, transparency and corporate responsibility. These reforms mean identity verification plays a larger role in corporate compliance.

  • The reforms aim to improve the accuracy and trustworthiness of the register and deter misuse of corporate structures.
  • Directors who ignore verification requests risk delays and additional scrutiny when making filings.

For trustees, founders and small business owners, understanding these reforms helps you plan compliance steps alongside other duties such as statutory accounts and tax filings. If you need help with compliance and filings, see our Statutory Accounts & Tax service: /services#statutory-accounts-tax

Best practice for company directors — minimise risk and delays

Follow these practical steps to make verification straightforward and to protect your company from preventable compliance issues.

  • Verify your identity promptly when requested rather than waiting until the last minute.
  • Keep personal contact details and documents up to date with Companies House if required.
  • Use secure, official GOV.UK services for the checks — do not use unverified third-party sites.
  • Record and retain proof of verification outcomes and correspondence in your company records.
  • If you act as a director for multiple companies, consider a consistent approach for documentation so repeat checks are faster.

How an accountant or agent can support verification

An accountant can guide you through the verification process, prepare supporting documentation and liaise with Companies House if issues arise.

  • Agents can advise on the correct route for PSC verification and on completing confirmation statements correctly.
  • Accountants can coordinate director verification with other compliance tasks such as filing statutory accounts and payroll registration.

To discuss verification and other filing responsibilities, consider talking to our team — book a discovery call: /

UK tax and legal accuracy

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional tax or financial advice. Please speak to a qualified accountant before taking action. This article refers to rules and guidance relevant to the tax year 2026/27.

Frequently asked questions

What is Companies House director identity verification and who needs to do it?

Companies House director identity verification is the process by which a director proves their identity using an accredited service. Anyone appointed as a director or asked by Companies House to verify will need to complete the check.

What are ACSP identity checks?

ACSP identity checks are checks carried out by identity service providers accredited to perform verification for Companies House. They compare the information you provide with identity datasets and may require document photos or live checks.

Can overseas directors complete Companies House verification?

Yes. Overseas directors can usually verify using passports and supported documents, though options may differ by provider. If the online route is not possible, Companies House guidance explains alternative routes.

What happens if I fail the check or refuse to verify?

A failed check means the provider could not confirm your identity. You will be guided on next steps, which could include supplying clearer documents or using another route. Repeated refusal or failure may delay filings and invite further scrutiny.

Does verification replace the need to file a confirmation statement or PSC details?

No. Verification supports the accuracy of the register but you still must file your confirmation statement and keep PSC details up to date using the normal Companies House filing processes.

Summary and next steps

Companies House director identity verification is a key part of corporate compliance under recent Companies House reforms. Completing ACSP identity checks promptly reduces filing delays and helps protect your company and its stakeholders.

Practical next steps:

If you want help preparing documents, coordinating checks across multiple directors, or ensuring your filings are compliant, Figures can help. Learn more about our Statutory Accounts & Tax service: /services#statutory-accounts-tax and book a discovery call: /