What Is Companies House Identity Verification?

Identity verification is the new process introduced by Companies House requiring individuals involved with UK companies to prove they are who they say they are.

Verification links a real person to each company, which strengthens the accuracy and reliability of the public register.

Identity verification will apply to anyone who files, runs, or controls a company, including:

• Directors

• PSCs (Persons With Significant Control)

• Members of LLPs

• General partners of LPs

• Relevant Legal Entities (via a nominated officer)

• Company secretaries (in certain cases)

• Individuals who file documents

• Agents and accountants acting on behalf of clients

Identity verification prevents:

• Fake directors

• False identities

• Criminals using shell companies

• Fraudulent company registrations

Who Must Verify Their Identity? (Full List)

Every individual involved with Companies House must verify, including:

1. Company Directors

All directors of:

• Private limited companies

• Public companies

• CICs

• Limited by guarantee companies
  Must verify before they are appointed or immediately after.

2. Persons With Significant Control (PSCs)

This includes anyone who:

• Owns 25%+ of shares

• Controls 25%+ of voting rights

• Can appoint/remove directors

• Has significant influence or control

PSCs must verify their identity within required deadlines or risk being shown as “unverified”.

3. Members of LLPs

LLP members must verify before or shortly after appointment.

4. Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)

RLEs must verify through a nominated officer, who must complete identity verification individually.

5. Anyone Filing Information

Individuals filing:

• Annual accounts

• Confirmation statements

• Incorporation documents

• Changes to officers

• PSC updates

• Registered office changes
  Must verify.

6. Company Secretaries

Not always required, but may be asked to verify depending on the role.

7. Authorised Agents (Account

Agents must:

• Verify their own identity

• Be supervised under AML regulations

• Use the new “authorised filer” status

How Identity Verification Works

You can verify your identity in two ways:

Option 1 – Direct Verification via Companies House

This is the simplest method.

You will need:

• A smartphone

• A device with a camera

• Your passport or UK driving licence

• A GOV.UK One Login account

Verification usually t

Under 10 minutes

Companies House will confirm:

• Your image matches your document

• The document is genuine

• Your identity is valid

You will receive confirmation once the process is complete.

Option 2 – Verification Through an Authorised Agent

Agents (such as accountants) can verify identities for their clients IF they are:

• Registered with Companies House as an “authorised agent”

• Supervised for anti-money laundering

• Approved to verify identities

This is helpful for:

• Overseas directors

• Clients unfamiliar with English

• Individuals without a smartphone

• Clients who prefer full support

Audit Consulting Group can act as an authorised agent to complete identity verification on your behalf.

When You Must Verify Your Identity

Identity verification rules apply in these situations:

• Before incorporating a new company

• Before being added as a director

• Shortly after appointment

• When becoming a PSC

• When joining an LLP

• When filing documents for a company

• When acting as an agent

Existing directors, PSCs and members will need to verify during the transition period when Companies House invites them.

Failure to verify will lead to severe restrictions and possible criminal consequences.

What Happens If You Don’t Verify Your Identity?

Companies House now has expanded legal powers. If you fail to verify your identity:

1. You cannot act as a director

Your appointment may be legally invalid.

2. Your PSC status may be flagged as unverified

This appears publicly.

3. You may be prevented from filing documents

4. Companies House may decline incorporation

5. Your company may be struck off

6. Civil penalties may apply

7. Criminal prosecution is possible

Identity verification is a legal requirement.

What Documents Do You Need?

For direct verification, you need:

Primary ID

• UK passport

• Non-UK passport

• Biometric Residence Permit

• UK driving licence

Secondary checks

Companies House may ask for:

• A live facial recognition scan

• Additional documents if the first attempt fails

If you do not have valid ID

Alternative routes will become available in 2025, including document upload + manual review.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Verify Your Identity Online

Step 1 — Create or sign into your GOV.UK One Login

https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login

Step 2 — Choose “Verify identity”

You will be guided to the Companies House system.

Step 3 — Scan your passport or driving licence

You will need your phone camera.

Step 4 — Complete the facial recognition step

This confirms you match the photo on your document.

Step 5 — Submit your verification

Most results are instant.

Step 6 — Receive confirmation

Your Companies House profile updates automatically.

How Verification Works for Directors

Directors must verify:

• Before being added to a company

• During transition for existing directors

• Before making filings

If verification fails:

• Director appointment may not be valid

• Company may receive compliance notices

Directors remain legally responsible for filings even while unverified.

Verification for PSCs (Persons With Significant Control)

PSCs must verify even if:

• They live abroad

• They are passive shareholders

• They no longer control day-to-day activities

If PSCs fail to verify:

• Their PSC status may be suppressed

• Company’s public profile may show a warning

• Criminal penalties may apply

Verification for LLP Members

Similar rules apply to LLPs.

Members must verify:

• Before or shortly after joining

• Before filing LLP updates

• When Companies House triggers mandatory checks

LLPs may face restrictions if members do not verify.

Verification for Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)

RLEs cannot verify themselves.
They must appoint a nominated officer who verifies on their behalf.

Failure to nominate an officer can:

• Block filings

• Trigger compliance notices

• Affect ownership transparency

Identity Verification for Agents & Accountants

Agents must:

• Register with Companies House

• Verify their own identity

• Be AML-supervised

• Be approved to act for clients

• Verify their clients’ identities

• Maintain verification records

This ensures only trusted and legally supervised agents can file documents.

Audit Consulting Group provides full agent verification support.

Transition Period for Existing Companies

Companies House will notify existing:

• Directors

• PSCs

• LLP Members

• Agents

They must verify within the timeframe set by Companies House.

Failure to comply will trigger:

• Warning notices

• Filing restrictions

• Possible criminal consequences

New Companies House Powers (2024–2025)

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act gives Companies House new powers, including:

Rejecting filings

Annotating the public register

Removing false information

Checking for fraudulent activity

Reviewing and challenging suspicious filings

Sharing data with law enforcement

Issuing fines

Prosecution

Identity verification is only one part of the reform.

Common Problems With Identity Verification

For Directors:

• Passport expired

• Unable to complete facial scan

• No smartphone

• Living overseas

• Name mismatch with filings

For PSCs:

• Incorrect address

• Missing share records

• Outdated details

For Agents:

• AML supervision issues

• Incorrect authorisation status

• Client mismatches

Audit Consulting Group helps resolve all these issues.

Case Studies

Case Study 1 — Overseas Director Unable to Verify

Director in UAE had expired passport.
We assisted with alternative verification and agent-based verification.

Case Study 2 — PSC Verification Failure

Shareholder’s details did not match company register.
We corrected the PSC register and completed verification.

Case Study 3 — Agent Rejected for AML Issues

Accountant needed AML supervision update.
We guided them through the process.

Case Study 4 — LLP Member Missing ID

Member lacked UK documents.
We used manual verification via agent route.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do all directors need to verify identity?

Yes — it is now mandatory.

Q2: Can I verify without a smartphone?

Yes — using an authorised agent.

Q3: Is verification required every year?

No — only once unless details change.

Q4: Can a company be struck off?

Yes — if required individuals fail to verify.

Q5: What if my passport is expired?

Alternative routes will become available, or use an agent to verify manually.

Q6: Can companies block unverified directors?

Yes — appointment may be rejected.