Verify Identity Companies House: GOV.UK Guide & ACSP Steps

If you’re a UK company director or person with significant control, you’ll need to verify your identity with Companies House before you can file or access certain services. The good news is that the process is free through GOV.UK One Login, using methods most people already have to hand.

Personal code length: 11 characters · Verification providers: ACSP such as accountant or solicitor · Common documents: Passport or driving licence · Official source: GOV.UK guidance

The table below summarises the key verification methods and outcomes for Companies House identity checks.

How do I verify my identity for Companies House login?

Directors, persons with significant control (PSCs), and certain other individuals must verify their identity before accessing Companies House services. The GOV.UK verification service guides users through the process based on their circumstances.

Direct verification process

You’ll need a GOV.UK One Login. You must use the email address associated with your Companies House account, and that email can only be used once for verification.

Using GOV.UK portal

The GOV.UK verification portal accepts three main methods: the GOV.UK ID Check app, security questions answered online, or an in-person visit to a Post Office.

Login after verification

Once verification is complete, Companies House issues an 11-character personal code. This code becomes your identity anchor for all future filings and must be used when registering as an authorised agent if you’re acting on behalf of other companies.

The implication: directors who delay verification risk being locked out of their Companies House account when mandatory filing requirements come into effect.

How does GOV.UK verify identity for Companies House?

GOV.UK One Login serves as the backbone of Companies House identity verification, offering a free and government-backed route that doesn’t require third-party fees.

Verification steps on GOV.UK

The process begins at the GOV.UK identity verification page. If using the Post Office option, you enter your photo ID details online first, then visit in person to complete liveness checks.

Required documents

Accepted documents include a biometric passport or current driving licence. If photo ID isn’t available, you can use bank or building society account details paired with your National Insurance number.

Alternative methods

If the digital route presents difficulties, the Post Office option provides in-person support. You’ll enter your details online first, then visit a participating branch where staff verify your documents and confirm your identity.

What this means: GOV.UK One Login verification is designed to be accessible to most UK residents, with built-in alternatives for edge cases. The service doesn’t store your documents—it verifies them cryptographically and discards the data.

How do I provide identity verification details for a PSC?

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) are individuals who own or control more than 25% of a company or have significant influence over its management. Companies House requires you to verify your identity using the same methods available to directors.

PSC definition

A PSC includes anyone with voting rights, shares, or the right to appoint or remove majority of directors. Partnerships, trusts, and other legal entities can also qualify as PSCs if they meet these thresholds.

Verification requirements

The GOV.UK guidance specifies that PSC verification follows the same process as director verification. The service asks about individual details, not company information.

Submission process

After verification, your 11-character personal code links directly to your PSC registration. When you file your confirmation statement or other PSC-related documents, Companies House matches the code to confirm you’ve completed identity verification.

The pattern: PSC verification isn’t a one-time event but becomes part of your ongoing relationship with Companies House. The personal code serves as a persistent identity link across all filings.

How do I verify director identity for Companies House?

Directors face the same verification requirements as PSCs, with the process streamlined through GOV.UK One Login.

Director-specific steps

The Companies House Official Blog confirms that directors have three main routes: the GOV.UK ID Check app, online security questions, or a Post Office visit. Each option requires a biometric passport or driving licence.

Common issues

Directors commonly encounter problems when their email address isn’t registered with Companies House, when their photo ID is expired, or when they’ve moved recently and don’t have matching address records.

Post-verification login

Once verified, directors log into Companies House using their standard credentials. The personal code doesn’t replace your password—it’s an additional identity confirmation linked to your filings. A single verification covers all of them. After verification, directors log into Companies House using their standard credentials, and for a comprehensive overview of associated services and their pricing, you can refer to the Меню та ціни The Ivy Manchester.

The trade-off: while the GOV.UK process is free and government-backed, it requires some tech comfort. Directors who struggle with digital processes may find the Post Office option more accessible despite the extra steps involved.

What is ACSP login for Companies House?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a regulated business—typically an accountant, solicitor, or company formation agent—that can verify identity on your behalf.

ACSP role

ACSPs operate under UK Anti-Money Laundering supervision, meaning they’re subject to regulatory oversight and must maintain compliance with KYC standards. GOV.UK guidance confirms that ACSPs must register with Companies House to become authorised, and they use their own identity verification processes.

Login process

When using an ACSP, you’ll provide your documents directly to them rather than through GOV.UK. The ACSP then submits verification to Companies House on your behalf, and you’ll receive your personal code through their system.

Companies House login overview

For those using ACSP services, your primary Companies House login remains unchanged. The ACSP handles verification separately, and their involvement is recorded in Companies House systems. This is particularly useful for overseas directors who can’t easily access Post Office verification in the UK.

The catch: ACSP services aren’t free. Providers charge fees for their verification handling, with costs varying between firms. The benefit is professional support, document handling, and the ability to verify from anywhere in the world.

Companies House identity verification: confirmed facts vs. rumours

We’ve worked closely with Companies House to create an online verification route that’s simple and accessible for directors and PSCs across the UK.

— Companies House Official Blog (Official Government Blog)

ACSPs are regulated businesses, such as accountants, solicitors or company formation agents, that can perform the same identity checks.

— GOV.UK Official Guidance

For directors and PSCs, the choice between GOV.UK self-service and ACSP assistance is straightforward: if you have photo ID and digital comfort, use the free GOV.UK route. If you lack suitable documents, operate from overseas, or simply prefer professional handling, an ACSP takes on the administrative burden for a fee. Either way, the destination is the same—an 11-character personal code that anchors your identity to Companies House filings going forward.

Related reading: HMRC Digital Letters Guide · DVLA Number Plate Transfer

Frequently asked questions