How to verify your identity for Companies House
Why You Need to Verify
The new Companies House ID checks have been released to combat individuals using companies for illegal purposes, such as fraud.
Upon successfully verifying your ID you will be provided with a Companies House personal code – personal to you, not to any company. This code will be needed in the future, for example, when:
• Filing your confirmation statement
• Becoming a Person with Significant Control (PSC)
• Being appointed a director
Who Must Verify
Every director and person of significant control (PSC) will need to verify their identity
Ways to Verify
There are three main ways to complete verification:
• Online – Uses the GOV.UK One Login app. This is free of charge
• Post Office – You can start the process online and then complete the verification in person at your local post office,
• Use an ACSP – Use a paid for service with an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
How to Complete Companies House Identity Verification
We recommend using the online method with the GOV.UK service. We recommend completing the full process using a smartphone rather than jumping between a computer and a phone.
Before you start
You will need access to a computer, tablet or smart phone.
Have one of the following to hand:
- A UK or international biometric passport (all UK passports issued after 2006 are biometric)
- A UK photocard driving licence
- A UK biometric residence card
- A UK Frontier Worker permit
You will also need your current address details and the year you moved in.
A smartphone is usually the best device to use (you’ll use the GOV.UK ID Check app for document scanning and a live face check).
If online verification isn’t suitable, you may be directed to verify in person at the Post Office after starting online.
Step 1 – Create or sign in to GOV.UK One Login
Go to the “Verify your identity” service here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house
Then choose Verify your Identity
You’ll be asked to create a GOV.UK One Login to sign into this services
You’ll need an email address and a way to get a security code (mobile number or authentication code)
Important – you must use the same email address for your Companies House account and your GOV.UK One Log into connect the,
Once you have set the account up you will be prompted to download the GOV.UK One Login app from your app store and open it on your phone.
Step 2 – Prove your identity
Follow the steps on your app and scan your document (passport or licence) when asked using the app.
For the NFC chip read (for passports that support it): hold your phone on the passport as instructed.
For the selfie check: follow on-screen prompts (e.g., look into camera, move head).
Submit and wait for the on-screen confirmation. Most people complete this in minutes.
If the online route isn’t suitable, the service may direct you to verify at the Post Office (you’ll still start online and finish back online).
Step 3 – Get your Companies House personal code
Once verified, your 11-character personal code is created and linked to your Companies House account. Please screenshot this so you don’t lose the code.
Step 4 – Provide your code for each role you hold
You verify once, but you must provide your unique personal code separately for every role (e.g., director of Company A; PSC of Company B).
Directors: include your personal code with the company’s confirmation statement (from 18 Nov 2025 you won’t be able to file the next confirmation statement unless all directors are verified and have provided their code).
PSCs: provide your personal code using the PSC online service when prompted by due dates.
Please share your code securely with us.
Step 5 – Check your due dates and stay compliant
Legal requirement starts 18 November 2025 with a 12-month transition period.
After 18 November, you can check the Companies House register for verification due dates for each role you hold.
If you’ve already verified: You do not need to verify again, but you must still provide your personal code for each role.
Why this matters
From 18 November 2025, you will not be able to file your next confirmation statement unless all company directors have verified their identity and provided their personal codes. Failure to file your confirmation statement in a timely manner puts your company at risk of being struck off at Companies House and any assets being passed to the Crown or Dutchy of Lancaster.