Understanding Companies House Identity Verification Requirements: A Complete Guide for Directors and PSCs

Companies House identity verification requirements are changing how directors, Persons with Significant Control, LLP members, and other individuals interact with the UK company register.

The measures are intended to improve the accuracy of information held by Companies House, increase corporate transparency, and make it more difficult for individuals to use companies for unlawful purposes.

If you are involved in establishing, managing, or controlling a UK company or LLP, you may be required to verify your identity.

Accountant Bookkeeping Ltd is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, ACSP reference AP009571. We provide a secure online service for eligible UK and overseas applicants who need assistance with Companies House identity verification.

What Is Companies House Identity Verification?

Identity verification is intended to confirm that an individual is genuinely the person they claim to be.

The process may include:

• Collecting the individual's personal details
• Reviewing photographic identification
• Reviewing proof of residential address
• Checking that the evidence is valid and acceptable
• Confirming that the identity evidence belongs to the applicant
• Recording the applicant's consent and declaration
• Submitting the required verification confirmation to Companies House

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider can complete the relevant checks on behalf of Companies House.

Accountant Bookkeeping Ltd offers a remote verification service through its secure ACSP Verification Portal.

What Is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider, commonly known as an ACSP, is a business authorised to carry out Companies House identity verification services.

Accountant Bookkeeping Ltd is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider under ACSP reference AP009571.

Using an ACSP can be helpful if you would like practical support with:

• Understanding what information is required
• Submitting identity evidence securely
• Resolving document issues
• Completing the appropriate verification route
• Verifying UK or overseas applicants

Who May Need to Verify Their Identity?

Companies House identity verification may apply to:

• Existing company directors
• Newly appointed directors
• Persons with Significant Control
• LLP members
• Certain company officers
• Individuals incorporating a new company
• Individuals forming a new LLP
• Overseas individuals with responsibilities relating to a UK company or LLP

The precise requirement will depend on the individual's role and circumstances.

If you are uncertain whether you need to complete verification, contact Accountant Bookkeeping Ltd before submitting your application.

How Our ACSP Verification Process Works

Our service is designed to provide a clear and secure online route through the verification process.

1. Select Your Verification Service

Visit the ACSP Verification Portal and select the option that applies to you.

Available service options include:

• Existing Director
• New Director
• Person with Significant Control
• LLP Member
• Forming a New Limited Company
• Forming a New LLP

2. Complete Your Identity Information

Provide the requested personal and contact information.

Depending on the service selected, this may include:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Email address
• Telephone number
• Company information
• Details of the position or company role
• Information relevant to the required verification

3. Upload Your Supporting Documents

Before starting, prepare the evidence requested by the portal.

This normally includes:

• Photographic identification
• Proof of residential address
• A selfie holding your photographic identification

Additional company or supporting documents may be requested depending on your circumstances.

Documents should be current, complete, clear, and legible.

4. Complete the Consent and Declaration

You will be asked to review and complete the relevant consent and declaration.

Read the declaration carefully and check that all information supplied is accurate before submitting your application.

5. Document and Compliance Review

Our team reviews the submitted information and documents to determine whether they meet the applicable verification requirements.

If information is missing, unclear, expired, or unsuitable, we will contact you to explain what further evidence is required.

6. Invoice and Payment

Our current verification fee is £50 per person, with no VAT added.

An invoice is issued after the form and supporting documents have been received and reviewed.

Payment is required in advance. Verification will proceed once the documentation has been approved and cleared payment has been received.

Where several individuals require verification, contact us to discuss the application before submitting multiple requests.

7. Complete the Verification

Once the required evidence has been accepted and payment has cleared, we will proceed with the Companies House identity verification process.

Processing depends on:

• Receiving all required information
• Receiving acceptable identity evidence
• Resolving any document queries
• Completing the necessary compliance checks
• Receiving cleared payment

8. Keep Your Personal Code Secure

Following successful verification, a personal code will be associated with the verified individual for relevant Companies House filings and interactions.

The code should be retained securely. It should only be shared with a trusted person or professional who is authorised to use it for an appropriate Companies House filing.

What Documents May Be Required?

The evidence required depends on the applicant and the verification route.

Documents may include:

• Passport
• Government-issued photographic identity card
• Photocard driving licence
• Utility bill
• Bank statement
• Company incorporation documents
• Documents relating to a Person with Significant Control
• Other evidence required to clarify the applicant's identity or company role

Submitting a document does not automatically mean it will be accepted. We may request additional or alternative evidence where necessary.

To avoid delays, ensure documents are current, complete, and clearly legible.

Why Choose Accountant Bookkeeping Ltd?

Authorised Corporate Service Provider

We are registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider and can undertake Companies House identity verification checks on behalf of eligible individuals.

Fully Remote Service

Most verifications can be completed remotely without attending our office.

Secure Document Handling

Your personal data is submitted through our secure verification process, helping protect sensitive information throughout the onboarding journey.

Transparent Fixed Pricing

• £50 per person
• No VAT added
• No hidden charges

Support for UK and Overseas Applicants

We assist both UK-based and overseas applicants who require compliance with Companies House identity verification requirements.