Companies House Identity Verification: Complete Guide for Directors & PSCs
Step-by-step instructions to verify your identity by the 18 November 2025 deadline. Simple guide designed for construction business owners and company directors across all London boroughs. Can't do it yourself? Book free in-person help at our King's Cross office.
๐น Watch the Complete Process
Follow along with this step-by-step video tutorial showing exactly how to complete your identity verification. Perfect if you're more comfortable watching than reading.
๐ Need Help Completing This?
If you're struggling with the online process or don't feel confident doing it yourself, we offer FREE in-person support at our King's Cross office. We'll sit with you and guide you through every step on your phone or computer.
Call Now: 07450 258975 Book AppointmentWhat Is Identity Verification and Why Is It Mandatory?
The UK government introduced new laws (Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023) to combat fraud and make the UK companies register more reliable. From 18 November 2025, every company director and Person with Significant Control (PSC) must prove they are who they say they are.
Three Ways to Verify Your Identity
Choose the method that works best for you. Hover or tap each card to see full details.
Online (Free)
DIY using GOV.UK One Login with your smartphone
โ FREE โข Takes 2-5 minutes
GOV.UK One Login (Free)
- Create account at gov.uk/verify-identity-companies-house
- Download GOV.UK ID Check app on your smartphone
- Scan your biometric passport or UK driving licence
- Take a live selfie for facial recognition
- Receive your personal code immediately (usually)
- Best for: UK passport or driving licence holders
Post Office (Free)
In-person verification at participating branches
โ FREE โข Result within 24 hours
Post Office Verification (Free)
- Start process online at gov.uk to get reference number
- Visit participating Post Office with ID documents
- Staff scan your documents and photograph you
- Results emailed within about 1 day
- Works with UK/non-UK passports and EU driving licences
- Best for: People uncomfortable with digital apps or without smartphones
Through ACSP (Paid)
Let a professional like LOYALS handle it for you
๐ท Service Fee โข Expert Guidance
Authorised Corporate Service Provider
- LOYALS is registered as an ACSP with Companies House
- We handle the entire process for you
- Accept wider range of documents (non-biometric passports, international IDs)
- Perfect for non-UK residents or complex situations
- Expert support if verification fails via direct route
- Best for: International directors, expired documents, technical issues
๐ค Which Route Should You Choose?
Choose Online (Free) if you have a UK biometric passport or driving licence and feel comfortable with technology.
Choose Post Office (Free) if you prefer in-person help or don't have the right documents for online.
Choose ACSP (LOYALS) if you're not UK-based, have technical issues, or just want expert help.
Step-by-Step: Online Verification (Most Common Method)
Follow these steps exactly. Most people complete this in 2-5 minutes.
Create GOV.UK One Login
Go to gov.uk/verify-identity-companies-house and click "Start now"
- Enter your email address (must be unique - each person needs their own email)
- Create a strong password (mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, symbols)
- Verify your email by clicking the link sent to your inbox
- Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) for security
Start Identity Verification
Once logged into GOV.UK One Login, select "Verify your identity for Companies House"
- System will ask what type of photo ID you have
- Choose: UK biometric passport, UK photo driving licence, or other accepted ID
- System determines the best verification method for you
- Most people will be directed to use the smartphone app
Download GOV.UK ID Check App
The website will prompt you to download the app on your smartphone
- Available on Apple App Store (iOS 15+) or Google Play Store (Android 10+)
- Download and install the app
- Open the app and scan the QR code shown on your computer screen
- This links your phone to your verification session
Scan Your ID Document
Follow the app's instructions to photograph your ID
- For passport: Place on flat surface, scan photo page
- For driving licence: Scan front and back of card
- Hold phone steady, ensure good lighting
- App reads the chip in your document (biometric data)
- Takes 30-60 seconds usually
Take Your Selfie
The app will now ask you to take a live photo of your face
- Position your face in the oval outline shown
- Remove glasses, hats, or anything covering your face
- Look directly at camera with neutral expression
- App uses facial recognition to match you to your ID photo
- May ask you to turn your head slightly or blink
Answer Security Questions
Some people may need to answer additional questions
- Questions about your current address
- When you moved to current address
- May ask about bank accounts, credit cards, loans (if you selected that route)
- Questions about phone contracts or mortgages
Receive Your Personal Code
If successful, you'll receive your 11-character Companies House personal code
- Format: XXX-XXXX-XXXX (example: FT5-15ED-7JY5)
- Usually displayed immediately on screen
- Also sent to your email address
- SAVE THIS CODE IMMEDIATELY - write it down, screenshot it, save in password manager
- You'll need this code for all future company filings
Link Code to Your Company Roles
Having the code isn't enough - you must link it to your roles
- As Director: Provide code when filing your company's next confirmation statement
- As PSC: Use separate online service to link code (available from 18 Nov 2025)
- If you're both director and PSC, do both steps
- Multiple companies? Link your code to EACH company role separately
๐ฐ Stuck at Any Stage?
Don't panic! Many people find parts of this confusing. We offer completely free in-person guidance at our King's Cross office. Bring your phone, your ID, and we'll walk you through it step by step. No charge, no obligation.
Book Free Help Session Call: 07450 258975Documents You Need
You need ONE photo ID document from this list. Choose the one you have.
UK Biometric Passport
Any UK passport issued after 2006
Most CommonUK Photo Driving Licence
Full or provisional photocard
Very CommonNon-UK Biometric Passport
From any country with chip
Accepted OnlineUK Biometric Residence Permit
Can be up to 18 months expired
AcceptedEU/EEA Identity Card
Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein
AcceptedUK Frontier Worker Permit
For EU citizens working in UK
AcceptedTroubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions
Hover or tap each card to see the solution. If none of these help, contact LOYALS for expert assistance.
Verification Failed
System rejected my application
Why It Failed & What to Do
- Check ID is not expired
- Verify name exactly matches Companies House records
- Ensure passport chip isn't damaged
- Check photo quality (good lighting, no glare)
- Try different device or browser
- Wait 24 hours and try again
- If still failing, use Post Office or ACSP route
Name Mismatch
ID name doesn't match records
Solving Name Mismatches
- Check your name on Companies House register
- Must match EXACTLY (including middle names, hyphens)
- Changed name? Update Companies House first (form TM01)
- Use ID with correct name version
- Marriage certificate name change? ACSP can help verify
- Contact LOYALS if complex name situation
Locked Out Account
Too many failed login attempts
Unlock Your Account
- Wait 30-60 minutes before trying again
- Use password reset link sent to email
- Check spam folder for reset email
- Create new password following requirements
- Contact GOV.UK One Login support if still locked
- Cannot unlock? Create new account with different email
App Not Working
Cannot download or scan documents
Fix App Issues
- Check phone meets minimum requirements (iOS 15+/Android 10+)
- Update phone operating system
- Clear app cache and restart
- Uninstall and reinstall app
- Try different phone if available
- Use Post Office verification instead
- Contact LOYALS - we can complete via ACSP route
Taking Too Long
No response after 24+ hours
Processing Delays
- Most applications instant, some take up to 24 hours
- Check email (including spam) for updates
- Log back into GOV.UK One Login to check status
- After 48 hours with no response, contact GOV.UK support
- Deadline approaching? Consider ACSP route faster
- LOYALS can expedite via authorised route
Non-UK Passport
Foreign passport not working
International Passport Issues
- Must have biometric chip (usually post-2006)
- Chip must be readable and not damaged
- Some older passports don't work with UK system
- Non-biometric passport? Must use ACSP route
- LOYALS accepts non-biometric international passports
- We handle verification for overseas directors regularly
Selfie Not Matching
Face recognition keeps failing
Improve Face Match Success
- Use bright, natural lighting (daylight best)
- Remove glasses, hats, scarves
- Look directly at camera, neutral expression
- Passport photo very old? May need ACSP route
- Significant appearance change? Update passport first
- Still failing? Post Office or ACSP can verify manually
Lost Personal Code
Can't find my 11-character code
Retrieve Your Code
- Check your email (search "Companies House personal code")
- Log into your GOV.UK One Login account
- If you set up Companies House account, check there
- Check "Manage account" section in GOV.UK One Login
- Code emailed to address used during verification
- Cannot find it? Contact LOYALS - we can help retrieve
Need In-Person Help
Just can't do it myself
LOYALS In-Person Support (FREE)
- Book appointment at King's Cross office
- Bring your phone and photo ID
- We sit with you and guide every step
- Help with app download and scanning
- Assist with any technical problems
- Completely free for everyone
- Call 07450 258975 or book online
Understanding Your Specific Deadline
Your deadline depends on your role. Here's exactly when YOU need to verify.
๐ Check Your Exact Deadline
From 18 November 2025, you can check the Companies House register to see your exact verification deadline for each role you hold. Or just verify now and be done with it! Don't wait until the last minute - systems may be overloaded as deadlines approach.
Call for Deadline Help: 07450 258975Frequently Asked Questions
No! You only verify your identity ONCE and receive ONE personal code that works for all your roles across all companies. However, you must provide this code separately for each company when filing their confirmation statements. Think of it like your National Insurance number - one number for all your jobs, but each employer needs to know it.
You need to link your personal code twice: once as director (when filing the confirmation statement) and separately as PSC (using the PSC online service within 14 days of the confirmation statement). It's the same code but two separate linking actions. Many construction company owners fall into this category if they own 25%+ of their company.
Yes! You can verify from anywhere in the world using the online GOV.UK method if you have a biometric passport. The app works internationally. Alternatively, if you're overseas permanently or your passport isn't biometric, LOYALS can verify you as an ACSP using international documents. We've helped directors in Dubai, Spain, Portugal, and many other countries.
This is serious. Your company cannot file its confirmation statement, which means it could be struck off the Companies House register. You may face unlimited fines. If you continue acting as a director without verification, you're committing a criminal offence and could be disqualified from being a director. The company and other directors may also face penalties. If you've missed a deadline, verify immediately and contact Companies House to explain - they've indicated a proportionate enforcement approach during the transition year.
No! Each person must have their own unique email address for GOV.UK One Login. Your personal code is linked to your email, and the system only allows one verified identity per email. If you normally share an email, create a new free email account (Gmail, Outlook, etc.) for one of you specifically for this purpose.
Your ID and Companies House records must show the EXACT same name. If you changed your name through marriage but Companies House still shows your old name, you need to update Companies House first using form TM01. Alternatively, use an ID that shows your old name (if you still have it). If this is complicated, contact LOYALS - as an ACSP we can accept supporting documents like marriage certificates to verify your identity under both names.
Expired passports aren't accepted (except Biometric Residence Permits which can be 18 months expired). You have three options: (1) Renew your passport and then verify, (2) Use your UK driving licence if you have one, or (3) Contact LOYALS - as an ACSP we may be able to accept your expired passport along with other supporting documents. Don't let an expired passport stop you from meeting the deadline.
Absolutely! You have two options: (1) Book a free in-person session at LOYALS' King's Cross office. We'll sit with you, use your phone, and guide you through every single step. Completely free. Or (2) We can verify you as an ACSP - you provide us with ID documents and we handle the entire technical process for you. Either way, you don't need to understand the technology.
Verifying directly through GOV.UK or at a Post Office is completely FREE. There are no government charges. However, if you choose to use an ACSP like LOYALS to verify for you, there will be a service fee (prices vary by provider). The LOYALS in-person help where we guide you through the GOV.UK process yourself is FREE. If you're already a LOYALS monthly accounting client, we'll help you as part of your ongoing support.
No! In most cases, you verify once and that's it for life. Your personal code stays with you forever and works for all future company roles and appointments. The only time you might need to verify again is if Companies House specifically asks you to (which would only happen if there were serious concerns), or if your personal circumstances change dramatically. Otherwise, one and done.
Most construction business owners are both directors AND PSCs (if they own 25%+ of the company). This means you'll need to link your code twice - once as director in the confirmation statement, and again as PSC in the separate PSC service. LOYALS specialises in construction businesses and handles verification for dozens of contractors monthly. We understand CIS tax situations, seasonal cash flow, and can time this with your other filings. Many construction owners prefer our in-person help since you're often on-site during work hours.
Yes, and you should! Your accountant needs your personal code to file your confirmation statement and other company documents on your behalf. Treat your personal code like your UTR - keep it secure, but share it with trusted professionals who file for you. LOYALS keeps all client codes securely stored so we can handle your filings without constantly asking you for it.
Need Help? We're Here for You
LOYALS Accountants offers completely FREE in-person support for Companies House identity verification. We've helped hundreds of construction business owners and company directors complete this process without stress. Whether you need someone to walk you through it step-by-step, or you want us to handle it completely as your ACSP, we're here.
LOYALS serves 500+ businesses across all London boroughs including Westminster, Camden, Islington, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Hammersmith, Kensington, and beyond. We specialise in construction businesses and CIS tax, making us the perfect partner for building contractors, subcontractors, and tradespeople who need practical, no-nonsense accounting support.
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