Companies House identity verification

Published on 12 November 2025 at 23:29
Companies House Identity Verification Guide 2025 | Step-by-Step for Directors & PSCs | LOYALS London
โญ 4.8/5 Google Rating
๐Ÿ† ICAEW Chartered
๐Ÿ‘ฅ 500+ Clients
๐Ÿ“ King's Cross Office
๐Ÿ†” MANDATORY FROM 18 NOVEMBER 2025

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.

โฐ Important Deadline: From 18 November 2025, ALL company directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) MUST verify their identity with Companies House. You have a 12-month transition period, but don't wait until the last minute. Missing your deadline means you cannot file company documents and may face unlimited fines or disqualification.

๐Ÿ“น 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.

๐Ÿ“ž 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 Appointment

What 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.

โœ…
What You Get
After successful verification, you receive an 11-character personal code (format: XXX-XXXX-XXXX). This code is yours for life and links all your company roles together. You only verify ONCE.
๐Ÿ‘ฅ
Who Must Verify
ALL company directors (executive, non-executive, alternate), People with Significant Control (25%+ ownership or control), and LLP members. This applies regardless of nationality or where you live.
โš ๏ธ
Consequences of Not Verifying
Cannot file confirmation statements, company might be struck off, unlimited fines possible, criminal offence if you continue acting as director without verification, potential disqualification.
๐Ÿ“…
Your Deadline
Directors: Before your company's next confirmation statement after 18 Nov 2025. PSCs: Either with the confirmation statement (if also director) OR within first 14 days of your birth month.

Three Ways to Verify Your Identity

Choose the method that works best for you. Hover or tap each card to see full details.

๐Ÿ’ป

Online (Free)

DIY using GOV.UK One Login with your smartphone

โœ“ FREE โ€ข 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
Requirements: Smartphone with iOS 15+ or Android 10+, biometric passport (issued after 2006) OR UK photo driving licence, current address, unique email
๐Ÿค

Post Office (Free)

In-person verification at participating branches

โœ“ FREE โ€ข 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
Accepted IDs: UK or non-UK passport, UK or EU photocard driving licence, EU/EEA/Norway/Iceland/Liechtenstein national ID card
๐Ÿค

Through ACSP (Paid)

Let a professional like LOYALS handle it for you

๐Ÿ’ท Service Fee โ€ข 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
LOYALS Clients: If you're already our monthly accounting client, we can guide you through this at no extra charge during your regular check-ins.

๐Ÿค” 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.

1

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
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Use an email you check regularly. You'll receive your personal code at this email address, and you'll need it to log back in later.
โš ๏ธ Warning: Cannot use the same email for multiple people. Your spouse/business partner needs their own separate email.
2

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
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Have your ID document ready before starting. Make sure it's not expired. UK passports issued after 2006 are biometric.
3

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
โš ๏ธ Phone Requirements: iPhone 6S or newer for driving licence, iPhone 7 or newer for passports. Android 10 or higher for all documents.
4

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
๐Ÿ’ก Tips for Success: Use natural daylight if possible, avoid shadows, keep document flat, hold phone parallel to document, don't rush - let it focus properly.
5

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
โš ๏ธ Common Issues: Too dark (use better lighting), face not centered, wearing glasses, ID photo very old and you look different now.
6

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
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Answer honestly and accurately. System checks answers against credit reference agencies. Don't guess if unsure - accuracy is key.
7

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
โš ๏ธ CRITICAL: If you used the app route, you can only see your code again by setting up a Companies House account. Save it now or you'll have trouble finding it later!
๐Ÿ’ก What Next: Keep code secure but accessible. Share only with trusted people who file on your behalf (like your accountant). Treat it like your UTR or password.
8

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
๐Ÿ’ก Tip: Give your code to LOYALS if we handle your company filings. We'll link it correctly and ensure everything's submitted on time.

๐Ÿ˜ฐ 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 258975

Documents You Need

You need ONE photo ID document from this list. Choose the one you have.

๐Ÿ›‚

UK Biometric Passport

Any UK passport issued after 2006

Most Common
๐Ÿš—

UK Photo Driving Licence

Full or provisional photocard

Very Common
๐ŸŒ

Non-UK Biometric Passport

From any country with chip

Accepted Online
๐Ÿ 

UK Biometric Residence Permit

Can be up to 18 months expired

Accepted
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ

EU/EEA Identity Card

Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein

Accepted
๐Ÿ”

UK Frontier Worker Permit

For EU citizens working in UK

Accepted
โœ…
Additional Info Needed
Besides your photo ID, you'll need: Your current residential address, the year you moved to this address, and a unique email address for GOV.UK One Login account.
โš ๏ธ
Document Must Be Valid
Your ID must not be expired (except BRP which can be up to 18 months expired). The name on your ID must EXACTLY match your name on Companies House register - any spelling differences will cause rejection.
โŒ
Don't Have These?
If you don't have any of these IDs, or your ID is expired, or you're not comfortable with the online process, contact LOYALS. As an ACSP, we can accept a wider range of documents and handle everything for you.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems & Solutions

Hover or tap each card to see the solution. If none of these help, contact LOYALS for expert assistance.

๐Ÿšซ

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
๐Ÿ“›

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
๐Ÿ”’

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
๐Ÿ“ฑ

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
โฑ๏ธ

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
๐ŸŒ

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
๐Ÿคณ

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
โ“

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
๐Ÿ†˜

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.

18 November 2025
New Appointments Start
From this date, anyone becoming a NEW director or PSC must verify BEFORE they can be appointed. Cannot incorporate a new company without all directors verified. This is the "go live" date, not the deadline for existing directors/PSCs.
Your Next Confirmation Statement
Existing Directors Deadline
If you're already a director on 18 Nov 2025, you must provide your personal code with your company's next confirmation statement after that date. This could be December 2025, March 2026, or whenever your next statement is due. Companies House will show your specific date on the register from 18 Nov onwards.
If You're ALSO a Director
PSC Deadline (Also Director)
If you're both a director AND a PSC of the same company, you have a 14-day window starting from your company's confirmation statement date. You must use a separate online service (available from 18 Nov 2025) to link your code as a PSC, even though you already provided it as director.
First 14 Days of Your Birth Month
PSC Deadline (Not a Director)
If you're a PSC but NOT a director of that company, your 14-day window starts on the 1st day of your birth month as shown on Companies House register. For example, if your date of birth shows as "March 1990", your window is 1-14 March 2026. If you were born in November, your first window is 1-14 November 2026.
Mid-November 2026
Transition Period Ends
The 12-month transition period ends around mid-November 2026. By this point, absolutely everyone must be verified and linked to their roles. After this, enforcement becomes stricter with penalties for non-compliance.

๐Ÿ“… 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 258975

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to verify separately for each company I'm a director of? +

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.

What if I'm both a director and a PSC of the same company? +

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.

I'm not in the UK right now. Can I still verify? +

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.

What happens if I miss my deadline completely? +

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.

Can my wife/husband and I use the same email for our GOV.UK One Login? +

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.

I changed my name after marriage. What do I do? +

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.

My passport expired during COVID and I haven't renewed it. What now? +

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.

I'm not good with technology. Can someone do this for me? +

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.

Does this cost money? Are there any fees? +

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.

Will I need to verify again in the future? +

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.

I run a construction business. Is there anything specific I should know? +

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.

Can I give my personal code to my accountant? +

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.

๐Ÿ“ž

Call Us

07450 258975

Mon-Fri 9am-6pm
Sat-Sun 10am-5pm

๐Ÿ“…

Book Appointment

Online Booking

Free 30-min session
King's Cross office

๐Ÿ“

Visit Us

39-41 North Road, N7 9DP

2 mins from Caledonian
Road tube station

โœ‰๏ธ

Email Us

kris.nick@loyals.uk

Response within
4 business hours

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.

Add comment

Comments

There are no comments yet.