What is Companies House identity verification?

Identity verification is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. All company directors and PSCs must verify their identity to receive a Companies House personal code.

How much does identity verification cost?

Digital verification starts from £39, with video call verification available from £49. We also offer in-person verification from £59 and priority same-day service at £99.

How long does verification take?

Most digital verifications are completed within 24 hours. The actual identity check takes just 5-10 minutes.

What documents do I need?

For digital verification, you need a biometric passport or UK driving licence. For video call and in-person verification, a wider range of documents is accepted including national ID cards.

What if my document has expired?

Expired documents cannot be accepted for identity verification. You will need to renew your document before completing verification.

My passport is from a country not listed - can I still verify?

For digital verification, we can accept most biometric/machine-readable passports from any country. Contact us to check if your passport is supported.

What if my name on Companies House is different from my ID?

Your name on the identity document must match your name on the Companies House register. If they differ, you'll need to either update your name with Companies House first, or provide evidence of the name change (such as a marriage certificate or deed poll).

Do you accept digital driving licences?

We require the physical photocard driving licence, not the digital version on your phone. The card contains security features we need to verify.

PRADO is the EU's Public Register of Authentic Identity Documents. It lists accepted identity documents from countries worldwide, including National Identity Cards, Crew Member Certificates, and Permanent Resident Cards.

Can someone else verify on my behalf?

No. Identity verification must be completed by the individual whose identity is being verified. This is a legal requirement under Companies House regulations.

What if I only have Group B documents?

For in-person verification, you must have at least one document from Group A (photo ID). If you only have Group B documents, you will need to obtain photo ID before verification.

ACSP Registration: AP006589

Accepted Identity Documents

Check which documents you can use for Companies House identity verification

Your document must be in date. Expired documents are automatically rejected for Companies House identity verification — verification will fail. Please check the expiry date and renew first if needed before you start or pay.

Watch: how to get your documents right and avoid a failed verification.

Quick Document Check

Select your document to see which verification methods you can use:

Digital Verification

£39

Same day · 5-10 minutes · Online

Select at least one of the following documents:

Biometric or machine readable passport
Irish passport card
UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK Frontier Worker permit

How it works

Digital verification uses your smartphone camera to scan your document and verify your identity in real-time. The process takes 5-10 minutes and results are typically available the same day.

You'll also need:

Valid, unexpired document
Smartphone with camera
Good lighting conditions

Get Started - Digital

Video Call Verification

£49

By appointment · 15-20 minutes

You'll need 2 documents: one from Group A AND one from Group B

Group A – Primary Photo ID (1 required)

Passport
Irish passport card
Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK accredited PASS card
UK or EU driver digital tachograph card
UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
UK HM Forces ID Card
UK HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
UK Frontier Worker permit
Photographic work permit (government issued)
Photographic immigration document
Photographic Visa
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man Firearms Licence
Photographic ID listed on PRADO (e.g. National Identity Card, Crew Member Certificate, Permanent Resident Card)

Group B – Supporting Document (1 required)

Birth or adoption certificate
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Non-photographic immigration document
Non-photographic visa
Non-photographic work permit
Bank or building society statement
UK local authority or social housing rental agreement (current address)
Mortgage statement (current address)
UK council tax statement (current address)
Utility bill (current address)

Address documents must show your current address and be dated within the last 3 months.

How it works

During your scheduled video call, our verification agent will ask you to hold up both documents on camera. Please have them ready before your appointment.

You'll also need:

1 photo ID from Group A
1 supporting document from Group B
Device with camera and microphone
Stable internet connection
Quiet, well-lit environment

Book Video Call

In-Person Verification

£59

By appointment · Manchester or Ashton office

Select at least 2 documents. At least 1 must be from Group A.

Group A – Primary Photo ID (at least 1 required)

Passport
Irish passport card
Identity card with biometric information from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK accredited PASS card
UK or EU driver digital tachograph card
UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
UK HM Forces ID Card
UK HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
UK Frontier Worker permit
Photographic work permit (government issued)
Photographic immigration document
Photographic Visa
UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man Firearms Licence
Photographic ID listed on PRADO (e.g. National Identity Card, Crew Member Certificate, Permanent Resident Card)

Group B – Supporting Documents

Birth or adoption certificate
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Non-photographic immigration document
Non-photographic visa
Non-photographic work permit
Bank or building society statement
UK local authority or social housing rental agreement (current address)
Mortgage statement (current address)
UK council tax statement (current address)
Utility bill (current address)

Address documents must show your current address and be dated within the last 3 months.

How it works

For in-person verification, you must bring original documents (not photocopies) to our Manchester or Ashton-under-Lyne office. Please book an appointment in advance.

Book In-Person Appointment

Important Information

All documents must be valid and not expired

Documents must be originals (not photocopies) for in-person verification

Your name on the document must match your name on the Companies House register

Address documents must be dated within the last 3 months

If your name has changed, you may need to provide evidence (e.g. marriage certificate, deed poll)

Digital verification requires a smartphone with a working camera

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to verify your identity?

Choose the option that works best for you

Digital – £39 Video – £49 In-Person – £59

Questions? We're here to help

0161 317 8556 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)0161 524 7124 (AI Assistant, 24/7)

Accepted Identity Documents

Quick Document Check

Digital Verification

Select at least one of the following documents:

Video Call Verification

Group A – Primary Photo ID (1 required)

Group B – Supporting Document (1 required)

In-Person Verification

Group A – Primary Photo ID (at least 1 required)

Group B – Supporting Documents

Important Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to verify your identity?

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