Identity verification is now a major requirement for all UK company directors and anyone involved with company filings. These new rules help make sure every business is linked to real, verified people, which protects companies from fraud and keeps the Companies House register accurate and secure.
To complete verification, directors must provide the correct ID documents.Your name must be spelled the same way on all documents. The process is simple, but knowing which documents are accepted will help you avoid delays or rejected checks.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which documents you need, how the verification works, and what to expect once your identity is approved. This makes the whole process easier, clearer, and faster for both UK and non-UK directors.
Accepted Documents for Identity Verification
To verify your identity with Companies House, you must provide official documents that prove who you are and where you live. The rules are strict because Companies House needs to confirm every director is a real, genuine person. All documents must be clear, valid, and must match your full legal name. Companies House accepts two types of documents.
Group A — Photographic ID (Primary Accepted IDs)
These are the strongest and most important documents. In most cases, one Group A document is enough to complete identity verification.
Accepted Group A IDs: Group A documents are used as primary photo identification for identity verification. You must provide one valid document from this list. The document must be current, clear, and issued by a recognised authority.
✅ Passport (UK or International): Must be valid and not expired. The passport should clearly show your full name, photograph, nationality, and date of birth. Both UK and international passports are accepted.
✅ UK Photocard Driving Licence: Only photocard driving licences issued by the DVLA are accepted. The licence must be in date and show a clear photograph and personal details.
✅ National Identity Card (EU or Other Eligible Countries):
This must be a government-issued national ID card. Only cards from eligible countries are accepted, and the paper should stand and clearly understandable.
✅ Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC):
Issued by the UK Home Office, these documents must be valid and show your biometric and personal details clearly. ( Biometric residence cards may still be accepted up to 18 months after they expire, as long as they meet Companies House rules.)
Your Group A ID must show:
√ Your full name √ Date of birth √ A clear photo √ A valid expiry date
Group B — Supporting Documents
Group B documents are used when:
❌️ You cannot provide a second photo ID, or
📍 Companies House needs extra proof of your address
These documents must show your current residential address and should usually be issued within the last 3 months.
Accepted Group B documents include:
✅ Utility bills (gas, water, electricity)
✅ Bank or credit card statements
✅ Council tax bill
✅ Mortgage statement
✅ Tenancy agreement
These documents confirm your address when your primary ID cannot.
Director’s Identity
Verification Service
Have your directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) verified their identities with Companies House yet? Get verified with Swiftacc today, we are an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Book an AppointmentStart WhatsApp ChatRequirements for UK and Non-UK Directors
UK directors usually complete verification quickly because most use:
✅ A UK passport, or
✅ A UK driving licence
✅ Address documents like council tax bills or utility bills are also easy for UK residents to provide.
Only documents listed under Group A are accepted. If an ID is not on the approved list, it will not be accepted for verification. This helps Companies House confirm your identity even if you live abroad.
🚩 Important for all directors: Your name on all documents must match exactly. If your name is different across documents, you may have to submit extra proof.
How to Submit Documents for Verification
Submitting your documents for identity verification is simple. There are two official ways to complete the process: GOV.UK One Login or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Both options send your verification results directly to Companies House.
✅ Using GOV.UK One Login: GOV.UK One Login is the government’s own system.
How it works:
√ Make a One Login account or login in to one.
√ Upload your Group A photo ID
√ Take a live selfie or short video if asked
√ Submit everything online
Your details go straight to Companies House. This method is suitable if you are confident in doing the process yourself.
✅ Using an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider): An ACSP is a trusted agent approved by Companies House.
How it works:
√ You receive a secure link from the ACSP
√ Upload your ID documents and selfie
√ The ACSP checks everything meets the rules
√ They submit the verification on your behalf
This option is quicker and reduces the chance of rejection, especially for non-UK directors or anyone unsure about the process. Both methods are authorised and secure. Choose the one that makes verification easiest for you and ensures all your documents meet Companies House standards.
What Happens After Verification
After your identity is successfully verified, Companies House updates your record to show that you are a real, confirmed person. This helps protect your company from fraud and keeps the public register accurate.
✅ You Receive Your Personal Code
Once verification is complete, you get a Companies House Personal Code. This code is your digital ID and proves that you are a verified person.
👤 Your personal code:
√ Belongs to you only
√ Can be used for all companies you act for
√ Stays the same even if you join new companies
√ You must keep it safe, just like a password
✅ Your Role Is Confirmed
When verification is successful:
√ Your name becomes linked to your role, such as director or PSC
√ You can continue acting for the company without delays
√ Any future filings can be approved using your personal code
√ Only verified people can make official changes, so this step is important.
❌ No Need to Verify Again for New Companies
If you join another company later, you do not need to repeat identity verification. You simply use the same personal code to confirm your role.
⚠️ What If Something Goes Wrong?
If your documents were unclear or did not meet the rules:
√ Companies House may ask you to resubmit better copies
√ You may need to repeat the selfie or photo check
√ You won’t receive your personal code until everything is approved
🚩 Completing verification early helps avoid delays for your company.
Identity verification for UK company directors is now must by law. It ensures your company stays compliant, protects against fraud, and links every company to real, verified individuals. By providing the correct documents, either through GOV.UK One Login or an ACSP, you can complete the process quickly and securely.
We are registered as an ACSP and can verify your identity with companies in just few clicks. Contact us for a free consultation to makes the process even easier. You get expert guidance, step by step support, and peace of mind knowing everything is done correctly. Take action today to secure your company and avoid delays or penalties. With the right support, identity verification can be simple, fast, and stress-free.
