Companies House identity verification: what directors must do
By the Royale Corporate team · Published
· Last reviewed
· 2 min read
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, everyone who is a director or person with significant control (PSC) of a UK company must verify their identity with Companies House. You can do it online with GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, and you then receive a personal code to use in filings.
Key points
Applies to directors and PSCs of all UK companies, including people living abroad.
Verify online with GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
You get a personal Companies House code that links your verified identity to filings.
New directors must verify before being appointed; existing ones by their company’s deadline.
Who must verify
every director of a UK company;
every person with significant control (PSC);
anyone filing documents on a company’s behalf, unless they file through an ACSP.
How to verify
Route
How it works
Best for
GOV.UK One Login
Online, using photo ID and a selfie check in the app or browser
People with a passport or ID the service accepts
Authorised Corporate Service Provider
A registered agent checks your ID and confirms it to Companies House
People who can’t use One Login, or want help
When buying a shelf company
Because you are being appointed as a new director, you must verify your identity before (or as part of) your appointment. Plan for it at the start so it does not hold up the transfer. Royale Corporate tells you which route fits your documents.
What happens if you don’t verify
Acting as a director without verifying is an offence, and Companies House can mark the register to show that a person has not verified. Filings may also be rejected. Check the latest deadlines on GOV.UK.
This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules and fees change; check the official sources above or speak to a UK accountant before you act.
FAQs
Questions people ask
Yes. GOV.UK One Login works with many non-UK passports; if yours is not accepted, use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider.
No. You verify once and use the same personal code for every company where you are a director or PSC.
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