Companies House ID checks

Companies House have introduced directors’ identity checks. This means that all directors and people with significant control (PSCs) must have verified their identity before the companty can file its next confirmation statement. You can check the Companies House register to see the verification due dates for each role you hold.

What you need to do

Identity verification is a 2-step process:

If you’ve already verified your identity, you do not need to do it again, but you must provide your personal code for each role you hold.

Find out what happens if you do not verify.

How to verify your identity

You can verify using the Verify your identity for Companies House service. This service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity.

GOV.UK One Login will ask you a few simple questions to work out the best way for you to verify your identity online. The options available may depend on your device, whether you have photo ID, and the type of ID you have. If you have a UK photo card driving licence, UK passport or a non-UK biometric passport and access to a smartphone, you can verify your identity using an app. 

Filing your next confirmation statement

You will not be able to file your company’s next confirmation statement unless all company directors have verified their identity and included their personal code.

If someone else files the confirmation statement on your behalf, each director must share their code with them.

Find out more about your Companies House personal code and where to find it.

Why is this happening

Identity verification helps protect honest business owners from being impersonated by criminals and supports a fairer, more transparent business environment. 

Identity verification requirements for limited partnerships, corporate directors of companies, corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs), and officers of corporate PSCs, will be introduced at a later date