Companies House identity verification is now a key part of UK company compliance. Introduced under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, the regime requires individuals involved in setting up, running, owning or controlling UK companies to verify their identity.
For many businesses, the challenge is not simply understanding the rules, but managing the process efficiently, particularly where there are multiple directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs), group structures or overseas individuals involved.
That is where an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) can help.
What is Companies House identity verification?
Identity verification is designed to help Companies House confirm that the people behind UK companies are who they claim to be. The aim is to improve the reliability of the companies register, reduce the misuse of corporate structures and support wider efforts to tackle economic crime.
Once an individual has successfully verified their identity, they receive a Companies House personal code. This code is personal to the individual and may need to be provided to Companies House for different company roles, appointments and filings.
Who needs to verify?
Identity verification applies to a range of individuals connected with UK companies, including:
- company directors
- People with Significant Control (PSCs)
- equivalent roles in other relevant entities, such as LLP members
- individuals involved in forming new companies or taking on certain company roles
The timing of verification depends on the person’s role and circumstances. For example, directors will generally need to provide their Companies House personal code as part of the company’s confirmation statement process. PSCs may have separate requirements and, in some cases, must provide their personal code within a specific 14-day period.
Where an individual holds more than one role, or is involved with more than one company, they may need to provide their personal code separately for each relevant role.
How can identity verification be completed?
There are two main ways to complete Companies House identity verification:
- Direct verification through GOV.UK One Login (free, online, typically completed quickly).
- Verification via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) a registered professional firm approved to complete ID checks and make the required submissions to Companies House.
Direct verification may be suitable for many individuals. However, businesses often prefer to use an ACSP where they want a more coordinated process, especially when managing verification across several people or companies.
What is an ACSP (and what does it mean for you)?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is a professional firm registered with Companies House to carry out identity verification and, where relevant, make certain filings or submissions on behalf of clients.
ACSPs are also referred to as Companies House authorised agents. They are typically firms such as solicitors, accountants, company formation agents or other regulated professionals. To act as an ACSP, a firm must meet specific requirements, including being supervised for anti-money laundering purposes.
When an ACSP verifies an individual’s identity, the checks must meet the Companies House identity verification standard.
Why Businesses are Choosing the ACSP Route
Although many individuals can verify directly, using an ACSP can be helpful where a business wants to reduce the administrative burden and ensure the process is handled correctly.
Businesses may choose an ACSP where they need to:
- coordinate verification for multiple directors or PSCs
- manage verification across group companies or more complex ownership structures
- support individuals who are overseas or less familiar with the Companies House process
- align verification with confirmation statements, appointments and statutory filings
- reduce the risk of missed deadlines or incorrect submissions
- keep identity verification within a wider company secretarial or governance process
For companies with more complex structures, it is important to understand not just who needs to verify, but when they need to provide their personal code and in what capacity.
How DTM Legal can help as an ACSP
DTM Legal is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, approved to complete Companies House identity verification on your behalf and certify compliance directly to Companies House.
Our Corporate & Commercial team supports businesses of all sizes, from owner-managed companies to groups with more complex governance needs by providing:
- End-to-end management of the verification process
- Identity checks completed to Companies House standards
- Practical guidance on who needs to verify and when, based on your structure and roles
- Support aligning verification with confirmation statements, appointments and corporate filings
- A straightforward, coordinated process designed to keep disruption to a minimum
- Transparent up-front pricing
Practical steps for businesses needing to verify IDs
To prepare for and manage Companies House identity verification, businesses should:
- Review their company structure and identify all directors, PSCs and other relevant individuals.
- Check whether any individuals hold more than one role or are involved in more than one company.
- Review upcoming confirmation statement dates and Companies House filing requirements.
- Decide whether individuals will verify directly or through an ACSP.
- Keep a clear record of personal codes and ensure they are provided to Companies House when required.
- Seek advice where there are group companies, overseas individuals, complex ownership structures or uncertainty over deadlines.
Speak to our team
If you would like support completing Companies House identity verification, particularly where there are multiple individuals to verify, time pressures, or more complex governance arrangements, DTM Legal can help as your ACSP.
Learn more about our Companies House Identity Verification service or contact our team by emailing corporate@dtmlegal.com.
