What is Companies House identity verification?

Who is this for?

This page is for directors, PSCs, and people responsible for keeping a UK company compliant - especially if you need to move quickly and want a clear checklist rather than wading through guidance.

• New companies registering directors/PSCs and planning formation timelines
• Existing companies preparing for upcoming filing deadlines
• Overseas directors/PSCs who need a fully remote process

Why identity verification exists

Company registers work best when information is reliable. Identity verification is intended to reduce impersonation risk and increase confidence in the Companies House register. For founders, the practical takeaway is simple: verification can be a required step, and delays often come from missing information or leaving it until the last minute.

Who typically needs to verify

Identity verification commonly comes up for company directors and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control). It can also apply to people who submit filings on behalf of a company. The exact application can depend on your role and how your company’s filings are handled.

If you’re forming a company now, it’s worth aligning your formation plan with your verification plan - especially if you need a fast setup timeline. See company formation and identity verification support.

How the verification process works (in practice)

In practice, verification is usually a “prove you are who you say you are” workflow using identity documents and, in many cases, a liveness/face match step. What matters most is that the information you provide is consistent across your documents and company records.

The fastest onboarding comes from preparing your documents and details in advance, then completing the steps in one clean pass rather than repeated attempts.

What you’ll usually need

Most identity checks require a valid photo ID (such as a passport or driving licence) and may require proof of address. If you are based overseas, document formats can vary, so it helps to confirm what will be accepted before you’re up against a deadline.

Real example (typical founder timeline)

Scenario: Two founders incorporate a UK Ltd and want to onboard without delays.

• Before filing: confirm director/PSC details and registered office address
• Verification plan: gather IDs and proof of address and complete checks early
• Outcome: faster formation/changes because verification isn’t left to the deadline

If you want us to guide you through it, start with a short consultation and we’ll confirm the simplest checklist for your situation.

How this affects company formation timelines

If you want a fast turnaround (often 48-72 hours), the best approach is to treat verification as part of your formation workflow. That means: finalise directors/PSCs early, confirm the registered office address, then complete verification steps without delays.

If you’re a non-UK resident founder, also read Can a foreigner open a UK company? and registered office address requirements.

How Companies Plus helps

We support clients who want a premium, low-friction setup: a fully remote process, fast turnaround, and compliance managed end-to-end. If you prefer not to learn every detail, we’ll translate the requirements into a simple checklist and handle the filings and coordination.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Waiting until a filing deadline: verification is easiest when done early, not under time pressure.
• Inconsistent details: mismatched names/addresses across company records and ID documents often causes delays.
• Unclear roles: not confirming who is a director vs PSC (and who files) can create rework.
• Assuming it’s “one and done”: ongoing compliance still matters - keep changes filed promptly.