What is Companies House identity verification?

Identity verification is a new legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. All company directors and PSCs must verify their identity to receive a Companies House personal code.

How much does identity verification cost?

Digital verification starts from £39, with video call verification available from £49. We also offer in-person verification from £59 and priority same-day service at £99.

How long does verification take?

Most digital verifications are completed within 24 hours. The actual identity check takes just 5-10 minutes.

What documents do I need?

For digital verification, you need a biometric passport or UK driving licence. For video call and in-person verification, a wider range of documents is accepted including national ID cards.

Verifying your identity before you form a company

Yes — you can verify your identity before your company exists. Since the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, every director and person with significant control (PSC) must verify their identity with Companies House. Crucially, identity verification is tied to you as a person, not to a company: you verify once, receive a Companies House personal code, and provide that code when you incorporate.

That means a chicken-and-egg worry many new founders have — "how do I verify when I don't have a company number yet?" — doesn't apply. You verify first, then form the company.

Key facts

Verify before incorporating:: Yes — verification is person-level, not company-level
What you receive:: An 11-character Companies House personal code, issued by Companies House
Reusable:: One code links your verified identity to every role you hold
Two routes:: Free via GOV.UK One Login, or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
CH incorporation fee:: £100 digital, from 1 February 2026 (separate from any agent fee)

Why verification is person-level, not company-level

Under the new rules, the thing being checked is your identity — not the company. Once Companies House is satisfied who you are, it issues you a personal code: an 11-character identifier that proves your identity has been verified. You then attach that code to any role you take on, whether that's incorporating a new company, being appointed a director, or being listed as a PSC.

Because the code is yours and reusable, there is no need to wait for a company number. You can — and, to keep your incorporation smooth, often should — verify first.

The two ways to verify

1. Directly with Companies House (free)

You can verify yourself through GOV.UK One Login at no charge. This suits people who are comfortable completing the identity check online and don't need help.

2. Through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

An ACSP is an agent that Companies House has authorised to carry out identity checks. ACSPs must be registered with Companies House and supervised by a UK anti-money-laundering body. Using an ACSP like TaxStats means a person handles the check, chases any issues, and confirms your identity to Companies House for you — useful if you'd rather not do it yourself or want it done quickly.

TaxStats Ltd is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider — an independent agent authorised by Companies House, not Companies House itself. We carry out the check and submit it; Companies House issues your personal code.

How verifying first speeds up incorporation

Every director and PSC of a new company has to be verified at the point of incorporation. If you leave verification until you're filling in the incorporation application, an unverified director or PSC can hold the whole formation up. Verifying everyone in advance means you walk into incorporation with every personal code ready — no waiting, no resubmission.

Verify yourself (and any co-directors/PSCs) and collect each personal code.
Keep the codes to hand — you'll enter them on the incorporation application.
Incorporate. With codes ready, there's nothing left to verify mid-application.

Next steps

Read "Can I verify without a company number?" for the detail, or if you're ready to go, you can verify before you form your company with us, or head straight to company formation.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a company number to verify my identity?

No. Identity verification is tied to you as an individual, not to a company. You verify once, receive a personal code, and provide that code when you incorporate or are appointed.

Who issues the personal code?

Companies House issues the personal code once your identity is verified. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider like TaxStats can carry out the verification and confirm it to Companies House, but the code itself comes from Companies House.

Can I reuse my personal code for more than one company?

Yes. You only verify once. The same personal code can be used to link your verified identity to each director or PSC role you hold, across multiple companies.

How much does it cost to form a company?

From 1 February 2026 the Companies House digital incorporation fee is £100. That statutory fee is separate from any fee an agent or formation service charges to prepare and submit the application.

Written and reviewed by TaxStats ID

TaxStats Ltd is a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP AP006589) — an independent agent authorised by Companies House, not Companies House or a government body. We verify identities and submit them on your behalf; the Companies House personal code is issued by Companies House. Last updated June 2026; checked against GOV.UK guidance. Our Companies House record