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.

Can I verify my identity without a company number?

You do not need a company number to verify your identity. Companies House identity verification checks you, the individual — so it works perfectly well before a company exists. You verify, Companies House issues your personal code, and you use that code when you incorporate or are appointed.

Key facts

Company number required?:: No — verification is person-level
Result:: A reusable Companies House personal code
When you use it:: At incorporation, or when appointed as a director/PSC

Why no company number is needed

It helps to separate two things. Identity verification answers "who are you?" — that's about the person. A company number identifies a company. Because the new rules verify the individual, the check has nothing to attach to a company number; it stands on its own. That's why you can do it before incorporating.

What you do with the code afterwards

When you incorporate, the application asks for the personal code of each director and PSC. You enter the codes you already hold. If you're using a formation service, you hand the codes over and they complete the application.

Forming a company with TaxStats

If you verify with us before incorporating, choose the "forming a new company" option so we don't ask for a company number you don't have yet. You're welcome to verify first and incorporate when you're ready — see forming a company or read the full guide to verifying before incorporation.

Frequently asked questions

I'm forming a new company and don't have a number yet — what do I do?

Verify your identity first as an individual. You'll get a personal code you can use on the incorporation application. If you verify with TaxStats, tick 'I'm forming a new company / I don't have a company number yet' at checkout.

Does the personal code expire if my company is not formed yet?

Your verified status and personal code belong to you, not to a company, so you can hold the code and use it when you incorporate. Always check current GOV.UK guidance for any time limits on using a code for a specific filing.

Can my co-directors verify before the company exists too?

Yes. Every director and PSC can verify in advance and bring their personal code to the incorporation. Verifying everyone first avoids the application being held up by an unverified person.

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