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.

How much does it cost to form a UK company in 2026?

The core cost of forming a UK company in 2026 is the Companies House digital incorporation fee of £100 (from 1 February 2026, up from £50). That's the statutory fee. Anything beyond it — an agent or formation service — is optional and charged separately.

Key facts

Companies House incorporation:: £100 (digital, from 1 February 2026)
Confirmation statement (yearly):: £50 (digital, from 1 February 2026)
Formation agent/service fee:: Optional and separate — varies by provider
Identity verification:: Free via GOV.UK One Login, or via an ACSP

The honest breakdown

1. Companies House incorporation fee — £100

This is the statutory fee to register the company, paid to Companies House. From 1 February 2026 the digital figure is £100 (it was £50 before). You pay this whether you incorporate yourself or use a service.

2. Identity verification — free, or via an agent

Every director and PSC must verify their identity. You can do this free directly with Companies House via GOV.UK One Login, or pay an Authorised Corporate Service Provider to handle it for you. See verifying before incorporation.

3. Optional: a formation agent or service

An agent prepares and submits the application for you and can bundle in identity verification. This is an optional convenience and the fee varies by provider — it sits on top of the £100 statutory fee, not instead of it.

Don't forget the ongoing cost

Forming the company is a one-off. Keeping it on the register means an annual confirmation statement, which is £50 digitally from 1 February 2026, plus your accounts and any other filings.

For the wider picture see forming a UK company in 2026, or if you'd like us to handle formation, see company formation.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum cost to form a company in 2026?

At minimum, the £100 Companies House digital incorporation fee if you incorporate directly with Companies House and verify your identity free via GOV.UK One Login. Using an agent or service adds a separate, optional fee.

Is the £100 a Companies House fee or an agent fee?

It's the statutory Companies House fee, paid to Companies House. A formation agent's charge, if you use one, is separate and on top.

Are there ongoing costs after forming a company?

Yes — most notably the annual confirmation statement, which is £50 digitally from 1 February 2026. Companies also have accounts and other filing obligations.

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