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.

TL;DR

Digital: You need 1 document (passport or driving licence). Video/In-Person: You need 2 documents (photo ID + supporting document like a utility bill).

Documents You'll Need

Quick Summary

Digital

£39

1 document

Passport or driving licence

Video Call

£49

2 documents

Photo ID + supporting doc

In-Person

£59

2 documents

Photo ID + supporting doc

For Digital Verification

You only need one of these documents:

Biometric passport– From any country – must have the chip symbol

Irish passport card– The credit card sized version

UK driving licence– Photocard only (full or provisional)

EU driving licence– From any EU/EEA country

EU national ID card– Must have biometric chip

UK BRP or BRC– Biometric Residence Permit or Card

UK Frontier Worker permit– For EU citizens working in UK

What's a biometric passport? Most passports issued since 2010 are biometric. Look for the small chip symbol on the front cover.

For Video Call & In-Person

You need two documents: one from Group A AND one from Group B.

Group A – Photo ID

Pick 1 from this list

Passport, or Irish passport card
Biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein
UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
UK biometric residence card (BRC)
UK accredited PASS card
UK or EU driver digital tachograph card
Photocard driving licence from the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU
UK HM Forces ID card, or HM Armed Forces Veteran Card
UK Frontier Worker permit
Government-issued photographic work permit, immigration document or visa
Firearms licence from the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man
Any other photographic identity document listed on PRADO (this option only — not available on the digital check)

Group B – Supporting Doc

Pick 1 from this list

Birth or adoption certificate
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
Non-photographic immigration document, visa or work permit
Bank or building society statement
Council tax statement (current address)
Utility bill (current address)
Mortgage statement (current address)
Insurance policy (current address)
Local authority or social housing rental agreement (current address)

Important Notes

All documents must be valid and not expired

Your name must match your name on Companies House

Address documents must be dated within the last 3 months

For in-person, bring original documents (not photocopies)

Digital verification needs a smartphone with a working camera

Don't Have These Documents?

If you don't have the documents for digital verification, try video call or in-person. These accept more document types.

If you're still stuck, call us. We can discuss your situation and find a solution.

Call 0161 317 8556

Got Your Documents Ready?

Start verification now – it only takes 5-10 minutes.

Start Verification View Full Document List