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.

Companies House verification: my document isn't recognised

If your document isn't accepted, the cause is almost always one of three things: it's expired, it's not a type the check supports, or the photo/scan quality is too low. Each is fixable — and if your only ID genuinely can't be used online, a video or in-person check is the answer.

Key facts

Most common cause:: An expired document
Best documents:: In-date biometric passport or photo card driving licence
Quality matters:: Good lighting, no glare, the whole document in frame
Only ID won't work online?:: Switch to a video call or in-person check

1. Check it's in date

An expired document is the single most common avoidable failure. Confirm the expiry date before you start.

2. Use a supported document

The online check works with specific photo IDs — typically a biometric passport or a photo card driving licence. If you're not sure what's accepted, see our accepted documents guide.

3. Improve the scan

Good lighting and a clear, in-focus image of the whole document make a big difference. Avoid glare from overhead lights and don't crop the edges.

If it still won't work

Don't keep retrying the same way. A video call or in-person check lets a person review your document, and is the usual fix when the online route can't read your ID. You can also ask us for help. For other errors, see identity verification not working.

Frequently asked questions

Which documents can I use for Companies House identity verification?

Use an in-date, supported photo ID — most commonly a biometric passport or a photo card driving licence. Check the current accepted-documents guidance for the full list and any country-specific rules.

My passport just expired — can I still use it?

No. The document must be in date. Use a current document, or switch to a video or in-person check where a person can review what you have.

The scan keeps failing — any tips?

Use good, even lighting, avoid glare and shadows, hold the camera steady, and make sure the whole document is in frame and in focus. A plain, dark background helps.

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