How to verify your identity (IDV) at Companies House

A step-by-step process for ensuring compliance

Verifying your identity at Companies House is a critical step to ensure the security and authenticity of business registrations in the UK. This process protects your details and helps maintain the integrity of the corporate registry.

Below, you will find a comprehensive guide detailing the steps and best practices for identity verification at Companies House. Please ensure you read this full guidance before starting the process.

Companies House have advised that, from 18 November 2025, all company directors and PSCs (persons of signiticant control) detailed on the company register at Companies House will be legally required to have verified their identity (as part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparentcy Act 2023) and they are encouraging individuals to verify their identity as early as possible.

Why Identity Verification Matters

Identity verification (IDV) is essential to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure that the information submitted to Companies House is accurate. It also provides a layer of protection for users and businesses by ensuring that registrations and filings are made by authorised individuals. This process aligns with the UK government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in corporate affairs.

Who Needs to Verify Their Identity?

The following individuals typically need to verify their identity at Companies House (you will only need to perform one ID verification even if you are involved with several companies as the unique personal code produced will be used for all company involvements):

• Directors of companies
• Persons with significant control/PSC (any individual who owns or controls a company by holding more than 25% of total shares and associated voting rights)
• Secretaries
• Agents or representatives filing on behalf of a company
• Relevant Legal Entity/RLE (where a company has ‘significant control’ of another company). For more information see this post about Relevant Legal Entity/RLE.

There are three options to deal with verification:

• On-line
• Via a mobile application (you will need to download the GOV.UK Login App on your smartphone and follow the instructions to upload your passport chip and verify your ID)
• In person at the post office

How to Verify Your Identity

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

Before initiating the process, ensure that you have the necessary documents to prove your identity. These typically include:

• A valid passport
• A UK driving licence
• Other government-issued ID (if applicable)

In some cases, Companies House may request additional documentation, such as proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.).

Step 2: Create a GOV.UK One Login in order to submit and verify your ID using the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

Please note this is not the same as a WebFiling Account at Companies House, which you may already have to make submissions such as the annual Confirmation Statement.

(Once you have created the new GOV.UK One account you can sign in and verify your identity. The new portal provides secure access for submissions and identity verification procedures).

Step 3: Submit Your Details

Enter your personal information accurately, ensuring that it matches the details on your identification documents. Mismatched or incorrect information may lead to delays or rejection of your application so ensure the information entered correctly reflects the information detailed on the company register at Companies House as well as your ID documents.

Step 4: Upload Documents

GOV.UK One Login will ask you some simple questions to find the best way for you to verify your identity online. Depending on your answers, you’ll then be guided to verify your ID either using a GOV.UK mobile phone application or in your web browser. Ensure the images to be uploaded are clear and complete. Any obscured or unclear documents may require resubmission.

Step 5: Complete Security Checks

Companies House may perform additional security checks to verify the authenticity of your documents. This could include cross-referencing with government databases.

Step 6: Confirmation of Verification

Once your identity is successfully verified, you will receive notification on screen and your Personal (Unique Identifier) Code will be detailed in the top right-hand corner It will look something like:

XY1-Z000-0000

You must keep this confirmation and code for your records and also let Treetops/TTCA have a copy of the code (see below). Once you have taken a copy of the code, press ‘continue’ and the IDV has been completed.

The code will also be available to you when you are logged in to your new GOV.UK One Login account, via this link:
https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/

Step 7: Provide Treetops with a copy of the Personal (Unique Identifier) code

Provide Treetops via email (to [email protected]) with the issued code. IMPORTANT: If we do not have a copy of the code, we will be unable to make Companies House submissions or changes on your behalf after 18 November 2025.

Failure to comply with the identity verification requirements is an offence, punishable by a fine issued by Companies House.

Common Issues During Identity Verification

Incorrect or Mismatched Information

Ensure all details provided during the verification process align with your official documents. Even minor discrepancies, such as spelling errors, can lead to complications.

Unclear or Unreadable Documents

Make sure your documents are clearly scanned or photographed. Blurry images or partial documents will likely be rejected.

Delays in Verification

Verification times may vary due to the volume of submissions or additional security checks. Plan ahead to avoid delays, especially if your identity verification is required for urgent filings.

Best Practices for Identity Verification

• Double-check your information: Before submitting your details, review all entries for accuracy.
• Prepare documents in advance: Have your identification and proof of address ready to speed up the process.
• Use secure connections: Ensure you are accessing the Companies House portal via a secure internet connection to protect your information.
• Follow instructions carefully: Adhere to the guidelines provided by Companies House for document submission and verification procedures.

Support and Assistance

If you encounter any issues during the verification process, Companies House provides customer support to assist with queries. Contact them via their official support channels, including:

• Telephone: Companies House helpline – 0303 1234 500 (Monday – Friday 8.30am to 6 pm)
• Email: [email protected]
• Help pages: Detailed FAQs and guides on their official portal: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verifying-your-identity-for-companies-house

Conclusion

Verifying your identity at Companies House is a straightforward yet vital process for business compliance in the UK. By following the steps outlined above and adhering to best practices, you can ensure a smooth and efficient verification experience. Always remember to keep your documentation safe and secure and to reach out to support services if needed.

FAQs:

• If IDV is not completed then the ability to make future filings will be impacted and this could result in Companies House starting to dissolve companies where filings are delayed.
• Make sure the year when you moved to your current address is correctly reflected.
• If you are unable to deal with this on line. The only alternative is to go to a post office in person. For more information see here: https://www.gov.uk/using-your-gov-uk-one-login/proving-your-identity
• If you have issues with the process then you should contact Companies House (see above) as Treetops will not be able to deal with this on your behalf.