Verifying your identity at Companies House is a legal requirement in the UK. We’ll explain how you can verify your identity, when you need to do it by, and why.
Do I need to verify my identity with Companies House?
Anyone who sets up, runs, owns or controls a company in the UK will need to verify their identity with Companies House. This includes:
- Company directors or the equivalent to a director (for example, general partners, members, or managing officers)
- A person with significant control (PSC)
- Anyone filing on behalf of a company
Do I need to verify my identity for a dormant company?
Yes, the requirement for directors and persons with significiant control (PSC) to verify their identity applies for both active and dormant companies.
Why do I need to verify my identity with Companies House?
The process is designed to reduce the risk of fraud and improve transparency. Its main objective is combating illegal activity – because with the verification process in place, fictitious directors are prevented from registering with Companies House.
Do I have to verify my identity separately as a shareholder and as a director?
You’ll only need to verify your identity once, but you’ll provide your confirmation code separately for each role.
For example
You’re both a director and PSC in the same limited company, and verify your identity with Companies House.
Once verified, you receive your unique code. You will provide this code for your role as a director, and then in a separate process you will provide it again for your role as a Person with Significant Control.
Do I need to verify my identity again if I have more than one company?
No, you won’t need to verify your identity again but once verified (and you have your confirmation code) you’ll need to provide this code separately for each company you are a director and/or PSC of.
How do I confirm my identity with Companies House?
There are several ways you can confirm your identity with Companies House inluding online or at the Post Office.
Online
You’ll need a valid government ID to verify your identity online, such as a:
- Biometric passport (from any country)
- UK driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP)
- UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- UK biometric residence card (BRC)
At your local Post Office
To do this you need to use the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service to check whether you’re eligible to do it this way. You can find more about doing it in person at the Post Office here.
What happens once I’ve confirmed my identity?
Once you’ve successfully verified your identity, you’ll be given a ‘Companies House personal code’ that is unique to you. It’s important to note this is your personal code, not your company’s. You’ll use this code when you:
- File your confirmation statement
- Are appointed as director
- Become a person with significant control (PSC)
Do I give my accountant my Companies House personal code?
Yes – you’ll need to provide your accountant with this code. This is so they can file your company’s accounts and other documents with Companies House on your behalf. Looking after this code is important; only give it to people you trust to file on your behalf.
Look after it like you would your Unique Taxpayer Reference Number (UTR).
What happens if I don’t verify on time?
Failing to verify on time means you won’t be able to start a new company or entity, or submit any records for it. Non-compliance could result in paying a fine.
Need an accountant to help you with Companies House? You can reach us on 020 3355 4047 or get an instant online quote.
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