Verify your identity for Companies House – Authorised Corporate Service Provider

Since the introduction of the Companies House identity verification process, businesses are gearing up to comply with guidelines that will enhance transparency and accountability and help curb economic fraud. This step corresponds to the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to strengthen corporate governance.

Company officers must confirm their identity through Companies House or an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Existing companies and officers have a 12-month transitional period from Autumn 2025, meaning all company officers must be verified by Spring 2026. However, company officers can start the voluntary verification process, launched on April 8, 2025. This will be a compulsory and legal requirement in a few months time. Act now. Don’t get caught out. Delay or non-compliance with this requirement may result in serious consequences.

This article will explore all you need to know about the Companies House identity verification and how to do it through an ACSP.

What is identity verification?

In the United Kingdom, identity verification is the process through which company officers convey to the Companies House that they are, in fact, the individuals they claim to be. Directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and people authorised to file the statutory documents on behalf of the company must be able to prove their identity. 

The company officers can verify their identity with Companies House in various ways, which include:

1. Online: Through the GOV.UK One Login
2. In person: At an approved post office branch. However, you will start with GOV.UK One Login initiation
3. Through an ACSP: Such as Icon Offices, who are authorised to conduct identity checks

The identity verification process applies to all the company officers whether UK and non-UK nationals. It includes providing identity documents for verification.

What are the consequences of not verifying yourself?

Non-compliance with identity verification can lead to several legal consequences, which include:

• It is a criminal offence that incurs financial penalties
• Risk of company dissolution or strike off
• Not able to file statutory documents with Companies House
• Possibility of being disqualified from acting as a director in the UK
• Rejection of the new company officers’ appointment/ incorporation of new companies
• An annotation of the public register to show that an individual is ‘unverified’

What is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)?

Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) are authorised agents who help Companies House to verify company officers. They could be accountants, solicitors or company formation agents who will assist you in incorporating companies and filing statutory records on behalf of the company.

After an individual or company is approved as an ACSP, the company gets an online account and a unique identification number (UIN) to identify the authentication process. This enables Companies House to confirm that the verification information comes from an authorised source.

ACSPs identify directors, PSCs, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) members and those officers-in-charge of statutory filings in the same way as Companies House, or providing the same regulatory assurance as provided, but in a widespread provision of their core service. The activities of an ACSP include identity verification checks, keeping records of the identity checks, so that they can be inspected (it shall be required to keep records for seven years), and delivering documents to Companies House on behalf of the company.

What is the process of identity verification through ACSPs?

Initiate the process

You will start by searching for an ACSP to undertake the verification checks. Enter personal data, such as full name, role (director and PSCs), and the company from which they come.

Submit identification documents

Once registered with an ACSP, you must provide valid and current identification documents, such as a passport or driving license. This document may include photo identification, proof of residential address and selfies or liveliness test. Different ACSPs have different methods of live check; some do it via video or third-party applications, while others prefer via selfie tests.

ACSP confirms identity with Companies House

After confirming the identity, ACSP will electronically submit the confirmation to Companies House and handle communications on behalf of the client.

Receive confirmation of verification

Clients will receive verification from the ACSP.

Receive a Companies House personal code

After verification, you will receive a Companies House personal code that you will use for company filings such as Confirmation Statements, incorporations, and appointments. The code will also be required to connect your verified identity to Companies House records.

What are the benefits of ACSP for identity verification?

Convenience and expertise

Using an ACSP saves you time and it’s convenient if you do not understand the verification process and the documents required.

Maintains control over the process

Once ACSP confirms their identity with the Companies House, they will electronically submit the confirmation to Companies House and will manage the formal notifications to the client.

Get a confirmation once verification is done

You will receive a confirmation that verification is done by ACSP. Companies House might acknowledge that your identity has been recognised and accepted.

Ongoing services

They also offer ongoing services from company formation to filing company documents. This ensures the company gets the business support it needs.

Enhanced security

By using an ACSP, businesses can enhance their security measures since they employ robust security during the verification process and technology to protect sensitive information.

How to choose an ACSP for your company?

Evaluate their experience and expertise in the field

Ensure you understand the expertise of the ACSP in the services they provide. Through customer reviews, you can tell the kind of services they offer, depending on what customers say.

Confirm AML supervision

Ensure the ACSP is authorised for AML by a supervisory body in the UK, such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Assess the range of service

Assess the range of services the ACSP offers, such as company formation, virtual office, registered office address and ongoing compliance support.

Review risk management

Ensure the ACSP has robust risk management processes, particularly regarding AML and sanctions and that they regularly review their client and transaction vetting procedures. 

Finally, a Companies House ACSP allows officers of a company to easily confirm their identity. With their robust security technology, ACSPs ensure that the sensitive information is kept secure and available for inspection with Companies House.

You can verify your company officers with Icon Offices, a registered ACSP. They ensure that verification is done according to the regulations of Companies House.

For more information on identity verification, Visit Here : https://iconoffices.co.uk/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house.php