Companies House Identity Verification | ACSP Service
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act now requires all UK company directors and PSCs to verify their identity with Companies House. We handle it for you as a registered Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP).
Identity Verification Pricing
UK Residents £50 + VAT — Non-UK Residents £100 + VAT
The New Requirement
Why does identity verification matter?
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023 introduced mandatory identity verification for all UK company directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs). The aim is to reduce fraud and improve the reliability of information held at Companies House.
Verification can be completed directly online via GOV.UK One Login. Accepted documents include biometric passports from any country, a UK photo driving licence, and UK biometric residence permits and cards. For those who do not hold one of these documents, or who simply prefer a professional to handle the process, an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is the right route. Companies999 is registered as an ACSP and can verify your identity on your behalf.
Our Fees
Simple, fixed pricing
One fee per person verified. No hidden charges, no subscriptions.
UK Residents
For directors and PSCs with UK-issued identity documents.
- UK passport or driving licence accepted
- Proof of address required
- ACSP-assisted submission to Companies House
- Confirmation of verified status
Non-UK Residents
For overseas directors, PSCs, and non-UK identity documents.
- International passports and national ID cards accepted
- Additional document checks required
- ACSP-assisted submission to Companies House
- Confirmation of verified status
What's Included
Everything handled for you
Identity Document Verification
We review your government-issued photo ID — passport, driving licence, or national identity card — and carry out the necessary checks required by Companies House.
ACSP-Assisted Submission
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we submit your verified identity directly to Companies House on your behalf, so you don't have to navigate the process yourself.
Verification Confirmation
Once your identity has been verified and submitted, we confirm your status so you have a clear record for your own files and ongoing Companies House compliance.
Directors & PSCs Covered
We verify all directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) connected to your company. Multiple verifications can be handled together — just let us know.
Overseas Applicants Welcome
We accept non-UK residents and can process international identity documents. This is particularly useful where the direct Companies House route is unavailable.
Secure & Compliant Handling
We are ICO-registered and GDPR-compliant. Your identity documents are handled securely throughout the process and are not retained beyond verification.
How It Works
Four simple steps
Get in touch
Contact us by phone or email. We'll confirm what documents you need, explain the process, and let you know whether UK or non-UK pricing applies.
Verify via Simplified ID
We use Simplified ID — a regulated third-party provider — to securely verify your identity. You complete the process in-app using your photo ID and proof of address. We confirm exactly what's needed for your situation.
We submit to Companies House
As a registered ACSP, we carry out the required checks and submit your verified identity to Companies House on your behalf.
Verification confirmed
You receive confirmation of your verified status. All Companies House filings requiring identity verification can now proceed without restriction.
Secure Verification
How we verify your identity
We use Simplified ID, a fully regulated and secure third-party identity verification provider, to carry out your identity checks before we submit to Companies House.
Download the Simplified ID app
Available on iOS and Android. Search for 'Simplified ID' in the App Store or Google Play and create your account.
Submit your proof of identity
The app guides you through capturing your government-issued photo ID — a valid passport or UK photocard driving licence.
Submit your proof of address
Provide one address document dated within the last 3 months, such as a utility bill, bank statement, or HMRC Notice of Coding.
Verification sent to us securely
Once complete, your verified identity is submitted to us automatically through the Simplified ID platform, ready for us to submit to Companies House.
Accepted Proof of Identity
One of the following:
- Valid Passport
Must not be expired. All pages with information must be clearly visible.
- UK Driving Licence
Photocard only. Provisional licences are not accepted.
Accepted Proof of Address
One document dated within the last 3 months:
- Bank Statement — Preferred option
- Utility Bill — Gas, water, or electricity only
- Council Tax Bill — Current year's bill
- Mortgage Statement — Recent statement
- TV Licence — Current licence document
- Landline Phone Bill — Mobile bills not accepted
Why Choose Us
More than just a form
We are an IFA-regulated accountancy firm registered as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider with Companies House. We handle identity verification as part of a professional service — not as a box-ticking exercise. Whether you are a UK resident or based overseas, we will guide you through the process clearly and efficiently.
ACSP Registered
Authorised by Companies House
Fast Turnaround
Typically 1–2 working days
Verification is now mandatory — don't leave it too late
Companies House is rolling out mandatory identity verification for all directors and PSCs under the ECCT Act. Failure to verify can result in your company being blocked from filing Confirmation Statements, annual accounts, and other statutory documents. Directors who fail to comply may also face personal fines. Get in touch now to ensure your verification is in order.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about identity verification
What is Companies House identity verification?
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency (ECCT) Act 2023, all directors and Persons of Significant Control (PSCs) of UK companies are required to verify their identity with Companies House. This is a new mandatory requirement being rolled out from 2025 onwards, applying to new incorporations immediately and to existing directors and PSCs on a phased basis.
Who needs to verify their identity?
All current and future directors and PSCs of UK limited companies must complete identity verification. This includes both UK residents and non-UK residents. If you are forming a new company, directors must verify before or shortly after incorporation. Existing directors and PSCs are being required to verify on an ongoing basis.
What is an ACSP?
An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is a regulated professional — such as a registered accountant or solicitor — who is registered with Companies House to verify identity on behalf of clients. Using an ACSP like Companies999 means we carry out the checks and submit verified identity information directly to Companies House for you, without you needing to use the direct online route yourself.
Can I verify directly with Companies House instead?
Yes. Companies House provides a direct verification route online via GOV.UK One Login. It accepts biometric passports from any country, a UK photo driving licence, and UK biometric residence permits and cards. If you do not hold one of these documents, or would prefer a professional to manage the process on your behalf, using an ACSP is the right approach.
Why does non-UK residency cost more?
Non-UK residents who hold a biometric passport can use the direct Companies House online route. However, many prefer the ACSP route for professional assistance, or lack access to the UK-specific fallback options — such as a National Insurance number — available to UK residents. Additional checks are required for non-UK documentation and the overall process involves more complexity, which is reflected in the higher fee.
What documents do I need to provide?
For UK residents, you will typically need a valid UK passport or driving licence and a proof of address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within three months). For non-UK residents, a valid international passport or national identity card is required, along with proof of address. We will confirm exactly what you need when you get in touch.
How long does the verification process take?
For most UK residents, verification is completed within 1–2 working days of receiving your documents. For non-UK residents, the process may take slightly longer depending on document availability and the additional checks required. We will give you a clear timeline when you contact us.
What happens if directors or PSCs do not verify?
Companies House will impose restrictions on companies whose directors and PSCs have not completed identity verification. This can block the filing of Confirmation Statements, annual accounts, and other statutory documents. Directors who fail to verify may also face personal fines and penalties. It is important to complete verification before any filing deadlines are affected.
Is my personal information kept securely?
Yes. Companies999 is registered with the ICO and fully compliant with GDPR. Identity documents are processed securely and are not retained beyond the verification process. We take data protection seriously as part of our regulated obligations as an IFA member firm.
Can you process multiple directors or PSCs at once?
Yes. Each director and PSC must complete their own identity verification, but we can process multiple verifications together. If you have a number of people to verify, contact us and we can discuss the most efficient way to handle this.
Ready to get verified?
Get in touch and we'll walk you through the process. Whether you're a UK resident or based overseas, we'll handle your Companies House identity verification quickly and professionally.