Do I have to use an authorised agent?

No. Companies House provides a direct route that individuals can use themselves, free of charge. An authorised corporate service provider is an alternative for people who would prefer the process handled for them, or whose circumstances make the direct route awkward.

Is verification guaranteed?

No. Verification depends on the evidence you can provide meeting the required standard. If it cannot be completed, we will tell you why and what the alternatives are.

How quickly is it done?

That depends on how quickly the required evidence can be gathered and checked, and on Companies House. We will not quote a turnaround we cannot control.

I live outside the UK. Can I still use this service?

Enquiries from overseas clients are welcome. The documents accepted vary by country and by the verification method used, so the requirements are confirmed for your circumstances before you commit.

Why does the email address matter so much?

Because Companies House sends your personal code to the address given during verification, and that code is what you use for filings afterwards. Use an address you will keep access to, and keep the code secure.

Is this legal advice?

No. Identity verification is a compliance service delivered under the Companies House authorised-agent framework. If you also want legal advice about your duties as a director, that is a separate instruction.

Companies House

Companies House identity verification, with professional assistance.

A guided verification service for directors, people with significant control and other individuals who need to verify their identity for Companies House.

Start Companies House verification Read the official guidance

Scope of this service

A compliance service, not legal advice.

Identity verification is provided under the Companies House authorised-agent framework by Mary Wambui Kimani. It is separate from legal advice unless legal advice has also been expressly instructed.

You can also verify your identity directly with Companies House yourself, free of charge. This service exists for people who would rather have the process handled, or whose documents or circumstances make an assisted route more practical.

Who this is for

Who needs to verify

Company directors

Existing directors and anyone being appointed to a UK company.

People with significant control

Individuals registered as a PSC, whether or not they are also directors.

Founders forming a company

People setting up a UK company who need to verify before or during incorporation.

People filing on behalf of a company

Anyone delivering documents to Companies House where verification is required of them.

The process

How verification works

01
Start your verification request
Provide your name, contact details and the role you hold or are taking up. Nothing sensitive is requested at this stage.
02
Receive document instructions
The evidence required depends on the verification method and your circumstances, particularly if your identity documents were issued outside the UK. You will receive a specific list rather than a general one.
03
Identity and likeness checks
Complete the required checks. Depending on the method, this involves a meeting and a check that the person presenting the document is the person it belongs to.
04
Verification submitted
Where the required standard is met, the verification is submitted through the authorised-agent process.
05
Your personal code
Companies House sends your personal code directly to you, using the email address supplied during verification.

Keep access to the email address you give during verification, and keep your personal code secure. It is how Companies House identifies you for future filings.

International clients

Outside the UK?

Overseas directors and people with significant control frequently need to verify, and doing so from abroad raises practical questions about which documents are accepted.

Tell us which country issued your identity documents and what role you hold. We will confirm what is required for your circumstances before you commit to anything.

Check whether we can assist

Questions

Common questions

Do I have to use an authorised agent?: No. Companies House provides a direct route that individuals can use themselves, free of charge. An authorised corporate service provider is an alternative for people who would prefer the process handled for them, or whose circumstances make the direct route awkward.
Is verification guaranteed?: No. Verification depends on the evidence you can provide meeting the required standard. If it cannot be completed, we will tell you why and what the alternatives are.
How quickly is it done?: That depends on how quickly the required evidence can be gathered and checked, and on Companies House. We will not quote a turnaround we cannot control.
I live outside the UK. Can I still use this service?: Enquiries from overseas clients are welcome. The documents accepted vary by country and by the verification method used, so the requirements are confirmed for your circumstances before you commit.
Why does the email address matter so much?: Because Companies House sends your personal code to the address given during verification, and that code is what you use for filings afterwards. Use an address you will keep access to, and keep the code secure.
Is this legal advice?: No. Identity verification is a compliance service delivered under the Companies House authorised-agent framework. If you also want legal advice about your duties as a director, that is a separate instruction.

Official guidance is published by Companies House.

Start your verification request.

Tell us your role and where your identity documents were issued. You will receive a specific list of what is required for your circumstances.

Start Companies House verification