ACSP Companies House: What Is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider — commonly referred to as an ACSP — is a new category of regulated professional created by the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023. ACSPs are registered with Companies House and authorised to verify the identities of company directors, LLP members, persons with significant control and other individuals who must comply with the new identity verification requirements.

Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers is a registered ACSP, supervised for anti-money laundering by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. We provide identity verification services to individuals, businesses, accountancy practices and law firms across the UK and internationally.

What Does an ACSP Do for Companies House?

An ACSP performs two core functions under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act:

Identity verification — the ACSP checks the identity of company directors, LLP members and PSCs using approved photo ID documents, then confirms the verified identity directly with Companies House. This is the primary function most people need.

Document filing — ACSPs can also file certain documents with Companies House on behalf of clients, including confirmation statements, officer appointments, and company incorporations. This function is primarily used by accountants, company formation agents and company secretaries who file documents as part of their professional practice.

The ACSP acts as a trusted intermediary between the individual and Companies House. When an ACSP verifies someone’s identity, Companies House accepts that verification because the ACSP is regulated and supervised to an approved standard.

Who Can Become an ACSP?

Not anyone can register as an ACSP. Companies House requires that ACSPs meet strict regulatory standards:

Anti-money laundering supervision — the ACSP must be supervised for anti-money laundering by an approved body. For solicitors, this is the Solicitors Regulation Authority. For notaries, the Faculty Office. For accountants, bodies such as ICAEW, ACCA or AAT. For estate agents, HMRC.

Professional regulation — the individual or firm must be a member of a recognised professional body with conduct and disciplinary standards.

Companies House registration — the ACSP must apply to Companies House and be accepted onto the ACSP register. Registration confirms that the provider meets the required standards.

Ongoing compliance — ACSPs must maintain their regulatory status and comply with Companies House requirements, including reporting obligations and record-keeping.

The main professional groups that become ACSPs are solicitors, notaries, accountants, company formation agents and company secretaries. Edward Young is registered as an ACSP through our status as notaries public regulated by the Faculty Office.

Why Use an ACSP Instead of GOV.UK One Login?

Companies House offers two routes for identity verification: through an ACSP or through the GOV.UK One Login digital service. Both achieve the same legal result — a verified identity and a Companies House personal code.

However, ACSPs offer significant advantages in many situations:

Overseas directors — GOV.UK One Login has limited support for non-UK nationals and overseas residents. ACSPs like Edward Young can verify directors anywhere in the world using our online service.

Non-UK identity documents — the One Login service primarily accepts UK passports and driving licences. ACSPs accept a broader range of documents, including non-UK biometric passports and in-person documents such as residence cards and permits.

Professional support — with an ACSP, you have a named professional handling your verification. If anything goes wrong or you have questions, you speak to a real person. The One Login service is self-service with government helpline support.

Bulk verifications — businesses with multiple directors can use an ACSP to manage all verifications centrally, with volume discounts and dedicated account management. One Login processes one person at a time.

Speed and reliability — our online ACSP verification takes five minutes. Processing is within 24–48 hours. In-person verification is completed the same day.

Filing integration — ACSPs can handle verification and document filing together, creating an efficient workflow for accountants, company secretaries and legal professionals managing multiple client companies.

Edward Young completes ACSP identity verifications online in five minutes or in-person at our London office. See exactly how our identity verification process works →

Fixed fees start from £125 + VAT per person, with volume discounts for multiple directors. View our full pricing →

What Makes Edward Young Different as an ACSP?

Dual regulation — we are regulated by the Faculty Office as notaries public and by the Solicitors Regulation Authority as non-practising solicitors. This double layer of regulation means higher standards of professional conduct.

20+ years of identity verification experience — identity verification has been a core part of notarial practice long before the ECCTA. We have been verifying identities since 2004.

Zero rejection rate — we have never had a verification rejected by Companies House. Our thorough process ensures accuracy first time.

International capability — our online service works globally. We verify directors of UK companies who are based anywhere in the world, in any time zone.

Professional indemnity insurance — every verification is covered by our PI insurance, providing an additional layer of protection for you and your company.

GDPR-compliant data handling — personal information and ID documents are stored on EU-hosted servers with encryption. Retained for seven years per anti-money laundering requirements, then securely destroyed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find an ACSP near me?
Companies House maintains a register of ACSPs. However, because online verification works from anywhere, you do not need a local ACSP. Edward Young provides online ACSP verification to directors across the UK and internationally.

Is my accountant automatically an ACSP?
No. Your accountant must separately register with Companies House as an ACSP. Many accountancy practices are in the process of registering, but not all have completed registration. Check with your accountant or use a registered ACSP like Edward Young.

What is the difference between an ACSP and a company formation agent?
A company formation agent incorporates companies and files documents with Companies House. An ACSP can do this too, but also verifies identities. Many company formation agents are now registering as ACSPs to offer both services.

Can an ACSP verify my identity remotely?
Yes. Our online ACSP service works remotely from anywhere in the world. You need a biometric passport and a smartphone with a camera.

How long does ACSP registration take for professionals?
If you are a solicitor, notary, or accountant looking to register as an ACSP with Companies House, the process involves applying through the Companies House portal and demonstrating your AML supervision status. Processing times vary.

Do I need an ACSP if I already have a GOV.UK One Login account?
If you have already verified your identity through GOV.UK One Login and received your Companies House personal code, you do not need separate ACSP verification. The two routes are alternatives, not cumulative.

Need an ACSP for Companies House identity verification? Contact Edward Young on 020 7499 2605 or complete our online form. Online verification in 5 minutes. Fixed fees from £125 plus VAT.

Start Your Verification →