Companies House Director Identity Verification (ACSP)
See how our service works – watch our explainer video now ———————–>
New rules mean that every company Director, Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), Limited Partnership (LP) members and person with significant control (PSCs) in the UK must do mandatory identity verification —or face serious legal and operational consequences.
The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) that has brought in new requirements, new compliance burdens and enforcement potential to all UK companies, LLPs and LPs .
Our Company Director Identity Verification Service is a done for you service costing £125 plus VAT per verification. Discounts may apply for bulk verifications.
Contact us now to start the process. If you would like to book ‘in-person’ ‘expedited’ or ‘verify elite’ contact us… if you would like to do your verification online – click here.
Company Director Identity Verification – if you want to access our ‘Done For You’ Service, or if you have questions, give us a call now for help on +442074992605, email us on notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk, or drop us a line below.
What is Companies House Director Identity Verification?
From 18 November 2025, it is a legal requirement for all:
- Limited Company Directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Members of LPs and LLPs
- Relevant Legal Entities
- Company Secretarial Agents filing on behalf of a companies
…to submit identity checks to Companies House.
It will be a legal requirement of ECCTA for this to be done before the Company’s next confirmation statement date.
How we can help you
We are a Companies House ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Providers).
We are authorised to verify your identity for Companies House and submit the filing on your behalf.
Take advantage of a identity verification service:
- In person
- Online
- Expedited for existing clients
- ‘Verify Elite’ service
How Our Identity Verification Process Works
4 Ways We Do Identity Verification
1. Verify Using ID Tech
We operate a 5-step process for Identity verification checks on behalf of companies and LLPs :
- You submit detail of who needs to be verified. Is it just you? Or, are you co-ordinating on behalf of all Directors or Members, or on behalf of one of your clients? We can take on bulk submissions.
- We will send you information as to what evidence of identity you will need to submit so you can get ready to act.
- We will send you, your colleague or your client, a secure link to an ID Check App. The App will ask for the subject to scan their ID and take a selfie. Once complete, this information will be saved on a secure portal.
- When we have gathered all the information in steps 1-3, we will file a submission with Companies House register confirming that we have verified your identity.
- You will receive a Companies House unique identifier called a ‘Personal Code‘, directly from Companies House. (You will use this when filing documents to Companies House. We will get a verification statement).
2. In person ID Verification
We can also provide ‘in person’ ID Verification the old fashioned way, face to face. If this is your preferred option, make an enquiry and we will arrange an appointment at our office on Wigmore Street London, or at your location if you prefer.
If you’d like more information on how our Authorised Corporate Service Provider service works – click through to our Director ID Verification service page. Here you will find more details about how it works and pricing.
Or if you’d prefer to speak to us – give us a call now on +442074992605 or email our team mailbox: notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk
3. An Expedited Service for Existing Companies/Clients
We already have your ID on file. We take this and the filing information and file to Companies House.
4. ‘Verify Elite’ Service for when time is precious
We know that there are some people who are just too busy to complete the exercise themselves. With collaboration with close advisors, we can streamline the service further. Please enquire about our ‘Verify Elite’ service.
What is the Time Line and Penalties for Non-Compliance?
On 18 November 2025, Companies House identity verification moves from voluntary to compulsory.
That means every new director must verify before they can be appointed, and every existing director, LLP or LP Member or person with significant control (PSC) has a 12-month transition period tied to their company’s confirmation statement.
The trigger is clear: if you are being appointed, filing information on behalf of a company to Companies House service, or already in office when the law comes into force, you must complete the verification process.
Failing to do so is not a minor oversight — it becomes a criminal offence.
Unverified directors will be unable to act, filings can be rejected, and financial penalties may follow.
In short, without a verified identity and a Companies House personal code, you risk being legally locked out of your role and exposing your company to compliance failures.
We all know how frustrating Companies House filings can be sometimes. Avoid further complications and act now. Our online service takes about 5 minutes for you to complete.
Case Studies – What we’ve done before
Acting for Professional Services providers
We already act for many professional service providers such as law firms, accountancy firms, company secretaries and company formation agents.
We know that ID Verification is not a core service offering for Accountants, Law Firms or other professional service providers. That’s the reason why we offer our service to other professionals. We are someone other firms trust to get it right for their clients.
A partner at a large London law firm attempted to verify her ID with the .GOV.UK/one login service. It kept crashing and she reached out for help. She realised that this was taking her away from working for her clients and putting in billable hours.
It took her 5 minutes to complete the onboarding and ID check. She was able to concentrate on her role, looking after her own clients.
Why choose us?
Trust
Having helped thousands of clients since 2004, over 20 years of experience. Our clients range from global corporations and household names to households – families and individuals.
We are lawyers highly regulated by our supervisory body, the Faculty Office.
So you and your clients can trust that if things go wrong, you will have redress and the onus is on us to ensure that proper procedures are in place to make sure we do our job right.
Experience
We have the experience. We are highly experienced in ID verification already. It’s part of what we do as Notaries and we are up to speed on the new identity verification requirements. We’re used to ensuring that the accuracy of information filed meets the requirements of UK company law.
ACSP ID Verification vs GOV.UK One Login: Which Route Should You Use?
When undertaking the new identity verification regime for directors and company officers under the Economic Crime & Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA), there are two primary routes available for meeting Companies House requirements: ACSP verification and GOV.UK One Login. Below is a comparison of their strengths, limitations, and which one may suit your needs.
| Feature | ACSP Verification | GOV.UK One Login |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Identity verification carried out via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (such as a notary, compliance professional, law firm) using their own accredited systems (e.g. TrustID, IDVT) | Verification conducted through the government’s One Login service, enabling identity checks via a central government system |
| Accessibility / Availability | Available via private firms nationwide (and internationally in many cases). Particularly helpful for foreign-based directors who cannot easily access UK identity services. | Available only to individuals who already have or can obtain credentials within the UK’s identity infrastructure (e.g. UK citizens with accepted identity data). |
| Flexibility for non-UK residents | More flexible — ACSPs often support foreign passports, international IDs, and remote verification (with document + facial verification). | Less flexible — One Login tends to assume UK-based identity data, so non-UK or overseas directors may face obstacles. |
| Speed / Convenience | Can be faster and more efficient in many cases, especially when ACSPs already have verification frameworks in place and integrated with ID tech. | May be quick for UK-based persons already registered, but new users may face wait times or identity proofing delays. |
| Support & Troubleshooting | ACSPs offer customer support, escalation paths, and assistance with documentation / appeals if verification is challenged. | Government support channels may be slower or more rigid, especially if identity issues arise. |
| Privacy / Data Handling | ACSPs are required to follow stringent data protection, GDPR, and trust framework standards. They may integrate third-party identity tech with secure handling. | Centralised data held in government systems; users may have less control over how identity metadata is processed. |
| Cost to Entity / User | The cost is set by the ACSP (can vary). You pay for verification services, often bundled with corporate or compliance services. | Typically free (if the One Login route is made available), but limitations may impose hidden indirect costs (delays, inability to verify). |
| Redundancy & Backup | If the ACSP’s systems or accreditation change, you may switch to another ACSP or fallback route. | More rigid — if the official One Login path fails or is delayed, individuals may struggle to complete verification. |
| Best Use Cases | Overseas directors; complex identity scenarios (dual citizenship, expired IDs, diplomatic passports); clients needing guidance and support | UK-based directors with standard identity documents and a desire to use the government’s official digital identity portal |
Which route to choose?
- If your director(s) or beneficial owners are overseas or hold non-UK identity documents, ACSP verification is often the safer and more practical route.
- If all individuals are UK-based and already integrated with GOV.UK identity systems, the One Login approach can be an economical option.
- Many clients choose to maintain both options: attempt One Login first (if available), but fallback to ACSP verification if the process fails or is blocked.
- From a compliance assurance standpoint, ACSP verification offers a more controlled, service-backed process — with professional accountability, escalations, and document checks — which can reduce risk in complex cases.
In our practice at Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers (acting as an ACSP), we often see clients attempt the One Login route first — but when complications arise (e.g. address mismatches, dual passports, remote residing), the ACSP path provides the reliability and flexibility that ensures the verification is accepted without delay.
Fast and Convenient
Our systems are set up to make it easy for you.
Directors and LLP members are busy people who steward their organisation. We handle this obligation to let your people continue doing what they do best – pushing your company or firm forward.
Our proprietary onboarding form allows clients to get verified identity and onboarding finished in 5 minutes.
Cost – competitive fixed fee £125 plus VAT
For bulk discounts please contact us on +442074992605 or send us an email ey@notarypubliclondon.co.uk
FAQs
What is ECCTA?
ECCTA stands for the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 which brings in new money laundering regulations.
Can any company house verify identity agent verify my identity?
An ACSP is an ‘Authorised Corporate Services Provider’ an entity such as Edward Young Notaries & Lawyers who are regulated by UK AML Legislation and Companies House authorised agent to do identity verification provider to provide ID verification services Directors, Members and PSCs.
Can I use a non-UK passport for online verification?
Yes, but only if it is a biometric passport. If you are overseas and have a non-biometric passport, please get in touch.
Can I do company director identity verification at the Post Office?
Yes, you can, visit the Post Office and they can perform ID verification. You can also use the GOV.UK ID Check app yourself.
Is my company formation agents allowed to do this for me?
Yes, if they are an Authorised Corporate Services Provider. As long as the body is registered as an ACSP, you can use third party agents on a voluntary basis.
I’m overseas and can’t access companies house identity verification services, how can I verify my identity?
Don’t worry, you can use an identity verification agent, called an ACSP. Our tech platform to do everything in most cases. Pick our online service. You can use your passport and usually your national identity card.
How does company Director ID verification protect against economic crime?
It is designed to help the Anti-money laundering system by bolstering corporate transparency and ensuring public register integrity. It will ensure that Directors and Members are who they say they are.
What are acceptable forms of Photo ID?
Here is a non-exhaustive list of acceptable photo ID: Passport, UK photocard driving licence, UK biometric residence card, UK Frontier Worker permit, UK biometric residence permit.
What happens with Corporate Directors?
The Directors of Corporate Members must get their ID verified, this includes officers of corporate PSCs.
Where can I find an ACSP near me?
Companies House Directors Verification section has not published a list of ACSPs. If you can’t use our service, your best bet is a Google or AI search for director identity verification services near to where you are located.
Have a question? Drop us a line.
We Handle the Entire Process
If you’re unsure of what to do, give us a call on our phone number +442074992605, email us notary@notarypubliclondon.co.uk or complete the form below and we will guide you through the process.
For our terms and conditions for this service, click here: https://notarypubliclondon.co.uk/director-identity-verification-ts-and-cs/
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