Companies House identity verification (ACSP)
Staple Inn Notaries is a Companies House Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). We verify the identity of directors, people with significant control and LLP members, in the UK and abroad, and report the verification to Companies House.
Who we can help
We can discuss identity verification for directors, people with significant control, LLP members and directors of overseas companies registered in the UK. If you are an accountant, company formation agent or company secretary, you can enquire about support for your clients or a group of people.
Where a person lives abroad or has overseas identity documents, we assess the documents and circumstances before agreeing to act. We cannot guarantee that every document or case will be suitable.
How the online service works
- Send an enquiry. Tell us your role, company name or number, country of residence and any relevant deadline. For several people, tell us how many need checks. Do not include identity scans or your Companies House personal code in the initial enquiry.
- Agree the scope and fee. We explain the checks, suitable evidence, terms and the fee before you decide to proceed.
- Complete the checks. We explain how to provide the required evidence safely and carry out the applicable identity checks. We may need further evidence or separate anti-money laundering checks.
- We tell Companies House. Once the checks meet the required standard, the authorised agent submits the verification. Companies House then sends your personal code to your email address.
- Link your code to your role. Verification and providing your code for each relevant role are separate steps. We explain what to check next. Any filing support is agreed separately.
Documents for identity verification
The documents needed depend on the checking method and your circumstances. For a manual check, Companies House requires two suitable documents: either two qualifying photo identity documents, or one qualifying photo identity document and a document from its second list. If you live outside the UK, at least one must be government issued.
A passport and an eligible bank statement may be suitable together, but we will check the particular documents before you proceed. Additional information, including address history and former names, may be needed. Ask us how to send sensitive documents safely rather than attaching them to the first enquiry.
Fees
£95 plus VAT per person, payable in advance. This fee covers verifying passports, identity cards and utility bills for proof of address, an initial suitability assessment, one standard identity check, submission when the required standard is met and an explanation of the separate personal code and role-linking step.
Complex cases or repeat work are quoted separately in advance. Company filing support is quoted separately, and any Companies House charge is shown separately. We confirm the scope and total before you proceed.
Pay online
Fees are payable in advance. Pay securely by card, Apple Pay or PayPal; a PayPal account is not needed. After payment we email you within one hour during office hours to confirm your appointment time. For more than one document, choose the number of people on the payment page and the total is calculated for you.
Companies House filing support
If you need help with a filing, tell us what needs to be filed and the relevant date. We will check whether we can use an available route for your filing and agree the scope and a separate fee before acting. Filing availability depends on the type of filing and the current Companies House arrangements.
Questions about Companies House identity verification (ACSP)
Can I verify my identity directly with Companies House?
Yes. Companies House offers a direct service through GOV.UK One Login. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider is an alternative for those who prefer professional assistance or cannot use the direct route. Read the Companies House guidance.
Can an overseas director use this service?
We can assess enquiries from overseas directors with UK company roles. We need to check whether your documents and circumstances meet the applicable requirements before agreeing to act.
When do I need to provide my personal code?
It depends on your role and when it began. Existing directors provide their code with each company's next confirmation statement. People with significant control have a separate 14 day period that depends on their circumstances. Check your individual dates on the register and read the Companies House guidance on timing.
Do I need to verify again for every company?
In most cases, you verify your identity once and use the same personal code for your relevant roles. You still need to provide the code for each role as required. Do not verify again unless Companies House asks you to. Share your code only with people you trust.
Is identity verification the same as a company filing?
No. Identity verification confirms who you are. Providing your code for a company role and filing a confirmation statement or another document are separate steps. If we can help with a filing, we agree its scope and fee separately.
How long will it take?
The timing depends on your evidence, the checks required and your circumstances. We will explain the expected steps for your case. We cannot guarantee a verification result or a particular delivery time for your personal code.
Request help
Tell us your role, company name or number, country of residence and any relevant deadline using our contact form. For multiple people, tell us how many need verification. Please do not include ID documents or a personal code in your first enquiry.