Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you should know about Companies House identity verification and ACSPs

What is an ACSP?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) is an individual or organisation that undertakes AML-supervised activity, such as:

  • Company formation agents
  • Accountants
  • Solicitors

As an ACSP we are able to  verify identities on behalf of clients and notify Companies House that verification has taken place.
Who must complete a Companies House identity verification?

Every UK company director, Persons of significant control (PSCs) and Limited liability partnership (LLP) member must prove their identity to Companies House. It’s the law (Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023). You’ll receive a unique Companies House personal code after verification, which must be used in all Companies House fillings.
When do I have to complete the Companies House identity verification?

Identity verification became mandatory in November 2025. When you do it depends on your role:

  • I am a current director: You (or your accountant or company secretary acting on your behalf) must provide your personal code in your next confirmation statement
  • I am a new director or about to become one: You have to verify as part of being appointed a director
  • I am a new Person with significant Control (PSC): You must verify within 14 days of being added to the Companies House register.
  • I am an existing Person with significant Control (PSC): You must provide your code within a 14-day verification window, which depends on your birth month (e.g., first 14 days of their birth month) or when filing the next confirmation statement if also a director. 

If in doubt, do it verify your identity as a director for Companies House to comply – there is no harm in getting ahead of the game.
Who should verify their identity with Companies House?

You must verify if you are:

  • A director of a private limited company or PLC
  • A Person with Significant Control (PSC) – someone with over 25% ownership or voting rights
  • A member of a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
  • A general partner in a limited partnership
  • A company secretary who files documents
  • A managing officer of other corporate bodies
Do I need to complete the process for each company I hold a role with and is it every year?

No, you only have to do it once and then you can use the code with each company, and you only have to do it once in your lifetime.
What happens if I don’t verify my identity and get my personal code?

There are various risks and consequences that range from business disruption to fines and a criminal record

  • Companies House will reject any filing, and this can result in penalties from £150 to £7,500
  • It is a criminal offence to act as a director without verification with fixed penalty fines of up to £10,000 issued by Companies House
  • You could be banned from being a director
  • Your company may be removed from the register
  • You may have issues with your bank or become personally liable for company debts
  • You may have issues with contracts
What is a Companies House personal code?

A unique identifier issued after successful verification that is:

  • Individual to you, not the company
  • The same for life – you don’t need to do this again
  • Required by law from the 18th November 2025
  • Required by all UK company directors, PSCs and LLP members
  • Required by Companies House to complete filings (so keep it safe)
  • Used by trusted professionals who file on your behalf
What happens after an ACSP verifies a director?

The ACSP will:

  1. Log into the Companies House portal
  2. Submit:
  3. Personal details
  4. Identity document details
  5. Director’s email address 

Companies House then:

  • Emails the director a unique 11-character personal code
  • The code is required for all future filings

ACSPs must retain verification records for 7 years, including failed checks.
Does the ACSP receive the Companies House personal code?

No.
The code is issued only to the individual. The director can share it with their ACSP or adviser (e.g. accountant ) if they want them to file on their behalf.
Can someone else verify my identity?

An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) can handle the process for you otherwise you must do it yourself, but you must:

  • Use your own identity documents
  • Submit your own information
  • Consent to the verification process

Important: When an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) does the verification check on your behalf and submits this to Companies House, you’re still the one being verified. You will receive the Companies House Personal Code directly via email.
I’m planning to resign as director soon. Do I still need to verify?

Only if you’re still a director when your verification deadline arrives. If you resign before 18 November 2025 (or before your company’s next confirmation statement is due), you don’t need to verify that role.
If I’ve changed my name, does this affect verification?

You should use your current legal name. If your documents show different names, you may need additional evidence like a marriage certificate or other legal document to satisfy the requirements of the identify verification process. RapidVerify will contact you for additional evidence if this is required.
What happens with a dormant company?

Companies that are trading, dormant, or inactive require directors to complete verification.
Where can I get further information on Companies House and ACSPs?

Visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/companies-house for more information about Companies House.

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