How to Complete Your Companies House ID Verification (Full Step-by-Step Guide)
If you’ve recently received an email from Companies House asking you to verify your identity, don’t worry — it’s part of the new government initiative to make company ownership more transparent and to protect UK businesses from fraud.
In this post, we’ll explain why verification is important, who needs to do it, when you’ll need to complete it, and finally, share a step-by-step guide (all 29 steps) to walk you through the process.
Why You Need to Verify
Companies House has introduced new ID verification checks to confirm that everyone involved in running, managing, or filing for UK companies is who they claim to be.
Once verified, you’ll receive your own Companies House personal code — unique to you, not your company. You’ll need this code for future filings and appointments, including:
- Filing your confirmation statement
- Becoming a Person with Significant Control (PSC)
- Being appointed as a director
Who Needs to Verify
The following individuals are required (or will soon be required) to verify their identity with Companies House:
- Company directors
- Members, general partners, and managing officers
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs) such as accountants or company formation agents
- Anyone who files on behalf of a company, e.g. secretaries
When You Need to Verify
The rollout is being phased in through 2025, with the following key dates:
- Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPs): From 18 March 2025, you’ll need to verify your identity to register as an authorised agent. From 8 April 2025, you can then start verifying clients’ identities.
- Directors and PSCs: From 8 April 2025, you may voluntarily verify your identity. It will become a legal requirement soon after.
- People who file at Companies House: Not compulsory yet, but it will be required in the near future.
We strongly recommend verifying early to avoid future delays or restrictions once these checks become mandatory.
How to Verify
There are three approved methods for verifying your identity:
- Online (Free): Through the GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK ID Check app.
- At the Post Office: Some branches offer in-person verification.
- Via an Authorised Agent: As an approved Companies House agent, Duport can verify your ID for just £29.99 inc VAT.
👉 Click here if you’d like us to handle the process for you.
How to Complete Companies House ID Verification Online
(Full 29-Step Walkthrough)
We found the easiest way to complete this is using a smartphone — that way, you can stay on one device throughout the process.
Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1:
Go to the official Companies House verification page by clicking here.
Step 2:
Scroll down to see what you’ll need for verification, then click “Verify your identity.”
Step 3:
Select “Go to GOV.UK One Login.”
Step 4:
Click “Create your GOV.UK One Login.”
Step 5:
Enter the email address linked to your Companies House account, then click Continue.
Step 6:
Enter the 6-digit code sent to your email, then Continue.
Step 7:
Create your password and continue. You’ll then be asked to set up two-factor authentication (either via your mobile number or an authenticator app).
Step 8:
Once your GOV.UK One Login is created, click “Open GOV.UK ID Check.”
Step 9:
When asked if your identity has been verified before, select “No,” then Continue.
Step 10:
Click Continue again to begin.
Step 11:
Choose whether you live in the UK, Channel Islands, or Isle of Man (or another country), then Continue.
Step 12:
Confirm whether you have one of the accepted types of photo ID, then Continue.
Step 13:
Select whether you’re using a computer/tablet or smartphone. We recommend smartphone, then click Continue.
Step 14:
Select which type of smartphone you’re using (iPhone or Android), then Continue.
Step 15:
When asked if you have a valid passport, select “Yes,” then Continue.
Step 16:
Confirm your passport has the biometric symbol (the small rectangle with a circle) on the front cover, then Continue.
Step 17:
Click Continue to use your passport and the GOV.UK ID Check app for verification.
Step 18:
Keep this web page open or bookmarked, as you’ll need it later. Then click “Download GOV.UK ID Check app.”
Step 19:
Once the app is downloaded, return to the web page and click “Link GOV.UK ID Check.”
Step 20:
Open the app — it should display a “Link Successful” message. Click Continue to scan your passport’s photo page.
Step 21:
Once the passport scan is complete, click Continue.
Step 22:
Next, follow the on-screen prompts to scan the biometric chip in your passport’s cover. Hold your phone flat against the cover until the scan finishes, then Continue.
Step 23:
You’ll then be prompted to scan your face using your phone’s selfie camera. Follow the prompts and click Start to begin.
Step 24:
Once finished, click “Go to GOV.UK” to exit the app.
Step 25:
You’ll see a confirmation message on your browser — click Continue.
Step 26:
Enter your postcode and click “Find address.”
Step 27:
Click “Continue to the service.”
Step 28:
Allow GOV.UK to check your details by selecting Continue.
Step 29:
You should now see a message confirming that “Identity verification is complete.”
Be sure to save your Companies House personal code somewhere safe — you’ll need it in the future!
Want Us to Handle It for You?
If you’d prefer not to go through the full process yourself, Duport can verify your identity directly with Companies House.
As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider, we’re approved to complete this on your behalf for £29.99 inc VAT.
