Companies House has introduced stricter rules to help prevent fraud and improve transparency. One of the biggest changes is that all directors, people with significant control (PSCs), and those who file information on behalf of a company must now have their identity verified.
This can be done either directly via the GOV.UK One Login (which we detail below) or by using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider - ACSP (TN Accountancy is an ACSP).
In this blog, we outline how to verify your ID using the GOV.UK One Login, which provides a single secure account for accessing government services. If you are setting up a new company, you will need to complete this step before incorporation. Existing directors and PSCs will also need to verify their ID.
Step-by-step guide to verifying your ID
1) Create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login account
Go to this page and click on the green ‘Verify your identity’ button
If you don’t already have a GOV.UK One account, you’ll need to register with your email address and create a password.
2) Prepare your ID documents
You will need a valid form of photo identification, such as:
Passport
Driving licence
Biometric residence permit
Make sure your details match exactly with the information you provide (for example, your full legal name).
3) Complete the online ID check
You may be asked to:
Scan your passport chip or driving licence using your phone.
Take a selfie to confirm your identity.
The system will guide you step by step.
If you download the app to undertake the process, you need to download the “GOV.UK One Login” app, NOT the “GOV.UK ID Check” app (this is something else)
4) Confirmation
Once verified, GOV.UK will confirm your ID and will provide you with a ‘Personal Code’
You will not need to repeat the process for each company—your verification is tied to you personally.
Why this matters
Without completing ID verification, you won’t be able to act as a director, file documents, or register a new company. These checks are now a legal requirement, and ensuring your ID is verified early will help avoid delays.
Contact us
Please contact us to find out how the above applies in your circumstances.
Please note that the above is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. You should not rely on this information to make or refrain from making any decisions. You should always obtain independent professional advice in respect of your own situation.
