Checklists
Companies House Identity Verification Checklist
Before you can file with Companies House, all directors, PSCs and authorised filers must complete identity verification. This checklist and ensures you have everything ready for a smooth and compliant submission.
Preview Checklist
✅ Identity Verification Checklist for Companies House (ACSP)
🔹 Step 1: Collect Required Personal Information
Ensure you obtain the following from the person:
- Full name (including any former names)
- Date of birth
- Home address
- Address history for the last 12 months
- Email address
🔹 Step 2: Obtain and Record Identity Documents
Choose Option 1 (IDVT technology used) or Option 2 (manual/document-based verification).
✅ Option 1 – IDVT Verification
Only use if IDVT can validate cryptographic features.
Accept ONE of the following:
- Biometric or machine-readable passport (up to 6 months expired)
- Irish passport card (up to 6 months expired)
- UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EU photocard driving licence
- EU/EEA identity card with biometric info
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (up to 18 months expired)
- UK Biometric Residence Card
- UK Frontier Worker Permit
📝 Record:
- Document reference number or equivalent
- Expiry date (if applicable)
- Country of issue (if applicable)
✅ Option 2 – Manual Verification
Provide TWO documents:
- 2 from Group A, or
- 1 from Group A and 1 from Group B
Group A (photo ID):
- Passport or Irish passport card (up to 18 months expired)
- EU/EEA ID card with biometric info
- UK BRP/BRC (up to 18 months expired)
- UK accredited PASS card
- Driver digital tachograph card
- UK/EU photocard driving licence
- UK HM Forces ID or Veteran Card
- UK Frontier Worker permit
- Government-issued photo work permit or visa
- UK firearms licence
- Other photographic ID listed on PRADO
Group B (non-photo/address-based):
- Birth or adoption certificate
- Marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Non-photographic immigration document, visa, or work permit
- Bank/building society statement
- Local authority/social housing rental agreement (current address)
- Mortgage statement (current address)
- Council tax statement (current address)
- Utility bill (current address)
🔹 Step 3: Verify the Authenticity of Documents
- Check documents for tampering or damage
- Use trained personnel to detect false documents
- If in doubt, contact:
- Issuing authority
- Authoritative source
- Relevant embassy (for non-UK documents)
🔹 Step 4: Confirm the Identity Belongs to the Person
- Verify name and date of birth on documents
- Validate cryptographic features (if using IDVT)
- Compare person’s appearance with photo on ID
- Confirm identity remotely (if applicable) via clear face match
🔸 If higher risk, take extra steps:
- Confirm 12-month address history
- Request documentation for name change
- Ask for proof of real-world activity:
- Bank statement with recent transactions
- Utility or council tax bill
- Travel history on passport
🔹 Step 5: Keep Comprehensive Records (7 years)
- Copies of all documents checked
- Record of identity checks performed
- Details of any failed verification attempts
🔹 Step 6: Make a Decision
- Decide if the person is verified to the required standard
🟢 If Verified:
- Use Companies House online service to:
- Submit person’s details
- Submit document details
- Confirm checks were completed to the required standard
🔴 If NOT Verified:
- Keep records of checks and evidence
- Inform the person they must get appropriate documents to verify identity
Companies House Identity Verification Service Full Checklist
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What is this Companies House Identity Verification checklist?
This Companies House Identity Verification Checklist outlines the mandatory steps and documents required to verify the identity of clients, ensuring compliance with UK regulations.
Why is identity verification important for ACSPs?
Identity verification helps prevent fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing by ensuring that clients are who they claim to be. It is a legal requirement for ACSPs to follow strict verification procedures under the UK’s AML regulations.
What types of documents are accepted for identity verification under the ACSP checklist?
Commonly accepted documents include valid passports, driving licences, national identity cards and proof of address documents such as utility bills or bank statements dated within the last three months.
What should I do if a client cannot provide the standard identification documents?
In cases where clients cannot provide standard documents, alternative verification methods or enhanced due diligence procedures may be required. ACSPs should refer to the full AML guidelines or consult legal advice to ensure compliance.