Identity Verification for Companies House Compliance
Fast, secure, and compliant identity checks for directors and individuals under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
Identity Verification
How it works
The process is straightforward:
- Complete our form – Provide basic details to start the verification process.
- Pay the verification fee – Secure payment options are available online.
- We take it from there – We will contact each of the directors listed to request their identity information in a safe and secure environment.
- Each individual will be asked to upload ID documents via a secure link and take a photo of their ID and a selfie. Additional documents may be requested depending on personal circumstances.
- Once everything is processed, we will confirm the verification and each director will receive their unique Companies House personal code.
Verify a Director's Identity
Our service offers fast, secure, and fully compliant identity verification, meeting all the requirements of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023.
With this service, you can:
- Verify your own identity.
- Verify up to five identities at a time (more available on request — please get in touch).
- Pay securely online.
- Access expert support to guide you through the process.
- Ensure you remain compliant with the latest regulations.
Please read the following disclaimer before you start the process
Please ensure you have read this disclaimer and made appropriate checks before submitting a request
As an ACSP providing director identification verification services, we commence processing applications immediately upon receipt. Should it be determined at any stage, whether through our verification procedures or information provided to us, that the applicant already possesses a valid personal code, the service will be considered to have been initiated and substantially performed. Accordingly, no refund shall be issued in such circumstances. Applicants are therefore advised to confirm whether a personal code has previously been allocated before submitting a request.
Accepted Documents
We work with Credas, a certified Identity Service Provider, to ensure your identity verification is handled securely and meets all compliance standards.
To complete verification, you will need one of the following:
- Biometric passport
- Non-biometric passport
- Photocard driving licence (UK, EU, Channel Islands, Isle of Man)
- Biometric EU or EEA identity card
- UK biometric residence permit
- UK biometric residence card
- Irish passport card
- UK frontier worker permit
If you are overseas, have moved home recently, or have changed your name, we may need additional documentation.
After you have filled the basic details form in, you will be asked how many directors you wish to verify, their names and email addresses, plus your payment details. The Directors Verification Check will not be processed until payment has been made.
Payment Options
The verification fee is £250 + VAT (if applicable) per identity check. We offer flexible payment options by Credit/debit card.
Companies House Identity Verification (IDV) FAQs
About identity verification
What is Companies House identity verification (IDV)?
Identity Verification (IDV) is a requirement introduced under the UK’s Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) to improve the accuracy and integrity of the Companies House register.
Individuals who are required to verify their identity must do so before carrying out certain roles or activities connected with a UK company.
Who needs to have their identity verified?
Identity verification may be required for:
- Company directors
- Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)
- Limited liability partnership (LLP) members
Projected from Autumn 2027:
- Individuals filing information on behalf of a company
- Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) personnel making filings
- Other individuals required to verify their identity under Companies House regulations
I am already a director. Do I still need to verify my identity?
Yes. Existing directors who are required to verify their identity must comply with the Companies House requirements during the implementation period.
If you are unsure whether the requirements apply to you, our team can help.
What is a Person with Significant Control (PSC)?
A PSC is an individual who owns or controls a company.
Generally, a PSC is someone who:
- Holds more than 25% of the shares in a company
- Holds more than 25% of the voting rights
- Has the right to appoint or remove most of the directors
- Exercises, or has the right to exercise, significant influence or control over the company
If you are unsure whether you are a PSC, we can help determine whether the requirements apply to you.
Do company shareholders need to be verified?
Not all shareholders require identity verification.
Verification requirements generally apply to individuals who are directors, PSCs or others specifically required to verify their identity under Companies House legislation.
Do corporate directors need to be verified?
Currently, identity verification applies to individuals rather than companies.
Identity verification will be introduced at a later date for:
- limited partnerships
- corporate directors of companies
- corporate members of limited liability partnerships (LLPs)
- officers of corporate PSCs
If your company has a corporate director structure and you are unsure who requires verification, please contact us for guidance.
Can Bridgehouse carry out identity verification?
Yes.
Bridgehouse is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and can verify identities on behalf of Companies House.
Bridgehouse’s identity verification service is IDVT-based. This means we can only use documents authorised for use by IDVT providers and cannot manually receive or verify documents which are outside the scope of those authorised for use by IDVT providers.
Once verification has been successfully completed, Bridgehouse will submit the necessary confirmation to Companies House.
When do I need to complete identity verification?
Companies House has introduced identity verification requirements under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA).
Verification may be required before certain appointments, filings or other corporate actions can take place.
If you are unsure whether a deadline applies to you, please contact our team for guidance.
Accepted identification documents
What identity documents are accepted?
Our Identity Verification Technology (IDVT) process can verify individuals using:
- Valid biometric or machine-readable passport
- Valid UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein biometric identity card
- UK Frontier Worker Permit
What documents are not accepted?
Examples of documents that cannot currently be accepted include:
- Expired passports or identity documents
- Driving licences which are not a valid UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- Aadhaar cards
- Voter ID cards
- Non-biometric identity cards
Can I be verified without a passport?
Yes.
If you hold another accepted form of identification, such as an eligible driving licence or biometric identity card, verification can still be completed.
If you do not hold any accepted form of identification, we will be unable to complete verification at this time.
I only have a foreign driving licence. Can I still be verified?
Accepted driving licences must be valid UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licences (full or provisional).
Driving licences issued by any other jurisdiction are not currently accepted for our IDVT verification process.
If your driving licence is not eligible, you will need to provide an alternative accepted identity document, such as a valid passport or an eligible biometric identity card.
What if I hold multiple nationalities?
If you hold more than one nationality or passport, you may use any accepted identity document that meets the verification requirements.
If further information is required during the verification process, we will contact you.
What if my legal name has changed?
If the name shown on your identification document differs from your current legal name, we may request supporting documentation such as:
- Marriage certificate
- Civil partnership certificate
- Deed poll
- Other official name change documentation
What proof of address is required?
In certain circumstances, we may request proof of address as part of the verification process.
Accepted documents may include:
- Bank statement
- Utility bill
- Council tax bill
- Government-issued correspondence
Documents must show your full name and current residential address and be recent.
Overseas individuals
Can overseas directors be verified?
Yes.
Overseas directors can be verified provided they hold an acceptable form of identification.
The process can usually be completed entirely remotely and does not require attendance at a Bridgehouse office.
I live overseas. Do I need a UK address?
No.
You do not need a UK residential address to complete identity verification.
You will be required to provide your current residential address as part of the verification process.
Can you verify individuals who live outside the UK?
In most cases, yes.
Provided the individual holds an accepted identity document and can successfully complete the required checks, verification can usually be completed remotely.
Certain circumstances may require additional checks or supporting documentation.
How the verification process works
Can identity verification be completed remotely?
Yes.
Bridgehouse uses Credas technology to complete identity verification remotely, allowing individuals to complete the process securely from their smartphone or device without attending a meeting in person.
How does the verification process work?
The process is straightforward:
- Place your order.
- Receive a secure Credas verification link.
- Download the Credas app.
- Scan your identity document.
- Complete the biometric selfie check.
- Bridgehouse reviews the verification results.
- Bridgehouse submits confirmation to Companies House.
Do I need a smartphone to complete identity verification?
Yes.
A smartphone is required to download the Credas app and complete the verification checks.
Can I use someone else's smartphone?
Yes.
If you do not have access to a smartphone, you may use a trusted family member’s or friend’s device.
No personal information is stored on the phone and the app can be deleted once verification has been completed.
What email address should I use?
You should use an email address that you access regularly.
Companies House may use this address when issuing your personal code and communicating important information relating to your verified status.
How quickly should I complete verification once I receive the link?
We recommend completing the verification process as soon as possible to avoid delays with company appointments, filings or other Companies House requirements.
If your verification link expires before completion, please contact us and we can arrange for a replacement link to be issued.
How long does the process take?
Once you have successfully completed the Credas checks and all required information has been provided, Bridgehouse will normally review and process the verification within 48 hours.
Additional checks may occasionally be required.
Failed or rejected verifications
What happens if verification fails?
Common reasons include:
- Poor-quality document images
- Expired identity documents
- Name mismatches
- Selfie mismatches
- Incomplete information
- Technical issues during submission
Where possible, we will explain the reason and advise on the next steps.
What if my selfie or document scan does not work?
Occasionally, technical issues can prevent a check from completing successfully.
If this happens, please contact us and we will help you complete or restart the verification process.
What should I do if my verification is rejected?
We will explain why the verification could not be completed and advise what additional information or documentation may be required.
Many issues can often be resolved by providing clearer images or updated documentation.
After verification
What happens after verification has been completed?
Once verification has been successfully completed:
- Bridgehouse submits confirmation to Companies House.
- Companies House records your verified status.
- Companies House issues a personal code directly to you.
Your personal code is unique to you and should be kept securely, as it may be required for future Companies House filings, appointments and identity-related transactions.
What is a Companies House personal code?
A personal code is a unique identifier issued by Companies House following successful identity verification.
The code belongs to you as an individual and should be retained securely. You may need it for future appointments, filings and Companies House interactions.
Can one verification be used for multiple UK companies?
Yes.
Identity verification is completed once for the individual and can then be linked to multiple company appointments and roles.
Will I need to verify my identity again if I become a director of another company?
No.
Once you have completed identity verification, your personal code can be used across multiple Companies House appointments and roles.
How long does verification remain valid?
Identity verification is a one-time requirement for the individual.
Once verified, you receive a personal code that can be used across your Companies House roles.
What happens if I do not complete identity verification?
Individuals who are required to verify their identity may be unable to hold certain positions, make certain filings or undertake specific activities until they have complied with Companies House requirements.
Companies House may also introduce restrictions or penalties where legal requirements are not met.
Fees and support
How much does identity verification cost?
The current fee is £250 + VAT per individual.
Fees are subject to review.
Can my adviser, lawyer or accountant arrange verification on my behalf?
Yes.
An adviser can coordinate the verification process on your behalf.
However, the individual being verified must personally complete the identity document and biometric checks.
Is my information secure?
Yes.
Bridgehouse uses secure verification technology provided by Credas and handles personal information in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Information is used solely for the purpose of identity verification and meeting regulatory requirements.
Can Bridgehouse provide legal advice on identity verification requirements?
Bridgehouse can guide clients through the practical aspects of the identity verification process and explain the Companies House requirements.
However, we do not provide legal advice. Where legal interpretation is required, independent legal advice should be obtained.
How do I get mnore help?
If your question is not covered above, our team will be happy to help.
Arrange your Companies House identity verification through Bridgehouse today.
Get in touch
We would be pleased to answer any queries or have an informal chat to discuss your possible governance needs.
