Government ID Check

Why Identity Verification Is Necessary

From Autumn 2025, all UK company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and others involved in company filings must verify their identity with Companies House. This requirement is part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and aims to:

• Prevent fraud and misuse of UK companies
• Improve transparency and trust in the Companies House register
• Ensure only real individuals can control or manage companies

Using the ‘Verify your identity for Companies House’ service

This service uses GOV.UK One Login to verify your identity. It is free of charge.
GOV.UK One Login will ask you some simple questions to find the best way for you to verify your identity. You must provide answers about yourself, not your company. Depending on your answers, you’ll then be guided to verify:

• with an app
• by answering security questions online
• by entering your details from your photo ID on GOV.UK One Login first, then going to a participating Post Office

You may find that you are already registered for the One Login service if you have previously accessed a government service personally or through work. A list of these services is linked below.

Services eligible for One Login

What You’ll Need

• A valid photo ID (UK biometric passport, UK driving licence, or biometric residence permit)
• Your home address and potentially the last 12 months of your address history.
• A personal email address (not shared or company-wide)
• A smartphone device with a camera (if using the Gov One app)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start the process: Go to the One Login service on your device.
2. Set up a new account or sign in with your existing One Login account. You should generally use your personal email address but you may use your Accord provided email address providing you are not associated with any other companies on Companies House.
3. Download the ID Check app on your iPhone or Android device. If you use an old device (5 years+) you may need to use a different device to perform the ID check process.
   Apple iPhone App Store
   Android Play Store
4. Login to the ID Check app, following the instructions in the app.
5. Verify your identity (using your web browser, as before)
   One Login Verification
6. Obtain your verification code and save it
   One Login My Account