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Companies House ID Verification Failed? 7 Reasons It Happened and How to Fix It
May 27, 2026
By Tim R
If your Companies House ID verification failed, it’s usually down to one of seven common issues - mismatched personal details, an unsupported or expired document, poor photo quality, an old device, a shared email address, a previous failed attempt on GOV.UK One Login, or a system glitch. Most of these are fixable. And if the GOV.UK route has rejected you once, an approved ACSP like directorverifications.com can still get you verified - no app needed.
Since mandatory ID verification kicked in on 18 November 2025, thousands of UK company directors and PSCs have run into the same wall. You carve out 20 minutes, work through the GOV.UK One Login process, and then - rejected. Frustrating doesn’t cover it.The good news? A failed
Companies House ID verification isn't the end. Here are the 7 most common reasons it happens and, more importantly, exactly what to do about each one.
Reason 1: Your Name or Date of Birth Doesn’t Match
This is the single most common reason for a Companies House verification rejected
outcome. If the name or date of birth on your Companies House record doesn't exactly match your ID document - even something as small as a missing middle name or a hyphen - the system will flag it and refuse to proceed.
Fix it:
Before you do anything else, log into the Companies House register and check your details against your ID document. If something doesn’t match, update your Companies House record first and wait for the change to process before trying again.
Reason 2: You Used an Expired or Unsupported Document
Not all ID documents are accepted for Companies House ID verification. The GOV.UK route only recognises a specific list, including biometric passports, UK photocard driving licences, Biometric Residence Permits (BRPs), and a small number of EU/EEA identity cards. If you tried with something outside that list - a utility bill, an older non-biometric passport, or a birth certificate - it will be rejected automatically.
Fix it: Check the accepted documents list on GOV.UK before you start. If you don't have a supported document, an ACSP like directorverifications.com accepts a wider range of ID, so it’s worth getting in touch.
Reason 3: Poor Photo or Scan Quality
The Companies House ID verification process uses automated biometric scanning. That means image quality really matters. Blurry photos, glare on the document surface, cropped edges, or low lighting can all cause the scan to fail - even if your document is perfectly valid.
Fix it: Use even, natural lighting. Keep the full document within the frame. Avoid shooting near bright windows or lamps. If the first image looks unclear, retake it before submitting. A few extra seconds here can save a lot of frustration.
Reason 4: You are Using an Old or Incompatible Device
The GOV.UK One Login system - which powers the Companies House verification process - works best on modern smartphones with up-to-date cameras and software. Older phones with poor cameras often cause the liveness check or document scan to fail, sometimes with no obvious error message.
Fix it:
Switch to a newer device if possible, or update your browser and phone software before trying again. If you don’t have access to a suitable device, using an ACSP removes this problem entirely - no specialist hardware needed.
Reason 5: You’re Using a Shared or Conflicting Email Address
Only one email address can be linked to a GOV.UK One Login. If you’re using a shared company inbox, a PA’s email, or an address that’s already linked to someone else's account,it'll create a conflict that stops the process in its tracks.
Fix it: Use your own personal email address - not a shared one. If you’ve previously used a different email for GOV.UK services, you may need to resolve the account conflict before verification will work.
Reason 6: You've Already Failed Once via GOV.UK One Login
This is the one that catches most people off guard. If the GOV.UK One Login route has already rejected your Companies House ID verification, you cannot try again through that same route. And unlike what many people assume, you also cannot visit a Post Office as a fallback at that point.
Fix it:
At this stage, your only available option is to use an ACSP - an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. directorverifications.com is a Companies House-approved ACSP that can verify your identity on your behalf, upload your details directly to the Companies House ACSP portal, and get your Companies House verification code sent straight to your inbox.Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours, or the same day if you need it fast. No app, no queuing,
no second rejection.
Reason 7: A System Glitch on the GOV.UK Side
Sometimes it genuinely is your fault. The GOV.UK system has experienced reported
technical issues since mandatory verification launched, with some users hitting unexplained errors despite having the right documents and details.
Fix it: Try again at a different time of day. If the problem persists after a second attempt, stop retrying - each failed attempt narrows your options on the government route. Using an ACSP is the clean, reliable alternative that sidesteps the GOV.UK system entirely.
What to Do Next
A rejected verification is a setback, not a dead end. If the GOV.UK route hasn't worked for you, directorverifications.com is here to sort it. As a Companies House-approved ACSP, we handle the whole process - biometric document scanning, AI liveness detection, and human review if needed - and your Companies House ID code gets emailed to you directly once it’s done. From £24.99, no app required.
Get verified today from £24.99
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If my Companies House ID verification failed on GOV.UK, can I just try again?
No- if GOV.UK One Login has rejected you once, that route is closed. You won’t be able to retry online or verify at a Post Office either. Your only remaining option is to use an approved ACSP.
2. Will a failed verification affect my ability to file with Companies House?
Yes. Unverified directors and PSCs cannot file confirmation statements, make changes to company records, or be appointed as directors of other companies. Getting verified quickly avoids any disruption to your business.
3. Can an ACSP verify me even if my document is unusual or expired?
In many cases, yes. ACSPs typically accept a wider range of documents than the GOV.UK route. If you’re unsure whether your ID qualifies, contact directorverifications.com before starting and they’ll advise you.
4. Do PSCs and directors need to go through verification separately?
You only verify your identity once and receive a single Companies House verification personal code. However, that code must be submitted separately for each role you hold - once as a director via the confirmation statement, and once as a PSC through the separate PSC service.
5. How quickly can I get my Companies House verification code after using directorverifications.com?
Standard turnaround is 24–48 hours on weekdays. Choose the fast-track same-day option (ordered before 4pm on a weekday) and your Companies House ID code can land in your inbox the same day.
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