director-verification

Director ID Verification UK for Non-British Passport Holders: The Complete 2026 Guide

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 13:02:08 GMT

If you're a company director or Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a UK company but hold a non-British passport - or live outside the UK - you may already have hit a wall trying to verify your identity with Companies House. You're far from alone, and there is a simple, reliable way through.

Since 18 November 2025, identity verification has been a legal requirement under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA). Every UK company director and PSC must verify their identity and obtain a Companies House personal code - an 11-character code unique to you - regardless of your nationality or where in the world you live. This guide explains why the government's own system so often fails non-British document holders, what documents are actually accepted, and how directorVerifications.com verifies foreign passports in seconds.

Why Non-British Directors Struggle with the Gov.uk System

The free, direct route to verification is GOV.UK One Login - a system built primarily around UK documents and UK addresses. If you hold a non-British passport, a foreign driving licence, or a non-UK address, the automated app frequently fails to verify you. The most common problems we see are:

Foreign passports not being recognised by the GOV.UK One Login ID-check app
The NFC chip on some international passports not being read
Non-UK driving licences being rejected during the document scan
Overseas addresses causing errors in the system

There's a bigger issue too. From what our customers tell us, once GOV.UK One Login has failed to verify your identity, you can be locked out of the service for several weeks - and, frustratingly, customers report that the Post Office fallback route is no longer available to them either, even though the Companies House website lists it as an option. That can leave you unable to meet a legal deadline to provide your personal code, with your company's filings at risk, through no fault of your own.

The good news: a failed GOV.UK attempt does not mean you've run out of options. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) such as directorVerifications.com can still verify you.

Does This Apply to Me?

Director identity verification law applies to you regardless of nationality if you are on the Companies House register. It affects a large and growing group, including:

Non-UK nationals living in the UK who are directors or PSCs of British companies
Overseas directors managing UK-registered companies from abroad
Foreign investors who hold PSC status in UK businesses
Expat directors who incorporated a UK company and have since relocated

Your nationality does not exempt you, and neither does living abroad. If you're a director or PSC of a UK company, you must verify your ID.

The Reliable Alternative: Verify through an ACSP

directorVerifications.com is an Authorised Corporate Service Provider - an agent registered with Companies House and supervised for anti-money laundering purposes by HMRC, authorised to verify your identity on your behalf. We work with a specialist third-party identity-verification partner whose technology is built to read and validate foreign passports and international documents quickly and accurately.

Crucially, the ACSP route accepts a wider range of documents than the GOV.UK app, includes expert oversight, and doesn't lock you out - which is exactly why it succeeds for the vast majority of people the automated system has rejected.

Here's How it Works:

Register your details on the directorVerifications.com website - it takes most people 1–2 minutes.

Scan your passport (or other accepted document) and let the camera on your smartphone, laptop or desktop PC take a quick scan of your face. Your scans upload to us automatically - there's nothing else for you to do.

Your identity is checked in seconds by our verification partner's state-of-the-art AI-based technology.

We submit your verified details to Companies House through the official ACSP portal.

Companies House emails your 11-character personal code straight to your inbox. Keep it safe - you reuse it for every future filing.

No app to download, no NFC-enabled smartphone required, and no risk of being locked out of the GOV.UK system.

What Documents are Accepted?

This is where it pays to know the rules, because the single most reliable document for a non-British director is your passport.

Passports - any nationality . A biometric or machine-readable passport from any country is accepted. This is the go-to document for non-British directors. Helpfully, the ACSP route can validate a machine-readable passport even if it doesn't have a biometric chip - so if the GOV.UK app couldn't read your passport's chip, we can usually still verify it.

National identity cards. Biometric national identity cards from the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein are accepted. A range of other countries' photographic national ID cards can also be used through the ACSP route where they appear on the official international document register (PRADO) — for example, certain national identity cards from countries such as Pakistan.

Driving licences - UK and EU only . This is the key catch many people miss: Companies House only accepts photocard driving licences from the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or the EU. A driving licence from outside those areas (for example, a US, Indian, Australian or Nigerian licence) is generally not an accepted document. If your driving licence isn't UK or EU, simply use your passport instead - it's the more reliable choice anyway.

What If I Don't Have a UK Address?

You do not need a UK address to verify your ID or to be a UK company director. You'll be asked for your current home address wherever that is in the world. Because our verification is handled by an ACSP rather than the UK-centric GOV.UK app, an overseas address is no obstacle.

Key deadlines - don't get caught out

Identity verification has been mandatory since 18 November 2025, and the consequences of missing it are real: filing restrictions, financial penalties, and - for acting as an unverified director - potential criminal liability.

If you're a director. New directors must verify as part of their appointment. Existing directors must verify by the time of their company's next confirmation statement, within a transition period that ends on 18 November 2026.

If you're a PSC. PSCs have a tight 14-day window to provide their personal code and verification statement once their deadline is triggered (for many existing PSCs this is linked to the confirmation statement date or their month of birth). With foreign documents so often rejected by the GOV.UK portal, an ACSP is frequently the only realistic way to hit that 14-day deadline — which is exactly why this is one of our most-requested services.

The safest approach is to verify early, well before any deadline bites.

Need it today? Same-day verification

If your confirmation statement deadline is looming or a director appointment is time-sensitive, directorVerifications.com's fast-track service guarantees same-day completion when you register and pay before 4pm on a working day - your personal code lands in your inbox the same day. Our standard service completes within 24–48 hours but is often quicker than this.

Managing Several Non-British Directors? Use Bulk Verification

Accountants, solicitors and company formation agents with international clients often need to verify several directors and PSCs at once. Our bulk director ID verification service is built for exactly that - multiple people with foreign documents handled through one efficient process. No chasing clients one by one, no missed deadlines, and no last-minute panic when the GOV.UK portal rejects a foreign passport.

Why Use DirectorVerifications.com?

Built for foreign passports and international documents — our verification partner's state-of-the-art, AI-based technology reads them with ease

No lock-out risk — none of the GOV.UK One Login pitfalls

Support for UK and overseas directors and PSCs, including those with non-UK addresses

Same-day fast-track option when you're against the clock

Bulk verification for agents and accountants

Secure, fully compliant handling of your documents by a regulated ACSP supervised by HMRC

Conclusion

A non-British passport or a failed GOV.UK attempt should never put your UK company at risk. directorVerifications.com offers fast, reliable director and PSC identity verification for non-British document holders - from anywhere in the world, usually in minutes. Scan your passport, scan your face, and let us handle the rest, right through to Companies House issuing your personal code.

Start your verification today . Our standard service is £24.99 (up to 24–48 hours) and our fast-track same-day service is £39.99 for customers who register and pay before 4pm on weekdays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I verify my identity with Companies House if I don't have a UK passport?

Yes. A biometric or machine-readable passport from any country is accepted through directorVerifications.com - your nationality does not matter.

What happens if GOV.UK One Login rejects my foreign passport?

Customers tell us you can be locked out of GOV.UK One Login for several weeks after a failed attempt, sometimes with the Post Office route unavailable too. Verifying through an ACSP such as directorVerifications.com avoids that risk entirely.

Is my foreign driving licence accepted?

Only if it's a UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man or EU photocard driving licence. Licences from outside those areas aren't accepted - but you can simply use your passport instead, which works for any nationality.

Do I need to be in the UK, or have a UK address, to verify?

No. You can complete the whole process online from anywhere in the world, and you do not need a UK address.

How long does verification take for overseas applicants?

The upload takes 1–2 minutes. Standard verification completes within 24–48 hours but is often quicker, and same-day completion is available via our fast-track service.

What is the Company's House personal code?

It's a unique 11-character code (letters and numbers) that Companies House emails to you after successful verification. The same code covers all your roles - director, PSC, LLP member or partner - so you only verify once.

I'm a PSC with foreign documents - is the deadline different?

PSCs have a strict 14-day window to provide their personal code and verification statement once their deadline triggers. Because foreign documents are often rejected by the GOV.UK portal, an ACSP is usually the most reliable way to meet it.

ID Verification for UK PSCs: Deadlines, Rules & How to Stay Compliant in 2026

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:34:29 GMT

If you’re a Person with Significant Control (PSC) of a UK company, identity verification is no longer optional , it’s the law. From 18 November 2025, PSCs must verify their identity with Companies House under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023. Missing your deadline can block your company from filing documents and even lead to prosecution.

This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do, when, and how to stay compliant without the stress.

What Is a PSC and Who Does This Apply To?

A PSC (Person with Significant Control) is any individual who owns or controls more than 25% of a company's shares or voting rights, has the right to appoint or remove the majority of directors, or exercises significant influence over the company.

This applies whether you live in the UK or abroad. If you hold a PSC role in a UK-registered limited company, LLP, or limited partnership, you must verify your identity , no exceptions.

Why Has ID Verification for UK PSCs Become Mandatory?

The UK government introduced mandatory ID verification for PSCs to tackle corporate fraud and improve transparency on the Companies House register. The goal is simple: every person listed on the public register must be who they claim to be.

Non-compliance triggers serious consequences. Companies House will issue enforcement notices, prevent your company from filing confirmation statements, and in persistent cases, pursue prosecution and financial penalties.

PSC Verification Deadlines: Know Your Timeline

This is where many PSCs get confused. Unlike directors, PSCs do not all share the same deadline , your specific window depends on your situation.

If you are both a Director and a PSC of the same company: You must provide your personal code within 14 days of your company's confirmation statement date.

If you are a PSC but NOT a director of the same company: Your 14-day window begins on the 1st day of your birth month. For example, if your date of birth is 15 June, your compliance window opens on 1 June each year.

If you became a PSC after 18 November 2025: You must provide your personal code either when your details are first added to the Companies House register, or within 14 days of being Added.

The key takeaway: PSCs have a very tight 14-day window. Don not wait until the deadline arrives , verify your identity in advance so you are ready.

What Is the Company's House Personal Code?

Once you complete ID verification, Companies House issues you an 11-digit personal verification code. This code is unique to you as an individual , not tied to any single company. If you are a PSC in multiple companies, you verify once and use the same personal code across all your roles.

This personal code must be submitted to Companies House within your specific 14-day window. Keep it safe , you will need it every time a related filing is made.

How to Get Your ID Verification for UK PSCs Done

There are two ways to complete your Companies House ID verification:

Option 1 – Via GOV.UK One Login (Free) You can verify directly through the

government's online portal using the GOV.UK ID Check app. This requires an NFC-enabled smartphone, a biometric passport or UK driving licence, and completion of a liveness face scan. While it's free, the government portal can fail to verify some individuals , and if it does,you don't get a second attempt through the same route.

Option 2 – Via an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) This is where a service like directorverifications.com comes in. As a Companies House-approved ACSP, we handle your entire ID verification process using enterprise-grade AI biometric technology , no app download required. Once verified, your 11-digit personal code is sent directly to your inbox.

This is particularly valuable for PSCs who:

Have already been rejected by the GOV.UK portal

Don't have an NFC-enabled smartphone Need verification completed quickly with a same day director ID verification option Are non-UK residents managing bulk director ID verification for multiple people

Bulk ID Verification for Advisers Managing Multiple PSCs

Accountants, solicitors, and company formation agents managing multiple clients face a significant administrative challenge with PSC verification deadlines falling at different times throughout the year.

Our bulk director ID verification service is designed specifically for advisers and businesses handling verifications at scale. Instead of chasing clients individually, you can manage multiple PSC and director verifications through a single, streamlined process ,ensuring no one misses their deadline and no confirmation statement gets blocked.

What Happens If a PSC Misses the Deadline?

Failing to verify your identity as a PSC isn't a minor admin issue. Companies House will:

Issue formal enforcement letters threatening prosecution
Prevent the company from filing its confirmation statement
Restrict the company from making new director appointments
Pursue financial penalties for continued non-compliance

A single unverified PSC can block an entire company's ability to file. If you share a company with other directors and PSCs, their non-compliance affects you too.

Stay Compliant Without the Stress

PSC verification deadlines are tight, the consequences of missing them are serious, and the The GOV.UK portal doesn't always work the first time. Don't leave it to chance.

directorverifications.com is a Companies House-approved ACSP offering fast, reliable ID verification for UK PSCs , from £24.99, no app required, with your personal code delivered straight to your inbox. Get Your PSC ID Verified Today , From £24.99.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Needs Director Identity Verification in the UK? Rules, Exemptions and Key Deadlines

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 11:23:00 GMT

Identity verification is transforming UK company compliance. Find out whether you need to verify your identity with Companies House, understand the 18 November 2026 backstop deadline, and learn how using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) can make the process faster, easier, and fully compliant.

The UK's corporate compliance landscape has changed significantly. Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA), Companies House now requires many of the people behind UK companies to verify their identity. Mandatory identity verification came into force on 18 November 2025, and millions of directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) must complete it before their own deadline.

If you are a director, a PSC, an overseas company officer, or someone forming a new company, this guide explains who needs to verify, the limited exemptions, the deadlines that apply, and what happens if you miss them.

At directorVerifications.com , we help UK and overseas directors complete identity verification quickly, securely, and in full compliance with Companies House requirements.

What Is a Director Verification Service?

A director verification service handles the Companies House identity verification process on your behalf, so you don't have to navigate the government system yourself.

directorVerifications.com is a service provided by Finovium Limited , a firm of accountants based in West London. Finovium is registered with Companies House and HMRC as an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) and is supervised for anti-money laundering purposes by HMRC. As an ACSP, Finovium is authorised to verify the identities of its customers and submit those verifications to Companies House.

We check your identity documents, carry out all the required checks, and make sure you receive your Companies House personal code - the unique code you'll need for company filings now and in the future. Using a professional ACSP reduces the risk of delays, rejected applications, and compliance problems, and ensures the process is completed correctly the first time.

Who Needs Director Identity Verification?

According to Companies House guidance, identity verification is mandatory for several categories of people connected to UK companies.

1. UK company directors

Every director of a UK limited company must verify their identity. This includes:

Existing (in-post) directors
Newly appointed directors
Sole directors
Directors of dormant companies

Verification confirms that directors are who they say they are and improves the accuracy and transparency of the Companies House register.

2. Overseas directors

Living outside the UK does not exempt you. Overseas directors of UK-registered companies must complete exactly the same identity verification process as UK-based directors.

3. Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

A PSC is an individual who owns or controls a company - typically through significant shareholdings, voting rights, or the ability to exercise significant influence. If you are a PSC of a UK company, identity verification is required.

4. People forming a new company

Anyone incorporating a new company and being appointed as a director must verify their identity. Verification is now built into the company formation process.

5. People acting through Authorised Corporate Service Providers

Individuals who act as authorised agents at an ACSP must themselves be verified before they can carry out verification work for clients.

Who Benefits Most from a Director Verification Service?

While you can attempt verification independently, professional help is particularly valuable for:

Overseas directors and non-UK residents
Directors with expired or non-UK documents
Start-up founders going through formation for the first time
People who hold directorships across several companies
PSCs with complex ownership structures
Businesses that need to verify multiple directors at once

In all of these cases, an ACSP helps you stay compliant without unnecessary delays or rejections.

Are There Any Exemptions?

Many business owners assume their role is exempt - but the scope of the legislation is deliberately broad, and genuine exemptions are narrow.

Verification generally does not apply to:

People who are only shareholders and are not PSCs
Individuals with no director, PSC, or filing responsibilities

Most active directors and PSCs should expect to verify. Companies House may also extend verification to further roles as the rollout continues, so an exemption that applies today may not apply in future. If you are unsure whether an exemption genuinely covers you, it is worth getting professional guidance before assuming you are off the hook.

Key Director Verification Deadlines

Identity verification became mandatory on 18 November 2025 . What you need to do - and by when - depends on your situation.

New directors and PSCs. Anyone appointed or registered on or after 18 November 2025 must verify their identity as part of the appointment or incorporation process. In practice, you cannot be properly appointed until verification is complete.

Existing directors. Directors already in post on 18 November 2025 must verify and provide their personal code as part of their company's next confirmation statement. For many companies that filing date arrives within months, not years - so the practical deadline is often much sooner than people expect.

Existing PSCs. Existing PSCs must also verify within the transition period set by Companies House.

The backstop deadline. Companies House has set a phased, 12-month transition period with a final backstop of 18 November 2026 for existing directors and PSCs. The transition gives millions of people time to comply - but if you hold roles across multiple companies, your real deadline is the earliest confirmation statement due across all of them. Leaving it to the last minute risks avoidable delays right when you need to file.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Companies House has been clear that identity verification is a legal requirement, and that acting as a director without verifying is a criminal offence under ECCTA. Potential consequences of non-compliance include:

Being unable to file confirmation statements and other documents
Restrictions on company appointments and filings
Financial penalties at company or individual level
Director disqualification, or the company being struck off the register, in serious cases
Criminal liability where there is deliberate evasion

Enforcement is designed to escalate: Companies House will typically prompt compliance first, then apply penalties, with criminal prosecution reserved for the most serious cases. The simplest way to avoid any of this is to verify in good time.

Why Use directorVerifications.com?

Choosing a trusted ACSP such as directorVerifications.com makes the whole process faster and far less stressful. With directorVerifications.com you get:

Fast, secure online verification for UK and overseas directors
Expert ACSP support from a regulated firm of accountants
A quick document review that reduces the risk of rejection
A fully Companies House–compliant process
Professional help from start to finish

Whether you're a director, a PSC, a startup founder, or an overseas business owner, we help you meet your legal obligations efficiently and correctly.

Conclusion

Director identity verification is now a core compliance requirement for UK companies. Directors, PSCs, overseas officers, and authorised agents all need to understand their responsibilities and verify within their deadlines. With enforcement now underway and the 18 November 2026 backstop approaching, the sensible move is to act early. Using a trusted provider such as directorVerifications.com simplifies the process, reduces your compliance risk, and gets it done right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Companies House ID Verification Failed? 7 Reasons It Happened and How to Fix It

Wed, 27 May 2026 06:58:43 GMT

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

What to do if you try to verify your ID for Companies House using the Gov.UK One login and it rejects you?

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:18:18 GMT

If you try to verify your ID f or Companies House using the Gov.UK One login and it rejects you – meaning the UK government and Companies House online ID verification process has failed to identify you – you have a problem.

This blog contains the harsh, cold facts that company directors, PSCs, LLP members and Limited Partnership partners don’t know and don’t become aware of until it happens to them. They will only become aware of the issues when their attempts to verify their identity using the government/Companies House system - that was designed to do this one job - doesn’t work, doesn’t identify them and lets them down.

What happens when your ID verification fails?

When a company director or PSC tries to verify their identity using the Gov.UK One login and it fails, the system shows an error message informing them that their identify cannot be verified.

The error screen is likely to look something like this:

When the “Contact the Gov.UK One Login team” button is clicked, you’ll be taken to a new screen with a reference code (which is the same as an error code) that should be quoted when you contact the Companies House helpline.

How to contact Companies House

You can contact Companies House using email, Webchat or telephone.

The Companies House helpline telephone number is 0300 373 9020 or +44 208 629 0008 if you’re dialling from outside the UK.

The telephone helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm UK time. Callers should be prepared to wait for at least 20-30 minutes until an agent becomes available, depending on the time of day.

What the helpline can (and can’t) do

However, the stark reality is that if the government/Companies House ID verification system has failed to verify your identity and you’ve received an error message, there is nothing the helpline can do to help you. At this stage you’re very much on your own.

It’s an unbelievable but sadly true fact that the Companies House helpline cannot “reset” the system so users whose identities have failed to be verified can use the same or a different form of identity and try again.

Why other government verification options won’t work

If the Gov.UK One login has failed to verify your identity, the third ID verification route detailed on the government website – taking your details and ID document to a Post Office to be verified – will also be no longer available to you.

Your only option: using an ACSP

The Companies House helpline will advise users that have failed the Gov.UK One ID verification process that the only route available to them is to use a third party ACSP (Authorised Corporate Services Provider). This is an organisation such as a solicitor or an accountant that has been approved by Companies House or HMRC to provide corporate services on their behalf.

How directorverifications.com can help

directorverifications.com is a trading name of Finovium Limited. Finovium is a London-based accountancy firm that has been authorised to be an ACSP.

directorverifications.com has been set up to provide a straightforward experience for company directors and PSCs, etc, that are just looking for a simple, easy, quick and hassle-free service that will take care of the ID verification process for them. With this in mind, no one has to sign into their Gov.UK One account (or create one if they don’t already have one) to use the directorverifications.com service, nor does anyone have to download an app to use the service.

(The Gov.UK One route advises that the best way for users to verify their identities using the government route is to download their app).

directorverifications.com has partnered with a specialist ID verification company that has all the required accreditations that allow it to verify IDs for directorverifications.com and Companies House. The process is quick and easy and only takes a couple of minutes.

Step-by-step: How the verification process works

First, you’ll have to scan your passport or driving licence using your laptop, desktop PC camera or smartphone, then scan your face using the same camera. You should ensure you follow the simple instructions that are provided onscreen and ensure there’s plenty of light in the room.

Once this has been done, that’s it! Your ID will be verified using AI but, on the very rare occasions this doesn’t manage to verify an identity, a human being will step in and take over the verification process.

What happens after verification?

After this, directorverifications.com will upload the required information to the Companies House ACSP portal and you’ll then automatically receive your unique 11-digit personal identification code from Companies House directly into your email inbox.

It’s as simple and easy as that.

Why Companies House sometimes rejects company director and PSC ID verifications - what to do next

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:34:37 GMT

If you’ve used the usual Gov.UK One login for Companies House to verify your ID and it’s failed, meaning you were rejected, you aren’t alone by any means. Many directors and PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) are running into trouble since mandatory identity checks have now come into effect across the UK. This guide explains why rejections happen and exactly what you need to do.

If the Gov.UK One login route has failed to identify you, you cannot use this route again

If you’ve used your Gov.UK One login to try to verify your ID and it’s failed, you will not be able to use this route again. Nor will you be able to go to a Post Office for your ID to be verified in person. The only course of action available is for you to use an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Services Provider), usually a firm of accountants, who will perform the ID verification on your behalf and submit your verified details to the Companies House ACSP portal.

directorverifications.com is an ACSP that’s authorised by Companies House and HMRC.

Why ID verification is now mandatory

Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (ECCTA) , Companies House requires all UK company directors, LLP members, Limited Partnership partners and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) to verify their identities. The objective is to improve corporate transparency and reduce economic crime.

Common reasons why ID verifications are rejected when using the Gov.UK One login

Here are the most frequent reasons why ID verifications fail when using the government’s website:

1. Personal details don't match your ID

This is one of the most common issues. If the name or date of birth held by Companies House differs from what appears on your identity document, your verification will fail. Even small discrepancies, like a middle name being missing, can cause a rejection.

2. Unsupported or expired ID document

Not all identity documents are accepted. Companies House only recognizes specific types of photo ID, including:

A biometric or machine-readable passport (can be up to 6 months expired if cryptographic checks pass)
A UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EU photocard driving license (full or provisional)
A biometric identity card from the EU, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein
A UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) can be up to 18 months expired
A UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
A UK Frontier Worker Permit

If you submitted a document outside this list, it will be rejected automatically.

3. Poor photo or scan quality

Blurry images, glare, cropped edges, or low lighting during the scanning process can prevent the system from reading your document accurately. The ID verification process relies on automated checks, so image quality matters significantly.

4. Technical or device issues

Some users experience failures due to using older smartphones or incompatible browsers. The Gov.UK One Login system, which powers the verification process, works best on modern smartphones with up-to-date software.

5. Shared email accounts or account conflicts

If your WebFiling account and your Companies House account use different email addresses, this can cause access problems. Only one email address can be linked to a Gov.UK One Login. Using a shared email that others also use can create conflicts.

6. Unexplained system errors

There are also reported cases of unexplained technical glitches in the Companies House system. Once a glitch occurs, it can prevent users from moving forward without alternative action.

What to do before using the Gov.UK One login: step-by-step

Step 1: Check that your details match

Log in to your Gov.UK One account (if you have one) and compare the name and date of birth on your profile against your ID document. If they don't match, you must update your details first and wait for the change to be processed before trying.

Step 2: Ensure you have a supported device

Biometric checks work best on a laptops, desktop computers and modern smartphones with up-to-date and working cameras. Avoid using older devices for the ID scanning step.

Step 3: Ensure your photo submission is as good as it can be

When photographing your ID for the Gov.UK One ID verification portal:

Use good, even lighting and avoid brightly lit windows or lamps behind you
Keep the entire document in the frame
Avoid reflections or glare on the ID surface
Hold the document steady to prevent blur

Step 4: Login to the Gov.UK One service

Visit the official " Verify your identity for Companies House " service. This is the only government/Companies House online route for self ID verification. You'll be guided through the process step by step.

Step 5: If you do not want to use the Gov.UK One login, you can try in-person ID verification at the post office

You may opt to verify your identity in person at a participating Post Office. This is a useful alternative for those who don't have access to a suitable smartphone or do not want to install the Gov.UK One app on their smartphone that they’ll need to use the government’s ID verification service.

Important note: you will still need to use your Gov.UK One login and select Route 3 to use a Post Office to verify your identity.

Another important note: if you’ve tried to use the Gov.UK One login on your smartphone to verify your identity and it’s failed to do so, you will not be able to try again, nor will you be able to visit a Post Office to try again.

In this scenario your only option is to use an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Services Provider) such as directorverifications.com

Step 6: Use an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider)

If you do not want to use the Gov.UK One login route to verify your identity or visit a Post Office, or these routes have failed to verify your identity, you can use an ACSP (Authorised Corporate Service Provider) to verify your identity on your behalf.

ACSPs are third-party professional companies registered with Companies House and/or HMRC that are supervised under Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations. They include some firm of solicitors and accountants.

A public list of ACSPs is available on GOV.UK . Always confirm that the provider is registered as an ACSP before proceeding.

directorverifications.com is a trading name of Finovium Limited. Finovium Limited is an ACSP.

What happens after verification?

Once your ID verification is successfully completed you will receive a Companies House personal code, sent directly to your email inbox. This code must be used to file your company's annual confirmation statement. If multiple directors are involved, each person must verify separately and share their personal code with whoever files the statement.

PSCs who are also directors only need to verify once, but the personal code must be submitted in both capacities, firstly as a director via the confirmation statement, and secondly as a PSC via the separate "Provide identity verification details for a PSC" service.

Quick tips to avoid rejection on the Gov.UK One login

Always double check that your personal details on your Gov.UK One login match your ID document exactly before starting
Ensure your Gov.UK One login uses your own email address, not a shared one
Keep your accepted ID documents accessible and up to date
Don't leave verification to the last minute before a filing deadline

Final words

A rejected ID verification after jumping through the hurdles stipulated on the Gov.UK One login is extremely frustrating.

The most common causes are mismatched personal details, unsupported documents, photo quality issues or technical glitches. Start by reviewing your details, using a supported device and following the Gov.UK One login process carefully.

You don’t have to submit your ID documents using the Gov.UK One login and downloading the government’s app that you’ll need to do to use this route.

Instead, you can login into Gov.UK One and opt to take your ID document to a Post Office.

If the online route doesn't work and/or rejects you and you don’t want to queue at a Post Office for in-person ID verification, the only alternative route is to use an ACSP such as directorverifications.com

Unresolved ID verification issues may block your company's filings and create compliance risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I verify using a non-UK passport?

Yes. Biometric passports from many countries are accepted, as long as they meet the machine-readable zone (MRZ) requirements. Check the current accepted documents list on GOV.UK.

Q2. What if my name has changed since my ID was issued?

You may need to provide supporting documents such as a marriage certificate. An ACSP can help navigate these situations more easily than the online system.

Q3. Will my filings be blocked if I don't verify?

Yes. From November 2025, unverified officers will cause confirmation statement filings to be rejected by Companies House.

Q4. Is there a deadline for PSCs to verify?

PSCs have their own due dates, which can be checked on the Companies House register. Due dates vary by company and registration date.