Verifying your identity has never been more important. Whether you are setting up a company or becoming a director, you must prove who you are. Proof of Identity checks protect everyone involved and keep businesses compliant with legal requirements.
Identity verification is a big step in keeping businesses safe and transparent. Knowing what documents to prepare will save you time and prevent delays.
The Need for Proof of Identity
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Regulations require businesses to confirm the identity of the people they work with. These checks prevent criminals from using companies for illegal purposes. They also build trust between organisations and customers.
From 18th November 2025, Companies House will make identity checks mandatory for directors, People with Significant Control (PSCs) and individual members of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). Acting early and verifying your identity now helps you avoid last-minute stress.
The Documents You Will Need for Proof of Identity
Companies House now uses GOV.UK One Login for identity verification. This secure digital service accepts a small range of photo-ID documents. You will need one of the following photo ID documents, plus your current address and the year you moved in:
- Current biometric passport (UK or other country)
- UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional)
- UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or Biometric Residence Card (BRC)
- UK Frontier Worker Permit
If you cannot verify online, you can use:
- Post Office in-person verification
- Bank/building society verification
- An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)
ACSPs, such as accountants or company formation agents, may ask for additional supporting documents for their own Anti-Money Laundering checks. There is no single national list for these extra documents, such as utility bills or bank statements, as requirements vary between firms.
How to Verify Your Identity
Since 8th April 2025, you have been able to verify your identity voluntarily using GOV.UK One Login. From 18th November 2025, verification becomes mandatory for all:
- New and existing directors of UK companies
- People with Significant Control
- Individual members of Limited Liability Partnerships
Without verification, you will not be able to take up these roles. Companies House will also reject incorporations, appointments and filings that involve you. Furthermore, it will be an offence to act as a director or LLP member without verification once the rules apply.
You can complete verification directly through GOV.UK One Login or through an Authorised Corporate Service Provider. The ACSP must be AML-supervised and meet the same verification standards as Companies House. After you verify, Companies House will issue a personal verification code, which you will use in future filings instead of re-verifying each time.
Proving Your Identity for Businesses and Partnerships
If you act for a company, partnership, trust or other legal structure, you will need to provide extra information to confirm ownership and control.
Private Companies and LLPs
- Provide a certificate of incorporation, audited accounts or a list of directors and shareholders.
- Anyone who owns or controls more than 25% of the company must provide ID.
Listed Companies
- Provide a dated page from the relevant stock exchange website or a newspaper listing.
- Key decision makers must provide ID.
Partnerships with Five or Fewer Partners
- No corporate documents required.
- All partners must provide ID.
Partnerships with Six or More Partners
- Provide details such as partnership name, address, type of business, recent accounts or a full partner list.
- The partner responsible for the transaction, one other partner and anyone with more than 25% control must provide ID.
Trusts
- Provide a trust deed, list of trustees or list of beneficiaries.
- Trustees and anyone who benefits from or controls more than 25% of trust assets must provide ID.
Other Legal Structures
- Provide documents that create or regulate the structure.
- Anyone who has significant control or benefit must provide ID.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to keep our content up to date and accurate, UK tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Please speak to an accountant or tax professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Pi Accountancy accepts no responsibility for any issues arising from reliance on the information provided.