Companies House Identity Verification Service | ACSP

What is it?

Mandatory identity verification for all UK directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and LLP members. You get a personal code for all future filings.

 

Who must verify?

All UK company directors, PSCs, LLP members, and Companies House filers - no exceptions.

 

When?

New directors: before appointment. Existing directors: with next confirmation statement.

 

How long does it take?

Law Debenture: Usually within hours from submission, but guaranteed within 3 working days.

 

What documents are needed?

We accept international passports, licences, ID cards. GOV.UK only accepts biometric passport only.

 

What's the cost?

From £150 per verification with expert support.

 

Does Law Debenture handle overseas directors?

Yes - we specialise in international directors. 120+ jurisdictions, no UK visit needed.

 

Law Debenture or GOV.UK?

Law Debenture if: international, multiple companies, want guaranteed completion, time-poor.

 

Full details below...

All UK company directors and PSCs must verify

 

Directors:

• All directors of UK-registered companies, including UK registered branches of overseas companies
• New appointments (after 18 Nov 2025)
• Existing directors (must submit code with next confirmation statement)
• Regardless of nationality or residence

 

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs):

• Anyone owning/controlling 25%+ of company
• Must submit code within specific timeframes
• Different rules for PSCs who are vs aren't directors

 

LLP Members:

• All members of Limited Liability Partnerships
• Same verification requirements

 

Anyone Filing at Companies House:

• From 2026: All filers must be verified
• Includes company secretaries, lawyers, accountants

 

Anyone within these roles would especially benefit from ACSP support:

• Overseas Directors: GOV.UK has limited international acceptance
• Multiple Directorships: Complex confirmation statement deadlines
• Senior Executives: Time-poor, need reliability
• Professional Advisers: Managing client verification

 

Reach out to our expert team at IDV@lawdeb.com to find out more.

Or browse our FAQs.

 

Start your verification 

 

Current situation:

Identity verification became mandatory 18 November 2025. Existing directors are in a 12-month transition period.

 

New Directors (appointed after 18 Nov 2025):

• Must verify BEFORE appointment
• Cannot be appointed without verification
• Required before incorporation for new companies

 

Existing Directors:

• Must submit code with next confirmation statement
• Each company has different confirmation statement date
• Your deadline = earliest confirmation statement if multiple companies

Example: If you're director of Company A (confirmation due March 2026) and Company B (confirmation due July 2026), you must verify before March 2026.

 

PSCs:

• If also a director: 14 days after confirmation statement
• If not a director: First 14 days of your birth month
• New PSCs: 14 days from registration

 

Why verify now:

• Avoid last-minute rush before confirmation statement
• Time to resolve document issues
• System busy as 7 million directors verify over 12 months
• Expert support available without time pressure

 

What if you don't verify:

• Cannot file confirmation statement
• Criminal prosecution possible
• Unlimited fines
• Public register marking as unverified

 

Start your verification 

From £150 per verification

Costs are dependent on the number of identities requiring verification, and the level of support you require.

All our options include expert support, guaranteed completion, broader document acceptance.

We know that not all those requiring identity verification require the same level of support.

We have three verification solutions available.

 

Digital Solution

A fully digital verification journey with complete oversight, tailored for seamless identity verification.

You appoint a Client Delegate who then manages everything through a centralised dashboard, enabling easy tracking and coordination. Individuals complete verification independently via the digital platform, ensuring a fast, secure, and low-effort process for your team. Pay by Invoice or by Card.

 

Concierge Video Call

For those needing a more personal service, this is a guided verification process with the minimum of involvement by verified individuals.

You appoint a Client Delegate who then centrally oversees all coordination. All directors need to do is join a scheduled video call. This option delivers guided support, virtually. Pay by Invoice Only.

 

Concierge In Person

A premium face-to-face verification service.

All administration is centrally handled, and individuals attend an arranged in-person meeting. Available in London (within the M25), Manchester, Dublin and Hong Kong, this option provides high-touch, onsite support. Pay by Invoice Only.

 

Reach out to our expert team at IDV@lawdeb.com to find out more.

Or browse our FAQs.

 

Start your verification 

Most directors choose an ACSP for reliability and peace of mind.

Law Debenture offers a broader range of document submissions, expert support and guaranteed completion.

 

Our 5-step ACSP process:

1. Initial assessment: We review your documents and your entity structure, identify all individuals requiring verification and any potential issues, then we set expectations

 

2. Portal Access: Individuals receive clear instructions and secure access to upload to our bespoke platform (any device, no app needed)

 

3. Expert Validation: Governance professional review quality check before submission

 

4. Submission: Fast, secure identity verification using approved digital methods

 

5. Code Delivery: Companies House Personal Codes are generated and securely delivered

 

6. Ongoing Compliance: We provide reminders and support for ongoing filing requirements

 

Key advantages:

• Expert pre-validation prevents rejection
• Works on any device (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Personal support throughout
• Broader document acceptance
• Guaranteed completion (Subject to receipt of Companies House approved documents)

 

Start your verification 

Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP)

Approved by Companies House and supervised under UK AML regulations.

We ensure your organisation meets compliance requirements on time and with minimal disruption.

 

Why we're different:

 

1. Proven Governance Expertise:

• Approved by Companies House
• 136 years corporate governance experience
• 5,000+ entities managed globally
• FTSE 250 financial stability
• ECCTA expertise

 

2. Bespoke Technology Platform:

• Purpose-built for complex situations
• Real-time progress visibility
• Client dashboard for easy access
• Secure data retention to safeguard your information
• Clear instructions for all individuals on their obligations
• Integrated with full corporate services

 

3. International Specialists:

• 120+ jurisdictions supported
• Broader document acceptance
• Understanding of global ID formats
• No UK visit required

 

4. Guaranteed Completion:

• Trusted service with proven track record
• Expert pre-validation prevents rejection
• Electronic verification for quick compliance
• Automated reminders to track progress efficiently
• Unique code collation through our secure portal
• Expert human support and guidance through the whole process
• Alternative pathways for complex cases
• Emergency processing available

 

5. Full-Service Integration:

• Incorporation support
• Corporate secretarial services
• Entity management
• One trusted partner for all compliance

 

Start your verification 

This is the latest guidance in line with Gov.uk advice

 

Directors

• Directors must submit their Companies House Personal Code as part of the Confirmation Statement for each of their directorships
• New Directors need to obtain and submit their Personal Code upon appointment, including during the incorporation process

 

Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

• PSCs who are also Directors must submit their Personal Code within 14 days of the company's Confirmation Statement
• PSCs who are not Directors must submit their Personal Code within the first 14 days of their birth month
• New PSCs have 14 days from registration to submit their Personal Code

 

Relevant Legal Entities (RLEs)

• If a PSC is a Relevant Legal Entity rather than an individual, a Relevant Officer will need to be appointed
• We are monitoring Companies House guidance for corporate entities and will update clients accordingly

 

Start your verification