If you are a director, a Person with Significant Control (PSC), forming a new LTD, or filing a Confirmation Statement, UK law now requires you to verify your identity with Companies House. This process is simple, but it must be completed correctly. Below is the full guide.

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Where to Start

Begin here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/verify-your-identity-for-companies-house

Click Verify your identity, then:

• Go to GOV.UK One Login

• Sign in if you already have an account

• Or click Create your GOV.UK One Login and follow the steps:

  • Enter your email

  • Enter the 6 digit verification code

  • Choose your authentication method (SMS or Authenticator App)

Once signed in, you will see:

“Has your identity been verified for Companies House?”
Click No, then click Continue.

This takes you to Step 2.

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Step 2: Location Check and Verification Options

After clicking Continue, the system will ask:

“Do you live in the UK, Channel Islands or Isle of Man?”

If you live outside the UK

You can only verify your identity using a biometric passport with GOV.UK One Login.
This means:

• Your passport must contain a biometric chip

• Your phone must support NFC scanning

• Only the mobile app verification will be allowed for international applicants

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Step 3: Passport Check

Next, you will be asked:

“Do you have a passport with a biometric chip?”

If you click Yes

You will then be asked where you are currently using the system:

• On a computer or tablet

• On your smartphone

Choose the option that applies to you.

Then you will be asked what phone you are using:

• iPhone

• Android

The GOV.UK One Login app is available on both systems.

Once selected, you will be redirected to download the app.

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Step 4: Using the GOV.UK One Login App

Once the app is installed:

1. Open the GOV.UK One Login app

2. Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login account details

3. Follow the on-screen instructions

Important notes for non-UK residents:

• You can only continue if you have a biometric passport

• Your phone must be able to scan the passport chip using NFC

• A camera alone is not enough, NFC is required to read the passport chip

This is the only official verification method for people living outside the UK.

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If You Cannot Complete Verification Using the App

Some clients cannot complete the process because:

• Their passport is not biometric

• Their phone does not support NFC

• The app fails to read the passport chip

• They prefer assistance

• They do not want to use the app

For these cases, Privatily offers a professional verification service.

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Privatily Identity Verification Service

We use certified verification software that allows us to:

• Verify your identity

• Accept passports or national ID cards

• Accept non-biometric documents

• Provide your Companies House Personal Code

• No NFC required

Pricing

• 50 dollars per person for existing Privatily clients

• 80 dollars per person for non-clients

To use this service, contact us at:
[email protected]

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Final Notes

Once your identity is verified, you will receive your Companies House Personal Code.
You will use this code for:

• Forming new LTD companies

• Acting as a director or PSC

• Filing Confirmation Statements

• Making any future changes with Companies House

You only need to verify your identity once.

If you have questions or need our verification service, contact us at:
[email protected]