Identity Verification Codes at Companies House

With the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the British legislator has introduced new identity checks.

Since then, Directors and People with Significant Control (PSCs) must verify their identity with Companies House and actively confirm this verification.

The obligation is personal, regardless of how many companies are affected.

Who is affected?

All directors and beneficial owners (PSCs) of a UK Limited are affected.

For directors, we as the Company Secretary need the code by the time we submit the next Confirmation Statement

For PSCs, the code is needed within 14 days after the first birthday following November 18.

Please note that without the verification of the director, the Confirmation Statement can no longer be submitted. Regarding PSCs, fines can be imposed.

Identity Verification Process

Option 1: GOV.UK ID App (free of charge)

The verification can be done directly through the GOV.UK ID App from Companies House.

Requirements

• Passport with NFC chip
• Smartphone with NFC function
• Benefits
• Free of charge
• Direct processing with Companies House

Disadvantages

• Not usable without a chip passport
• Technically sometimes prone to errors

Option 2: Verification through SumSub (Cost 55 GBP per person)

Alternatively, the identity check can be done through SumSub. This service is available to our clients through the office service provider we recommend, cfsformations.com.

Procedure

• Go to cfsformations.com => UK additional Services => All Services

(If you want to order via your Limited Account, select "Sign In" at the top right first.

• Enter "Verfication" in the search box on the page "cfsformations.com => UK additional Services => All Services" and select the product ID "Verfification - Overseas Individuals for GBP 55".

• In the next step, enter the name, email address, and date of birth of the person to be verified.

• Pay in the shopping cart.
• You will then receive an email from CFS with a link to perform the verification.
• Share the code with us.

Tip:

In the first step of the verification, use your driver's license or passport first, so that the ID card remains available for a separate address verification.

For any questions, we are available by phone or email.