Companies House ACSP vs GOV.UK One Login: Which Is Better?

Companies House offers two official routes for identity verification: GOV.UK One Login and an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP). Both produce the same outcome — a verified identity and an 11-character personal code. But they differ in important ways.

Quick comparison

• GOV.UK One Login: free, self-service, requires UK passport or UK driving licence, completed on the GOV.UK website
• ACSP: fee applies (typically £15–£50), guided service, accepts wider range of documents including foreign passports, can be completed from anywhere

Documents accepted

This is the most significant difference. GOV.UK One Login currently accepts only a UK passport or UK driving licence. If you do not have one of these, you cannot use this route. An ACSP accepts a wider range of documents, including:

• Foreign passports
• National identity cards
• Foreign driving licences (varies by ACSP)

For international applicants, the ACSP route is often the only viable option.

Cost

GOV.UK One Login is free. ACSP verification involves a fee, which varies by provider. Companies House ID Verification charges a fixed £19 per person.

Speed

GOV.UK One Login can be completed in minutes if your document is accepted and the automated checks pass. ACSP verification typically takes a few working hours for straightforward cases, as it may involve manual review steps.

Support

GOV.UK One Login is entirely self-service. If you encounter a problem, you navigate the GOV.UK help system. An ACSP provides human support — you can ask questions, get guidance on document issues, and receive help with complications.

International applicants

GOV.UK One Login requires UK documents, making it unsuitable for most overseas applicants. ACSPs are designed to support international verification, accepting foreign documents and operating remotely across time zones.

When GOV.UK One Login fails

Some people who have the right documents still encounter issues with GOV.UK One Login. Common problems include poor image quality, name mismatches, and technical errors. If your attempt fails, you can use an ACSP instead. There is no penalty for switching routes.

Which is better?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your circumstances. If you have a UK passport, are in the UK and want a free, fast process, GOV.UK One Login is a good choice. If you need wider document support, are based overseas or prefer guided assistance, an ACSP is the right route.

Visit our FAQ for more comparisons and common questions.