Companies House Identity Verification Documents: Complete List

This is the definitive list of Companies House identity verification documents accepted for each verification route. Use this reference to confirm your documents are suitable before starting the verification process.

GOV.UK One Login: accepted documents

The GOV.UK One Login self-service route accepts a limited set of UK-issued documents:

• UK passport — must be in date. Both current (burgundy/blue) UK passport designs are accepted.
• UK photocard driving licence — full or provisional. Must be current and valid. The old-style paper driving licence is not accepted.

This route does not accept any other documents. If you cannot provide one of these two, use the ACSP route instead.

ACSP route: accepted documents

Authorised Corporate Service Providers accept a broader range of documents:

Primary identity documents (accepted by most ACSPs)

• UK passport
• Non-UK passport — from any country, provided it is current, valid and machine-readable
• UK photocard driving licence — full or provisional

Additional documents (accepted by some ACSPs)

• EEA national identity card — photo identity cards issued by European Economic Area countries
• Irish passport card
• UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — for non-UK nationals with UK residence permission

Document requirements in detail

Passport requirements

• Must be currently valid (not expired)
• Must be machine-readable (MRZ zone at the bottom of the data page)
• Photo must be clear and identifiable
• Document must not be damaged, altered or defaced
• The data page must be complete and all text legible

Driving licence requirements

• Must be a UK photocard licence (not the paper counterpart alone)
• Must be currently valid
• Photo must be clear
• The holographic elements should not obscure any text

Document preparation tips

• Remove your document from any case or holder before photographing
• Place it on a plain, dark surface for contrast
• Use even, natural lighting without flash
• Ensure all four edges of the document are visible
• Check that no shadows, glare or reflections obscure any text
• Verify the image is sharp and in focus before submitting

Check the requirements for your situation

Companies House ID Verification provides detailed guidance on document requirements and a guided verification service for £19 per person. Visit the requirements page for specific guidance, or start your verification.