Companies House PSC Verification: Complete Guide

Companies House PSC verification is the process by which persons with significant control prove their identity to Companies House and receive a personal code. This complete guide covers everything — from who qualifies as a PSC to how to link your personal code once verification is done.

What is a PSC?

A person with significant control is an individual who owns or controls a UK company. You are a PSC if you hold more than 25% of shares or voting rights, can appoint or remove a majority of directors, or otherwise exercise significant influence or control. Most small and medium UK companies have at least one PSC, and many sole directors are also the sole PSC.

Why PSC verification is required

The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) introduced identity verification for everyone connected to UK companies in a significant capacity. The aim is to ensure the Companies House register is accurate and trustworthy. PSC verification confirms that the individuals recorded as controlling a company are real, identifiable people.

The two verification routes

PSCs can verify their identity through one of two official routes:

1. GOV.UK One Login — a free, self-service route that currently accepts a UK passport or UK driving licence. Suitable for UK-based PSCs with those documents.
2. An Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) — a guided route that accepts a broader range of documents, including foreign passports and national identity cards. Typically involves a fee but provides support throughout the process.

Both routes result in the same outcome: a verified identity and an 11-character personal code. The difference is in the documents accepted and the level of support provided.

Documents needed for PSC verification

The exact documents depend on your route. For ACSP verification through Companies House ID Verification, you will need:

• A current photo identity document — passport, national ID card or driving licence
• Your full legal name, date of birth and current residential address
• The company number for each company where you are a PSC

Overseas PSCs may need additional supporting documents. Check the requirements page for details.

The verification process

Through an ACSP, the typical process is:

1. Create an account and select PSC verification
2. Provide your personal details and company connections
3. Upload your identity document securely
4. Complete a liveness check to confirm you match your document
5. The ACSP verifies your identity against the required standards
6. You receive your 11-character personal code

Most straightforward verifications are completed within a few working hours after documents and payment have been received.

Linking your personal code

After receiving your personal code, you must provide it for each company where you are a PSC. This is done through the official Companies House online service. You may need to do this multiple times if you are a PSC of more than one company. Supplying your code for a directorship does not automatically cover your PSC role at the same company — these are separate obligations.

PSC verification deadlines

Existing PSCs must complete verification by November 2026. Each PSC has an individual 14-day window based on their specific circumstances. New PSCs appointed after 18 November 2025 must verify before or shortly after registration. Read the official deadline guidance.

Consequences of not verifying

PSCs who miss their deadline face a public annotation on the Companies House register, financial penalties and potential criminal liability. The company may also be prevented from filing certain documents while its PSCs remain unverified.

Get started

Companies House ID Verification provides a guided PSC verification service at a fixed £19 fee. The process is completed entirely online and supports both UK and international PSCs. Start early to allow time for any unexpected issues.