Companies House Unable to Verify Identity: Solutions

When Companies House is unable to verify your identity, it can feel like a dead end. But there are almost always alternative routes and solutions available. This guide explains why this happens and what options you have.

Why Companies House may be unable to verify you

The verification system matches your identity document against the data held on the Companies House register. If the system cannot complete this match, it may be because:

• Your details on the register are incorrect — historical errors in names or dates of birth
• Your identity document is not supported — particularly through GOV.UK One Login, which only accepts UK passports and driving licences
• Technical issues prevented completion — session timeouts, camera failures or connectivity problems
• The liveness check could not be completed — due to lighting, camera quality or appearance changes since your document photo was taken

Solution 1: Correct the Companies House register

If the problem is a data mismatch, you need to update the register to match your identity document. This is done by filing the appropriate form:

• Directors: file form CH01 to change your recorded details
• PSCs: file form PSC07 to update your PSC details

Processing typically takes 5–10 working days. Once updated, retry verification.

Solution 2: Try the ACSP route

If GOV.UK One Login cannot verify you (perhaps because you do not hold a UK passport or UK driving licence), use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) instead. ACSPs accept a wider range of documents, including foreign passports, and provide guided support throughout the process.

Solution 3: Use a different identity document

If you hold multiple valid identity documents (e.g. a passport and a driving licence, or passports from two countries), try verifying with a different document. Use the one whose name most closely matches the Companies House register.

Solution 4: Update your identity document

If your passport has expired or is damaged, renew it before attempting verification. An expired or unreadable document will always be rejected.

What if none of these work?

In rare cases where standard solutions do not resolve the issue, you should:

• Contact Companies House directly to discuss your specific situation
• Consult with a professional adviser who is experienced in Companies House compliance
• Consider whether the data recorded at Companies House contains a fundamental error that requires formal correction

Do not delay

The deadline for existing directors and PSCs is November 2026. If you are having difficulty verifying, start resolving the issue now. Waiting until the deadline with an unresolved problem puts you at risk of criminal liability.

Get guided help

Companies House ID Verification provides a guided verification service at a fixed £19 fee, with support for applicants who have encountered difficulties with other routes. Visit how it works or start your verification.