Can I Use My Driving Licence for Companies House Verification?

A UK photocard driving licence can be used for Companies House identity verification through both GOV.UK One Login and the ACSP route. However, there are important limitations to be aware of. This guide explains when and how you can use your driving licence.

Which driving licences are accepted?

Accepted

• UK photocard driving licence (full) — accepted on both verification routes
• UK provisional photocard driving licence — accepted on both verification routes

Not accepted

• Old-style UK paper driving licence — not accepted as it does not include a photo
• Foreign driving licences — driving licences issued by other countries are generally not accepted for Companies House verification
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — not accepted

Driving licence requirements

Your UK photocard driving licence must:

• Be currently valid (check the “valid to” date on the front)
• Have a clear, recognisable photo
• Show your current name (matching the Companies House register)
• Be undamaged with all text legible

How to photograph your driving licence

1. Place the licence flat on a plain, contrasting surface
2. Use even lighting without flash (the holographic overlay reflects badly with flash)
3. Photograph the front of the card
4. Ensure all edges are visible and no text is obscured
5. Check the image is sharp before submitting

Driving licence vs passport: key differences

Both are accepted, but there are practical differences:

• Address — your driving licence shows your address, which must be kept up to date with DVLA. Your passport does not show an address.
• Name changes — people sometimes update their driving licence name (e.g. after marriage) but not their Companies House details, or vice versa. Ensure both match.
• Photo age — driving licence photos are renewed every 10 years. If your photo is old, the liveness check may have difficulty matching your current appearance.
• International applicants — only UK driving licences are accepted. If you live abroad and do not hold a UK licence, use your passport instead.

When to use a passport instead

You should use a passport rather than a driving licence if:

• Your driving licence name does not match the Companies House register but your passport does
• Your driving licence photo is very outdated
• You are an international applicant without a UK licence
• Your driving licence is damaged or the holographic overlay obscures text

Verify with your driving licence

Companies House ID Verification accepts UK driving licences as part of its guided verification service. Fixed £19 fee per person. Check the requirements and start your verification.