How Does a Companies House ACSP Verify Your Identity?

When you use an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) for Companies House identity verification, the provider follows a structured process to confirm who you are. This guide explains what happens at each stage.

Stage 1: Document collection

The ACSP begins by collecting your identity documents. This typically includes a current photo identity document (passport, national ID card or driving licence) along with your personal details — full name, date of birth and residential address. You also provide information about your company connections, such as company numbers and your role (director, PSC, LLP member or authorised filer).

Most ACSPs accept documents electronically, so you can upload photographs or scans of your documents securely online. Check our requirements page for the full list of accepted documents.

Stage 2: Document authentication

The ACSP checks that your identity document is genuine. This may involve automated checks on document security features, cross-referencing document databases, and manual review by trained verification staff. The aim is to confirm that the document has not been forged, altered or reported as stolen.

Stage 3: Liveness verification

To confirm that you are the person shown on the identity document, the ACSP carries out a liveness check. This typically involves taking a selfie or a short video through your device’s camera, which is then compared to the photo on your document. The liveness check confirms you are a real person presenting your own document, not someone using a photograph or deepfake.

Stage 4: Data matching

The ACSP matches the information from your identity document against the details you have provided and, where applicable, against the Companies House register. This ensures consistency — your name, date of birth and other details should align across your document, your application and the register.

Stage 5: Verification confirmation

Once all checks are satisfied, the ACSP confirms your identity to Companies House. This is done through the official ACSP reporting channel. Companies House then issues your unique 11-character personal code, which is communicated to you.

How long the process takes

The time varies depending on the ACSP and the complexity of your case. For straightforward verifications where documents are clear and details match, the process can be completed within a few working hours. More complex cases — for example, where names have been transliterated from another script — may take longer.

Companies House ID Verification provides the full ACSP verification process at a fixed £19 fee, with guided support at every stage. Visit our how it works page for a step-by-step walkthrough.