Can I Use My Passport for Companies House Verification?

Yes, a passport is the most widely accepted document for Companies House identity verification. It works on both verification routes (GOV.UK One Login and ACSP) and is the recommended document for most applicants. This guide explains the passport requirements in detail.

Which passports are accepted?

Through GOV.UK One Login

• UK passport only — current and valid. Both the older burgundy and newer blue designs are accepted.

Through an ACSP

• UK passport
• Any foreign passport — from any country, provided it is current, valid and machine-readable

Passport requirements

Your passport must meet the following requirements:

• Currently valid — not expired. Even one day past the expiry date means it will be rejected.
• Machine-readable — the two lines of machine-readable text (MRZ) at the bottom of the data page must be present and legible. Almost all passports issued in the last 20 years are machine-readable.
• Undamaged — no water damage, torn pages, faded text or delaminated photo page.
• Clear photo — the photograph must be identifiable as you.

How to photograph your passport for verification

1. Open the passport to the data page (the page with your photo and personal details)
2. Place it flat on a plain, dark surface
3. Ensure even lighting — natural daylight works best. Avoid flash, which causes glare on the laminated page.
4. Position your camera directly above the passport, not at an angle
5. Make sure all four edges of the data page are visible in the image
6. Check the image is sharp and in focus before submitting
7. Ensure the machine-readable zone at the bottom is completely visible and not cut off

Common passport-related issues

• Name on passport doesn’t match Companies House — this is the most common issue. Your passport name must match the Companies House register exactly. If it does not, update the register first.
• Passport recently renewed — if you renewed your passport and the new one has a different name format, the Companies House register may still show the old format. Update the register.
• Emergency or temporary passport — some emergency travel documents may not be accepted. Use a full passport where possible.

Passport vs driving licence: which to use?

If you hold both a UK passport and a UK driving licence, either can be used. However, a passport is generally more reliable for verification because:

• The machine-readable zone provides stronger identity validation
• The photo is typically more recent and higher quality
• Passports are accepted on both verification routes

Start your verification

Companies House ID Verification accepts UK and foreign passports through a guided process at a fixed £19 fee. Check the full requirements and begin your verification.