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Companies House ID Verification & PVCs

Understand the Companies House identity verification process and personal verification codes.

As part of the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, certain individuals are now legally required to verify their identity with Companies House. This includes:

  • Company Directors
  • LLP Members
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSCs)

This requirement is separate from any identity checks carried out by 1st Formations. However, if you are forming a company with us, we can guide you through the process.

This article explains:

  • What a Personal Verification Code (PVC) is
  • How to obtain your PVC when forming a company
  • How to obtain your PVC for an existing company
  • Your responsibilities and deadlines as a company officer

What is a Personal Verification Code (PVC)?

A Personal Verification Code (PVC) is a unique code issued by Companies House once your identity has been verified.

You will link this code to your role as a company director or PSC. The same code is used across all of your limited companies to confirm your identity.


How to obtain your PVC when forming a company

If you are forming a company through 1st Formations, we will handle this process for you.

  1. After you have placed an order to form a company, complete 1st Formations' identity verification process as instructed
  2. Once complete, we will submit your details to Companies House
  3. Companies House will generate your PVC and send this directly to the personal email address you provided in your application
  4. You can then enter your PVC in your online portal - this will link it to your pending company application

How to obtain your PVC for an existing company

If you already have an active company, you must complete ID Verification directly with Companies House. The process takes 5–10 minutes and can be done via a smartphone or tablet using the One Login app.

To get started:

  1. Visit the GOV.UK Verify Your Identity page and create a GOV.UK One Login account (if you don’t already have one).

  2. Follow the steps to verify your identity – you’ll be asked to provide a photo ID and to take a selfie using an app on your phone or tablet.

  3. Once verified, you will be issued a Companies House Personal Verification Code (PVC), which will be sent to your personal email address.

  4. To securely store your PVC, sign back in using your GOV.UK One Login, select "Manage Account," choose the option to confirm your identity, and enter your personal code along with your date of birth

How to submit your PVC for an existing company

Role Filing Type Deadline / Timing
Director (or LLP Member) only Confirmation statement Provide your PVC in your next confirmation statement
Person with Significant Control (PSC) only PSC verification statement Submit PSC statement the first 14 days of your birth month (e.g. DOB 22 January → period starts 1 January)
Director (or equivalent) and PSC Confirmation statement and PSC verification statement Provide PVC in the confirmation statement (as director) and again in the PSC verification statement within 14 days of the confirmation statement date.

Note: Early filing of the confirmation statement does not change the 14-day period

Confirm your verification deadlines

  1. Search for your company name here
  2. Select the People tab
  3. Review the Officers and PSC sections to check your deadlines