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Companies House ID verification for existing companies

Understand the Companies House identity verification process and personal verification codes

Companies House requires all company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and LLP members to complete identity verification and obtain a Personal Verification Code (PVC).

If you already have an existing company, identity verification must be completed directly with Companies House.

1) How to Complete Verification

This is done through the GOV.UK One Login system and usually takes around 5-10 minutes.

To complete your verification:

  1. Visit the GOV.UK Verify Your Identity page

  2. Create a GOV.UK One Login account (if you don’t already have one)

  3. Follow the identity verification steps

    • You will need to provide a valid photo ID

    • You will also be asked to take a selfie using a smartphone or tablet

Once completed, you will be issued a Companies House Personal Verification Code (PVC) by email.

2) What Happens after Verification

Once you have your Personal Verification Code, you must submit it to Companies House for each director/member/PSC role you hold. This links your identity to your company appointments.

3) Deadlines for Completing Verification

  • Directors (only): You must verify and submit your PVC by your company’s next confirmation statement

  • PSCs (Persons with Significant Control) only: You must verify and submit your PVC within 14 days of the start of your birth month - e.g. If you were born in April, your deadline is 14 April 2026

  • Directors who are also PSCs: You must meet both of the above requirements