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Understanding our ID verification process

Understanding Our ID Process: a Step-by-Step Guide

We use Onfido to complete your identity verification. Onfido is a secure system trusted by some of the world’s largest companies. This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.

💡 Tip: We recommend completing this process on your phone, as you’ll need access to your camera.

  1. Locate your verification email
  2. Start the verification
  3. Choose your ID document
  4. Photograph your ID document
  5. Record your video selfie
  6. Proof of address (if required)
  7. Verification complete
  8. Personal Verification Code Submission
  9. What happens next?
  10. If there’s a problem

1. Locate your verification email

Within 30 minutes of placing your order, you will receive your ID verification email. Check your inbox for an email from us with a subject line similar to:

1st Formations — Identity Verification Needed for Order #XXXXXXX [COMPANY LTD]

You may also receive a link via SMS (if supported).

  • Click the link that says: “Click here to verify…” followed by your name
  • Confirm your name, date of birth, and residential address are correct
    • These must match your documents to avoid delays in processing your company application

Not received your email? Don’t worry - we may need to manually review the details you provided before generating your verification link. This is a normal process, and there’s nothing to be concerned about.

If we need any further information, we’ll be in touch during our working hours (09:00–17:30 GMT, Monday to Friday).

 

💡 In the meantime, remember to check your junk or spam folder!

2. Start the verification

  • Open the link to access your personalised Onfido verification page
  • Tap “Start verification” to begin

3. Choose your ID document

Select the country that issued your ID and the type of document you’ll use.

Accepted documents (UK residents):

  • Passport
  • Driving licence

⚠️ Important:

  • Non-UK users will typically need to use a passport only
  • Your document must be valid (not expired) and signed
  • The document you upload must match your selection, or verification will fail

If your document isn’t listed, contact support.

4. Photograph your ID document

Passport
  • Capture the photo page (with your image and details)
  • Place it flat on a surface
  • Align it within the on-screen frame and ensure all corners are visible
  • Select “Capture”
Driving Licence
  • Capture both front and back and follow the on-screen prompts
Review your images
  • Ensure the image is clear and complete. Retake if blurry using “Redo”
  • Select “Upload” when ready

5. Record your video selfie

  • Tap “Start recording”, then “Continue”
  • Allow camera access if prompted
  • Align your face within the frame

Follow the guided steps:

  • Turn your head slowly to one side
  • Return to centre
  • Turn to the other side

Onfido will automatically complete this step once done.

6. Proof of address (if required)

Most users won’t need this step. If requested, don’t worry, it’s straightforward.


Your document must:

  • Be addressed to you at your current home address
  • Include the issuing organisation’s logo
  • Show your full name and address
  • Be dated within the last 3 months

The documents we accept are:

  • Bank or building society statements(must show transactions)
  • Utility bill
  • Council Tax bill


How to upload the document

  • Select country and document type
  • Tap “Continue” → “Upload”
  • Upload via:
    • Camera
    • Photo library
    • PDF (full document only)
  • Confirm and tap “Use photo” → “Upload”

⚠️ Important:

  • Screenshots or photos of screens are not accepted. Only original document images or PDFs are allowed.

7. Verification complete

Once submitted:

  • You’ll see a “Thank you” screen
  • You can safely close the page

8. Personal Verification Code Submission

If you don’t yet have a Personal Verification Code (PVC) from Companies House, we will submit your identity details to them on your behalf. Companies House will then generate your PVC and send it directly to the personal email address you provided in your application.

We will also email you with instructions on how to upload your PVC to us via your order tracker or customer portal.


Already verified with Companies House?

If you already have a Personal Verification Code (PVC):

  • A new one will not be issued
  • Please provide your existing code if you haven’t already

9. What happens next?

Once complete:

  1. Your company details will be reviewed and the application submitted to Companies House.

  2. Your company will typically be formed within 1 working day, subject to Companies House processing times.

  3. Once your company is formed, you will receive an email from us containing your company documents and details of any inclusions within in your package.

10. If there’s a problem:

  • We’ll contact you promptly
  • You may be asked to repeat the verification