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Directors and PSC Verifications

As an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) registered with Companies House and supervised under anti-money laundering regulations, via the Institute of Financial Accountants, DBM Accountancy offers professional identity verification services for company directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 reforms.

These mandatory checks, effective from 18 November 2025, ensure the integrity of the Companies House register by confirming individuals' identities to a high standard. We help clients comply efficiently, avoiding filing rejections, penalties, or delays.
Why Identity Verification is RequiredHow We Verify as Your ACSPDocuments required for identity verification

Why Identity Verification is Required

From 18 November 2025:

  • New directors and new PSCs must verify their identity before appointment or incorporation filing.
  • Existing directors and PSCs have a 12-month transition period (ending 18 November 2026) to complete verification, often tied to confirmation statement deadlines or birth-month-based "appointed days".
  • Filers (those submitting documents on behalf of companies) will face similar requirements from spring 2026.
  • Once verified, you receive a unique Companies House personal code (usable across all roles/companies you hold — verify once only).

Failure to verify can block filings, lead to enforcement action, or removal from the register. 

How We Verify as Your ACSP

We conduct identity verification to the same statutory assurance level as Companies House's direct GOV.UK One Login process. This is ideal if:

  • You're outside the UK.
  • You do not have a biometric passport or prefer not to use One Login.
  • You want professional guidance and record-keeping.

Our Verification Process (Simple & Secure):

  1. Contact us via /contactus or book a free initial call.
  2. Provide required documents (e.g., passport/ID card, proof of address such as a utility bill/bank statement — we provide guidance on acceptable formats).
  3. We perform checks using regulated AML-grade tools (digital document analysis, liveness checks where needed, and cross-verification).
  4. We file a verification statement directly with Companies House on your behalf.
  5. You receive your Companies House personal code (share it with the company or us for linking to roles).
  6. We retain records for 7 years (as required) and provide confirmation for your files.

Fees: Fixed and transparent  (contact for exact quote based on complexity). No hidden charges.

Benefits of Using DBM Accountancy as Your ACSP

  • Fixed-fee certainty — Aligns with our all-inclusive packages.
  • Unlimited support — Ask questions anytime via in-app video/chat with your dedicated Chartered Certified Accountant.
  • Cloud-secure — Bank-grade encryption for document uploads.
  • One-stop service — Combine with our company formation, PSC register updates, director appointments, or ongoing compliance (VAT, payroll, tax returns).
  • Proactive advice — We monitor 2026 deadlines and help plan around your confirmation statement cycles.

Who Needs to Verify?

  • Individual company directors (including new appointments and existing ones in transition).
  • Persons with Significant Control (PSCs) — Anyone with >25% shares/voting rights or significant influence.
  • LLP members and certain corporate PSC officers (similar rules apply).
  • Overseas individuals (often easier via ACSP if no UK biometric ID).


Documents required for identity verification

Here is a clear, client-friendly list of the documents required for identity verification as part of the Companies House process for directors and Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), specifically when using an Authorised Corporate Service Provider (ACSP) like DBM Accountancy.

This is based on the official Companies House identity verification standard (as updated in 2025/2026 under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act reforms). ACSPs must meet a high assurance level equivalent to GOV.UK One Login, using regulated AML (anti-money laundering) processes and Identity Document Validation Technology (IDVT) where applicable.

Key Requirement: 2 Documents in Total

You must provide two documents in combination to prove your identity. These fall into two groups:

  • Group A (Photographic Identity Documents) — At least one from this group is always required.
  • Group B (Supporting Documents) — Used to make up the second document if needed.

Group A: Photographic Identity Documents (Choose at least 1)

These must be current (valid/not expired) unless stated otherwise. Expired documents are only accepted in limited cases (e.g., passports up to 6–18 months expired if cryptographic features can still be validated via technology).

  • Biometric or machine-readable passport (any country) or Irish passport card — can be up to 6 months expired if IDVT can validate the chip/data.
  • UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or EU photocard driving licence (full or provisional).
  • EU/EEA, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein identity card with biometric information.
  • UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) — can be up to 18 months past its expiry date.
  • UK Biometric Residence Card (BRC).
  • UK Frontier Worker permit (FWP).

Most common and easiest option: A valid biometric passport (with chip symbol on cover) — this works well for overseas/non-UK residents and allows quick digital checks.

Group B: Supporting Documents (If Needed for the Second Document)

If you only provide one Group A document, add one from Group B to reach a total of 2 documents. These help confirm name, date of birth, and/or address.

  • Recent proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), such as:

    • Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, phone — landline or mobile).
    • Bank or building society statement.
    • Council tax bill.
    • Mortgage statement.
  • Birth certificate or adoption certificate.
  • Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
  • Non-photographic immigration document, visa, or work permit (if relevant).

Note: Some ACSPs (including us) may accept a wider range of supporting evidence under AML rules, but we always follow the Companies House-approved list to ensure the verification statement is accepted.

Additional Information We May Need

  • Your full name (including any former/maiden names).
  • Date of birth.
  • Current home address (and year you moved in, if requested).
  • National Insurance number (optional but helpful for cross-checks in some cases).
  • A live selfie or short video (for liveness/facial matching during digital verification — we use secure, encrypted tools).
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Important Notes

  • All documents must be originals or clear, high-quality scans/photos (no photocopies of photocopies).
  • We use secure, bank-grade encrypted upload portals — never email sensitive docs unsecured.
  • Verification is one-time only — once done, you get a unique Companies House personal code usable for all current/future director/PSC roles.
  • Overseas clients: A passport is usually sufficient for Group A; we handle international verifications routinely.

If your documents don't match the list above (e.g., very old ID or non-standard proof), contact us first — we can advise alternatives or whether GOV.UK One Login might suit better (free, but requires specific UK biometric docs for a full online flow).

Ready to get verified? 

Just reply or book a free call via the site — we'll confirm exactly what you need based on your situation. This keeps everything compliant and hassle-free before your deadlines (e.g., transition period ends November 2026 for existing directors/PSCs).


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